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, a global body that monitors hunger crises, says 22 months of war in Gaza have left half a million people facing "starvation, destitution and death." Israel calls it "lies."

"An entire population is being pushed into starvation, destitution, and death,” said Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister.

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).

The United Nations has officially declared a famine in Gaza, blaming “systematic obstruction” of aid by Israel during more than 22 months of war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swiftly dismissed the findings.

Meanwhile Israel's defence minister threatens that "the gates of hell" would be opening unless Hamas agrees to disarm and release all hostages.

By Olivia Le Poidevin and Nidal al-Mughrabi GAZA CITY/GENEVA/CAIRO (Reuters) -The hunger crisis in Gaza is at a tipping point, with critically low supplies of fortified milk and special nutritious pastes exacerbating food shortages and pushing greater numbers of children into starvation,

Israel has begun the "first stages of the attack on Gaza City" on Wednesday as it plans to call up to 60,000 reservists in order to occupy the city, according to an Israeli military official.