Israel has systematically obstructed food entering Gaza, aid agencies say, as a UN-backed body confirms a famine.

A global hunger watchdog group declared famine in Gaza City. Meanwhile, President Trump accused Hamas of ‘extortion’ for still refusing to release all its hostages. NBC News’ Matt Bradley reports.

For now the famine is centred in the governorate of Gaza, one of five in the strip. It is the most densely populated and home to Gaza city. By the end of September, famine is expected to spread south to the governorates of Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis (see maps).

The IPC has been warning for months now that Gaza was on the brink of famine. The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS Net), an analysis body set up by the US Agency for International Development, assessed that famine conditions were “possible, if not likely” as far back as May 2024.

Famine is now occurring in Gaza City, according to the world’s leading authority on food crises. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification released an analysis saying more than half a million people in Gaza are trapped in famine,

David Lammy has condemned the famine in Gaza as “utterly horrifying” and a “man-made catastrophe” caused by Israel.