The European Union is considering partially suspending Israeli access to funding under its flagship research programme, in what would be the bloc's first action taken against Israel in response to its actions in Gaza.

Six Palestinians have been killed near an aid distribution centre, hospital sources say. The Israeli military disputes the deaths, saying the group posed a threat.

The president has in recent days acknowledged there is “starvation” in Gaza, a break with Israeli officials who have faced deep criticism over the humanitarian crisis there.