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.

The prospect of an expanded assault on Gaza areas sheltering hundreds of thousands of Palestinian civilians has sparked condemnation inside Israel and abroad.

As Israel targets Hamas in northern Gaza, the United Nations is calling for an immediate end to hostilities to prevent a massive loss of civilian lives.