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 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.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) confirmed that stopping the famine in Gaza City is possible, provided that Israel allows the immediate

The United Nations human rights office in June accused Israel of "weaponising" food for civilians, calling it a war crime, after documenting hundreds of people killed by the Israeli military as they tried to reach aid distribution sites by run Israel- and U.S.-backed organisation the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved the takeover of Gaza City by the Israel Defense Force and called for negotiating the release of hostages.