Starvation already causing mass death and lasting harm in Gaza, agencies say

Extreme hunger already leaving huge toll, say food security reports, regardless of delays to possible declaration of famine

Months of extreme hunger have already killed many Palestinians in Gaza and caused permanent damage to children through malnutrition, two new food security reports found, even before famine is officially declared.

The US-based famine early warning system network (FEWS NET) said it was possible, if not likely" that famine began in northern Gaza in April. Two UN organisations said more than 1 million people are expected to face death and starvation" by mid-July.