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 report, supported by the United Nations, says the famine will likely spread to other parts of the Gaza strip by the end of next month.

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.

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.

Famine was declared on Friday in parts of the Gaza Strip, with more than half a million Palestinians facing “starvation, destruction and death,” according to a warning released by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).