Israel’s nearly 22-month military offensive against Hamas has shattered security in the territory of some 2 million Palestinians and made it nearly impossible to safely deliver food to starving people.

The UN says at least 1,373 Palestinians have been killed near aid sites since late May - Israel says its forces do not intentionally shoot civilians.

The visit, to inspect food-distribution sites and meet with locals, reflects a new sense urgency after cease-fire talks go nowhere.