Israeli forces intercepted the Handala, a Gaza-bound ship carrying aid and activists, within 70 nautical miles of its intended destination on Saturday night.

As starvation rises in Gaza, prompting global outrage, Israel’s military said it would restart airborne aid delivery there and make land deliveries less dangerous.

At least 61 people were killed this weekend, including some who were waiting in line for aid, “a number of starving children” and a group recovered in Khan Younis, according to a spokesperson for Gaza’s Health Ministry.

Palestinian health officials and the local ambulance service say Israeli airstrikes and gunfire have killed at least 42 people in Gaza.

Israel’s military said it fired warning shots to distance a crowd “in response to an immediate threat” and it was not aware of any casualties.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) says the air drops "might help" but notes that the "most vulnerable" in Gaza would still struggle to access essential supplies.

Israel’s military took journalists on Thursday to the Gaza side of the Kerem Shalom crossing to show what they claim is humanitarian aid awaiting collection.

Israel and the US recalled negotiators from Gaza ceasefire talks after Hamas responded to the latest proposal, as starvation stalks the enclave.