International outcry over images of emaciated children and increasing reports of hunger-related deaths have pressured Israel to let more aid into the Gaza Strip.

Shifa Hospital said the dead and wounded were among crowds massed at the Zikim Crossing, the main entry point for humanitarian aid to northern Gaza.

The officials will inspect aid distribution sites and "secure a plan to deliver more food," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

Top Trump administration officials will travel into the Gaza Strip on Friday to inspect food distribution amid international outrage over increasing deaths from starvation and criticism that U.S. efforts to distribute food are contributing to suffering and death.