President Trump is keeping his foreign policy focus on Russia and Ukraine as global outrage grows over Israel’s plans to launch a major new offensive in the Gaza Strip and a declaration of famine on Friday that underscored the catastrophic suffering of Palestinians.

Xinhua | A UN-backed report released on Friday confirmed famine in parts of the Gaza Strip, marking the first officially declared famine in the Middle East and raising alarms about worsening humanitarian conditions in the war-torn coastal enclave and possible political repercussions.

Gaza City and surrounding areas are officially suffering from famine, and it will likely spread, a global hunger monitor determined on Friday, an assessment that will escalate pressure on Israel to allow more aid into the Palestinian territory.

Famine has struck an area of Gaza and will likely spread over the next month, a global hunger monitor determined on Friday.

"An entire population is being pushed into starvation, destitution, and death,” said Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister.

Israel’s defense minister warned on Friday that Gaza City could be destroyed unless Hamas accepts Israel’s terms, as the country prepares for an expanded offensive in the area

This week, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that Israel had accepted a U.S.-backed proposal for a ceasefire.

The drums of war are pounding on the doorstep of Gaza City. Residents of the largest city in northern Gaza, packed with locals and refugees, fear the hours are ticking down before a looming Israeli offensive.