Gaza City and surrounding areas are officially suffering from famine, and it will likely spread, a global hunger monitor determined on Friday, an assessment that will escalate pressure on Israel to allow more aid into the Palestinian territory.

The IPC has been warning for months now that Gaza was on the brink of famine. The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS Net), an analysis body set up by the US Agency for International Development, assessed that famine conditions were “possible, if not likely” as far back as May 2024.

Israel has systematically obstructed food entering Gaza, aid agencies say, as a UN-backed body confirms a famine.

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel’s defense minister warned Friday that Gaza’s largest city could be destroyed unless Hamas yields to his country’s terms, as the world’s leading authority on food crises declared that the city is gripped by famine from fighting and an Israeli blockade.

Conditions in Gaza City are expected to worsen and, while a ceasefire could come, so could a huge military assault.

With famine officially declared in northern Gaza, and Israel aiming for full military occupation, civilians are being displaced once again, heading south in an effort to avoid the attacks.

The drums of war are pounding on the doorstep of Gaza City. Residents of the largest city in northern Gaza, packed with locals and refugees, fear the hours are ticking down before a looming Israeli offensive.