576,000 Palestinians in Gaza, a step away from famine – UN

A child reacts as Palestinians wait to receive food during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip. Photo: Reuters

Wafaa Shurafa

The UN says at least 576,000 Palestinians in Gaza - one quarter of the population - are one step away from famine.

It warns that time is running out for the estimated 300,000 people with little food or clean water in the north of the territory, which UN agencies have struggled to access for several months.