Western diplomats are looking on with dismay at the killing of hungry Gazans near aid hubs, writes Jeremy Bowen.

The war, now in its 20th month, has left Gaza in ruins and its population facing a worsening hunger crisis. It has strained Israel's relations with much of the world and those with its closest ally, the United States, now appear to be wavering.

Palestinian health officials and witnesses say 27 people are dead after Israeli forces opened fire as people headed toward an aid distribution site