Famine Officially Declared in Gaza City — And Food Authority Warns It May Spread

A U.N.-backed food authority has officially declared a famine in Gaza City, warning the food crisis is at high risk of spreading in the war-torn region.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) issued the shocking findings on Friday, saying the crisis stems from wiped-out food production, Palestinians being driven from their homes, and aid blockades after nearly two years of conflict in the area.

The agency warned that the crisis could spread to the cities of Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis by the end of next month, according to the Associated Press.

“A rapidly increasing number of people, especially young children, are dying preventable deaths from starvation and disease because Israel made starvation a core part of its campaign to control the strip,” Chris Newton, an analyst for the International Crisis Group, told the AP.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied any claims of starvation in Gaza, saying any reports of it are “lies” pushed by Hamas.

President Donald Trump broke from those claims last month, saying there are areas where people are “screaming for food.”

The report comes a day after a leaked IDF report revealed that 83 percent of casualties in Gaza are civilians, contradicting previous claims by Israel.

Watch above via CNN.