Famine fears and the new death toll are grim milestones in a conflict that began almost two years ago when Hamas attacked Israel.

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 situation, including “increasingly stringent blockades” by Israel.

The world’s leading authority on hunger said that a ‘worst-case scenario of famine’ was developing in Gaza, though stopped short of a formal famine declaration. NBC News’ Matt Bradley reports.

Britain said on Tuesday it would recognise a Palestinian state in September unless Israel takes steps to relieve suffering in Gaza, where starvation is spreading, and reaches a ceasefire in the nearly two-year war with Hamas.

Last week, more than 100 aid and human rights groups warned that Gaza is at risk of "mass starvation."They signed an appeal demanding Israel allow food shipments into the territory. On Saturday, Israel's military announced airdrops of aid began in Gaza and that humanitarian corridors will be established.