ISTANBUL: The United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) on Monday said the entire population of Gaza is currently suffering from food insecurity due to relentless Israeli attacks on the besieged enclave.

Director-general of the UN agency, QU Dongyu, said in a statement that before the current escalation, “close to 60 per cent of households in Gaza were considered food insecure or vulnerable to food insecurity.”

He emphasised the FAO’s complete dedication to tackling the urgent humanitarian needs of the population in the Gaza Strip, reported Anadolu Agency.

He also stressed that an immediate ceasefire is crucial for ensuring food security, noting that the right to food is a fundamental human right.

As the Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip entered its 39th day, at least 11,540 Palestinians have been killed and over 28,000 have been injured, according to the latest figures from Palestinian authorities.

Thousands of buildings – including hospitals, mosques and churches – have also been damaged or destroyed in Israel’s ongoing air and ground attacks on the besieged enclave since last month. - Bernama, Anadolu