Joyce Msuya, UN assistant secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and deputy emergency relief coordinator, told the Security Council that “over half a million people currently face starvation, destitution and death” in Gaza, Al Jazeera reports.

“By the end of September, that number could exceed 640,000. Virtually no one in Gaza is untouched by hunger,” Msuya said.

She explained that the famine was the result of more than 22 months of “restricted and compromised” deliveries of desperately needed humanitarian aid, a weakened healthcare system, poor sanitation and hygiene, and a lack of adequate shelter.

Despite an uptick in trucks entering the enclave, Msuya said, much more was needed to feed Gaza’s people and all restrictions must be lifted.

Msuya called on the council to “immediately ensure” an end to the fighting in Gaza to stop the famine from spreading, release all captives and protect civilians and critical infrastructure.