United States special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff has arrived at a controversial US-backed food aid site in Gaza as the starvation crisis in the enclave deepens.

The officials will inspect aid distribution sites and "secure a plan to deliver more food," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

The US’ Middle East envoy is set to travel to Gaza on Friday as pressure grows on the White House to address suffering in the enclave. Steve Witkoff plans to visit an aid distribution site run by a US-backed organization; Palestinians seeking food have reportedly been killed by Israeli forces at the group’s locations.