"Hamas actively interferes with and disrupts aid distribution," Israeli Consul General Afir Okunis told Newsweek.

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

The hunger crisis in Gaza has many asking if Israel had a deliberate policy of starving civilians. Israelis say that was never the case, but an ignorance of Palestinian suffering allowed an inconsistent government policy to lead to a calamity.

President Donald Trump said this week that the U.S. would send more aid to Gaza, especially food, as the hunger crisis worsens.

Shifa Hospital said the dead and wounded were among crowds massed at the Zikim Crossing, the main entry point for humanitarian aid to northern Gaza.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is slated to travel to Israel on Thursday to discuss conditions in Gaza amid reports of a "humanitarian crisis" there.