Palestinians killed by Israeli gunfire at US-backed aid site, officials say

At least 25 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli gunfire at a US-backed humanitarian aid site in Gaza, according to health officials.

Medical officials at Shifa and al Quds hospitals say the people were killed as they approached the site - operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

Dozens more were injured at the scene close to the former settlement of Netzarim, near Gaza City, medical officials from the Hamas-run territory added.

It comes just a day after Gaza health officials said 17 people were killed close to another GHF site in Rafah, southern Gaza.

Health officials said at least another six people were killed by Israeli gunfire as they approached a GHF site in Rafah on Wednesday.

Ten other people were also killed on Wednesday by Israeli strikes in Khan Younis, in southern Gaza, according to officials.

The Israeli military said its forces fired warning shots towards suspects who were advancing and which it claimed posed a threat to the troops in the area of Netzarim.

"This is despite warnings that the area is an active combat zone. The IDF is aware of reports regarding individuals injured. The details are under review," it added.

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A total of 163 people have been killed and more than 1,000 wounded trying to reach the handful of aid sites operated by the GHF since it began work two weeks ago after a three-month blockade, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry.

It comes as the US ambassador to Israel said he does not think an independent Palestinian state remains a foreign policy for the Trump administration.

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Mike Huckabee's comments to Bloomberg News prompted the White House to say he spoke for himself.

When asked if a Palestinian state remains a US goal, Mr Huckabee said: "I don't think so."

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Asked about Mr Huckabee's comments, the White House referred to remarks earlier this year by Donald Trump when he pledged an American takeover of Gaza - a proposal which was condemned globally.

Rights groups, Arab states, Palestinians and the UN said such a move amounted to "ethnic cleansing".