Witnesses and health workers say Israeli forces opened fire near two aid distribution sites run by the Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation as crowds of hungry Palestinians sought food.

Israel's top general has warned that there will be no respite in fighting in Gaza if negotiations fail to quickly secure the release of hostages held in the Palestinian territory.

Families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and a former captive have condemned the U.K. government’s announcement that it will recognize a Palestinian state this September unless Israel meets specific conditions, calling the move a dangerous concession to terrorism.