Gaza: An Associated Press journalist on the ground reported hearing Israeli tank and gunfire on Tuesday as massive crowds of Palestinians attempted to reach an aid distribution centre in Muwasi, near Rafah in southern Gaza.

There were no immediate reports of injuries.

The centre, established with US backing, is part of a controversial new aid distribution plan that Israel says will be managed independently of established international organisations. It marked its second day of operations amid severe shortages of food and basic supplies across Gaza.

Eyewitnesses said hundreds of thousands of Palestinians crossed Israeli military lines in an effort to reach the centre. The situation on the ground remains tense, with uncertainty over how the new distribution mechanism will function amid continued conflict.
(With AP inputs)