A whistleblower claims World Food Programme and U.N. agencies rejected Israeli security assistance, blocking aid distribution to Gaza despite available supplies as U.N. dismisses accusations.

The U.N.-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification said that famine is occurring in Gaza City -- a first in the Middle East -- home to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, and that it could spread south by the end of next month.

The United Nations human rights office in June accused Israel of "weaponising" food for civilians, calling it a war crime, after documenting hundreds of people killed by the Israeli military as they tried to reach aid distribution sites by run Israel- and U.S.-backed organisation the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

U.N. agencies, aid groups and experts have warned that Israel’s blockade and ongoing offensive were pushing the territory to the brink.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) confirmed that stopping the famine in Gaza City is possible, provided that Israel allows the immediate

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved the takeover of Gaza City by the Israel Defense Force and called for negotiating the release of hostages.