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.

Desperate Palestinians clutching pots and plastic buckets scrambled for rice at a charity kitchen in Gaza City on Saturday, a day after the United Nations declared a famine in the war-battered territory.

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

The United Nations officially declared a famine in Gaza on Friday, blaming "systematic obstruction" of aid by Israel during more than 22 months of war.

Despite outrage from its allies, the White House has not commented on a report that found famine in Gaza. Analysts say that without U.S. pressure, Israel’s war will not likely change course.

A UN-backed report warns that Gaza is facing a man-made famine affecting hundreds of thousands, while Israel prepares for a major offensive.

The United Nations on Friday declared famine in Gaza City, the first such announcement in the Middle East and only the fifth-ever official declaration worldwide. The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) confirmed famine conditions in Gaza City and surrounding areas, warning that over 500,000 people face catastrophic hunger.