UN warns on supplies for famine-stricken north Gaza after Israel shuts crossing

GENEVA (Reuters) -The United Nations voiced grave concerns on Wednesday about food and other supplies running out in northern Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people were already experiencing famine, after Israel closed the only crossing there last week. Israel began its long-expected ground assault on Gaza City in the north on Tuesday and is stepping up efforts to empty the city of civilians by opening an additional route southwards. Hundreds of thousands of people are sheltering in the city and many are reluctant to follow Israel's orders to move because of the dangers along the way, dire conditions, a lack of food in the southern area, and fear of permanent displacement.