Israel's military campaign since has killed nearly 55,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to health authorities in Gaza, and flattened much of the densely populated strip. Most of the population is displaced, and widespread malnutrition is a significant concern.

The UN human rights chief said Israel's "means and methods of warfare" were inflicting "horrifying, unconscionable suffering".

Health officials say at least eight Palestinians were killed and dozens more were wounded in the latest shooting near Israeli- and U.S.