ROME: The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has sounded a dire warning about the deepening hunger crisis in Gaza, stating that nearly one-third of the population has gone without food for days amid ongoing conflict and a blockade on humanitarian aid.

In a statement released Friday, the WFP described the situation as "critical and alarming", noting that conditions on the ground have continued to deteriorate rapidly. The agency had earlier warned of the imminent risk of famine in the besieged region.

“Nearly one in three people have not had anything to eat for days,” the WFP said. “Malnutrition is on the rise, with nearly 90,000 women and children in urgent need of treatment.”

According to the agency, an estimated 470,000 people are expected to face extreme hunger between May and September, marking the highest level of food insecurity.

The crisis has been exacerbated by a complete blockade of aid into Gaza by Israel since March. Aid organizations have consistently warned that this has made basic food unaffordable and left people entirely dependent on food aid.

“Food prices are so high that it is impossible to buy it from the market,” the WFP noted. “People are relying solely on food aid… and lives are being lost due to the lack of humanitarian assistance.”

The situation has drawn mounting international criticism as the Israeli military offensive continues, further obstructing relief efforts and deepening Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe.