A United Nations-backed body declared a famine in Gaza for the first time since the Israel-Hamas war broke out almost two years ago, a finding likely to intensify international calls for a ceasefire and accelerated delivery of aid.

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

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) defines Famine as a situation in which at least one in five households has an extreme lack of food and face starvation and destitution, resulting in extremely critical levels of acute malnutrition and death.

An announcement of famine — as has now happened regarding Gaza — is a complicated decision. Here's what must be considered before such a declaration is made.

The UN-backed IPC says more than half a million Palestinians facing catastrophic famine conditions amid Israel’s war.

United Nations Secretary-General says famine in Gaza City is a 'failure of humanity'