Gaza city: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) revealed Monday that the Israeli occupation is besieging about half a million Palestinians in Gaza City, within an area of no more than eight square kilometers.

According to Qatar News Agency, UNRWA Spokesperson Adnan Abu Hasna stated in press releases that approximately half a million Palestinians remain besieged in the confined area of Gaza City. Abu Hasna highlighted the dire situation in the southern Gaza Strip, where Israeli occupation authorities are threatening further displacement of Palestinians. He noted that about 70,000 people would be crowded into every square kilometer, leaving tens of thousands of families without shelter.

The spokesperson also emphasized the spread of famine with the displaced from Gaza City to the central and southern Gaza Strip. He stressed the urgent necessity for an immediate ceasefire and the facilitation of humanitarian aid into the region.

On August 22, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) initiative, with support from specialized UN agencies, officially reported the occurrence of famine in the Gaza Strip. The report noted that hunger and acute malnutrition rates have surpassed international standards for Phase 5 of the classification, amidst ongoing aggression and blockade.

The UN report further indicated that the crisis could escalate, with famine potentially extending to Deir al-Balah and Khan Yunis by the end of September. It warned that the Gaza Strip is experiencing one of the most severe humanitarian crises in recent history, as restrictions on food and medicine continue to hinder the population's ability to meet basic needs.