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.

The White House has not commented on a report finding famine in Gaza. Analysts say that absent U.S. pressure, Israel is unlikely to 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.

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.

The U.N.-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification said that famine is occurring in Gaza City -- a first in the Middle East -- home to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, and that it could spread south by the end of next month.