An internal U.S. government analysis found no evidence of systematic theft by the Palestinian militant group Hamas of U.S.-funded humanitarian supplies, challenging the main rationale that Israel and the U.

The Israeli military said Sunday it would pause fighting in three populated areas of Gaza for 10 hours a day and open secure routes for aid delivery to desperate Palestinians, launching a series of steps meant to address a surge in hunger in the territory as Israel faces a wave of international criticism over its conduct in the 21-month war.

The UN's humanitarian agency warns only a "trickle" of aid is getting into Gaza - Israel says 800 trucks are inside Gaza waiting for collection.

Over 113 in Gaza have died from famine and malnutrition amid war, siege, and collapsing humanitarian aid routes.

The United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy will hold an emergency call on Friday to talk about the deteriorating conditions in Gaza.