Israel has called the United Nations' declaration of famine in parts of Gaza an "outright lie," but multiple U.N. bodies, more than 100 humanitarian groups, and several of Israel's own allies have warned for months that the war and Israel's restrictions of food into Gaza are causing starvation among civilians.

A United Nations-backed body declared a famine in Gaza for the first time since the Israel-Hamas war broke out in 2023, prompting intensified international calls for an end to fighting and the accelerated delivery of aid.

Famine was declared in areas of northern Gaza, including Gaza City, as Israeli forces embarked on a major new ground offensive to capture and occupy the city.