The UN has released a video purporting to show gunfire inches away from civilians awaiting food at Israel and U.S.-backed food distribution centres in Gaza.

It comes amid an escalating war of words over who is to blame for the humanitarian crisis in the Strip..

Israel insists that Gaza is not facing 'starvation' and claims Hamas is responsible for the looting of aid. But the UN has warned that widespread starvation is a looming threat in Gaza, and claims scores of Palestinians have been shot while trying to claim aid near distribution sites.

Footage posted on X on Wednesday shows a UN convoy of food supplies approaching hundreds of Palestinians in Gaza near Kerem Shalom on July 30.

As the cars approach the swarming crowds of Gazans, successive rounds of gunshots can be heard as they land and lift dust just inches away from the crowds.