Israeli fire and airstrikes have killed at least 12 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip, including five near aid distribution sites operated by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), medical sources said on Sunday.

Israeli airstrikes and gunfire massacred at least 20 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip overnight and into Saturday, intensifying a brutal 20-month war that has left tens of thousands dead and displaced.

Witnesses said Israeli forces opened fire around dawn toward crowds of desperate Palestinians heading to two aid sites in Rafah. Israel's blockade has caused widespread hunger in Gaza