The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification said Gaza has teetered on the brink of famine for two years, but recent developments have “dramatically worsened.”

The leading international authority on food crises predicted "widespread death" in Gaza without immediate action.

At least 91 people were killed near aid centers across the Gaza Strip between Wednesday and Thursday, according to reports from Hamas and local hospitals. Israeli forces were reported shooting at the crowds.

International airdrops of aid were continuing on Thursday, but many of the parcels were landing in areas that Palestinians have been told to evacuate.

A Gaza civil defence spokesperson told the AFP news agency that Israeli fire wounded around 300 more people. Israel said details of the incident "are still being examined". The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said they fired "warning shots" after Gazans gathered around aid trucks 3km southwest of the Zikim crossing,