The world's leading authority on food crises says the Gaza Strip’s largest city is gripped by famine, and that it is likely to spread without an immediate ceasefire and an end to restrictions on humanitarian aid.

From Sudan to Afghanistan, Yemen and Gaza – where a United Nations-backed panel declared a famine on Friday – experts say more people are dying of hunger as public opinion shrugs and humanitarian agencies lose their ability to counter leaders willing to use food as a weapon.

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