Nepal, Aug. 14 -- The European Union, Britain and Japan on Tuesday called for urgent action to stop "famine" in the Gaza Strip.

"The humanitarian suffering in Gaza has reached unimaginable levels. Famine is unfolding before our eyes," a joint statement signed by the EU's top diplomat and foreign ministers from 24 countries, including Canada and Australia.

"Urgent action is needed now to halt and reverse starvation," they said.

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UN-mandated experts have warned that Gaza is slipping into famine while international organisations have for months condemned the restrictions imposed by the Israeli authorities on aid distribution in Gaza.

The ministers and EU foreign policy chief...