The UN has officially declared a famine in Gaza, the first time starvation of this level is taking place in the Middle East.

Axar.az informs, citing BBC, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has raised its classification to Phase 5, the highest and worst level of its acute food insecurity scale.

It says famine is confirmed in the Gaza Governorate, which includes Gaza City and its surrounding area, with "catastrophic conditions" projected to expand to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis by the end of September.

The famine in Gaza is "entirely man-made", the IPC's report says, adding that it can be "halted and reversed".

"The time for debate and hesitation has passed, starvation is present and is rapidly spreading," the report adds.

Its 59-page report, external published a few minutes ago says there should be "no doubt in anyone's mind that an immediate, at-scale response is needed".

"Any further delay—even by days—will result in a totally unacceptable escalation of famine-related mortality," it adds.

The IPC - a global initiative by UN agencies, aid groups and governments - is the primary mechanism the international community uses to conclude whether a famine is happening.