Genocide in Gaza: What does it mean to be trapped in famine?

On Friday, the United Nations-backed global hunger monitor said that more than half a million people were now trapped in famine in Gaza City and its surrounding towns.

Despite warning about increasing levels of starvation following Israel's campaign of denying aid, food and basic essentials into the besieged territory, it was the first time the Integrated Food Phase Classification (IPC) declared famine.

The IPC, a global initiative aimed at enhancing food security and nutrition analysis to inform decisions, said that according to data, 30 percent of households in Gaza City and its surrounding areas were at a "catastrophic level", while 50 percent were at "emergency levels".

Within six weeks, the number of those trapped in famine is expected to rise to close to 650,000 - or 33 percent of all of Gaza.

"Any further delay - even by days - will result in a totally unacceptable escalation of famine-related mortality," the IPC said.

Read more: Genocide in Gaza: What does it mean to be trapped in famine?