Israel’s air and ground war has destroyed vast areas of Gaza and driven some 90% of the population from their homes. Aid groups say they have struggled to bring in food and other assistance because of Israeli military restrictions and the breakdown of law and order, and experts have warned of famine.

Israel invaded the Gaza Strip in October 2023 in response to a cross-border attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Israel's military campaign over the past 21 months has laid waste to vast swathes of the Palestinian enclave.

At least 31 Palestinians were fatally shot on their way to an aid distribution site in the Gaza Strip on Saturday, while Israeli airstrikes killed at least 28 Palestinians including four children, Palestinian hospital officials and witnesses said.