Women in Gaza are struggling to produce the milk they need to breastfeed their babies and keep them alive, ActionAid has said.

The charity describes food shortages in the Gaza Strip as “acute” and is concerned about the impact on the mothers of newborns.

Heba, who is currently at a UN shelter, told ActionAid the situation in Gaza is “very, very bad”.

She added: “There is no food in the supermarket, no tinned food, no food. 

“Regarding bread, we have to wait in line. We go at six in the morning and wait until the afternoon to get it. 

“This is if you even manage to get some bread, of course. Apart from that, the water we drink is not suitable for human consumption.”

Sabine, who was displaced from her home and is currently sheltering in a school in southern Gaza, gave birth to her son seven days ago, ActionAid said.

She commented: “Here there is no water, there is no food, there is nothing to drink, and there is no place to shelter the child…We do not have nappies, milk, or anything.”

A number of aid lorries have been allowed through the Rafah crossing in southern Gaza, but the quantity being delivered is far less than before the latest conflict began.

Israel says it is concerned that Hamas will seize the supplies.