This footage was filmed and produced 19 March 2024.

The Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, has stated that the risk of famine in the Gaza Strip "is a man-made disaster" and has reiterated the need for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" and for the authorities of Israel guarantee "complete and unrestricted" access to humanitarian aid in the enclave.

A report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) states that famine is "imminent" in the northern area of the Gaza Strip.

According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), there is a risk of famine breaking out in the north of the Palestinian enclave before the end of May 2024 if there is no ceasefire and a increase in the delivery of humanitarian aid to the population, while the southern provinces of Gaza - Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis and Rafah - are in phase 4 - emergency -, with the possibility of falling into famine in July "in the worst case scenario."

The United Nations and various non-governmental organizations have repeatedly warned about the very serious humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave and have called on Israel to allow the unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid at a level equivalent to the needs. However, Israel defends its actions and argues that aid is already being delivered, including air shipments and the recent opening of a maritime corridor from Cyprus.

[SOUNDBITE: ANTONIO GUTERRES, Secretary General of the UN]

"The latest report on food insecurity in Gaza is an appalling indictment of conditions on the ground for civilians. The world's leading experts on food insecurity clearly document that famine in the northern part of Gaza is imminent. More than half of all Palestinians in Gaza - 1.1 million people - have completely exhausted their food supplies and are facing catastrophic hunger, according to the report. Palestinians in Gaza are enduring horrifying levels of hunger and suffering. This is the highest number of people facing catastrophic hunger ever recorded by the Integrated Food Security Classification system - anywhere, anytime. This is an entirely manmade disaster, and the report makes clear that it can be halted. Today's report is Exhibit A for the need for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire. I call on the Israeli authorities to ensure complete and unfettered access to humanitarian goods throughout Gaza and for the international community to fully support our humanitarian efforts. We must act now to prevent the unthinkable, the unacceptable, and the unjustifiable."