Parts of Gaza are officially experiencing a “man-made” famine, according to a Friday report by a United Nations-backed initiative, which added that the situation is expected to worsen after months of relentless conflict.

The world’s leading hunger monitor, backed by the United Nations, declared a famine in Gaza for the first time since the war began, warning that half a million Palestinians were facing “catastrophic” conditions.

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.