The Israeli military has begun daily 10-hour pauses in fighting across three populated areas of Gaza to allow more humanitarian aid, amid growing concern over hunger and international criticism.

The pauses aim to ease the flow of aid, including airdrops, as over 2 million Gazans face severe shortages.

UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher welcomed the move but stressed the need for faster, sustained action, the Associated Press has reported.

Despite the pauses, fighting continues elsewhere, with at least 41 Palestinians reported killed in recent strikes, including 26 seeking aid.

Written by B.C. Begley