The aid system rolled out last month has been marred by chaos and violence, while the UN system has struggled to deliver food because of Israeli restrictions and a breakdown of law and order, despite Israel loosening a total blockade it imposed from early March to mid-May.

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

At least eight people seeking aid have been shot to death by Israeli troops in Rafah, making 118 total since late May.