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 enclave.

More than half a million people in and around Gaza City are facing catastrophic conditions “characterized by starvation, destitution and death,” the IPC said.

A UN-backed body confirms famine in Gaza City and surrounding areas, and says half a million are facing "catastrophic" conditions.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Gaza city could "turn into Rafah and Beit Hanoun" unless Hamas agrees to Israel's terms.

The drums of war are pounding on the doorstep of Gaza City. Residents of the largest city in northern Gaza, packed with locals and refugees, fear the hours are ticking down before a looming Israeli offensive.

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel’s defense minister warned Friday that Gaza’s largest city would be destroyed unless Hamas yields to Israel’s terms, as the world’s leading authority on food crises said the city was gripped by famine from fighting and blockade.

According to Gaza City officials, Palestinians have started to evacuate some areas of the city as Israeli forces launch the initial stages of a planned ground offensive.