U.S. officials say they asked for — and got — the retraction of an independent monitor's warning of imminent famine in north Gaza.

U.S. officials say they asked for — and got — the retraction of an independent monitor's warning of imminent famine in north Gaza.

The dispute highlights the difficulties with data collection in Gaza that have hampered humanitarian efforts since the war began.

A lead organization monitoring for food crises around the world withdrew a new report this week warning of imminent famine in north Gaza under what it called Israel's "near-total blockade," after the U.S. asked for its retraction, U.S. officials told The Associated Press.

Declaration of famine would be an embarrassment for Israel, which insists its war in Gaza is aimed against Hamas, not against its civilians.

Washington says Famine Early Warning System Network inflated estimated civilians in the area by 5 to 10 times; US ambassador to Israel calls report 'irresponsible' The post US-backed monitor takes down report alleging north Gaza famine after objections appeared first on The Times of Israel.