Israeli troops shot and killed at least eight Palestinians near a humanitarian aid distribution center in the Rafah, Gaza, early Saturday.

A U.S.- and Israeli-backed group handing out aid in Gaza said on Friday all its distribution sites were closed until further notice, urging residents to stay away from these venues "for their safety" after a series of deadly shootings.

The U.S backed-Gaza Humanitarian Foundation said on Friday that all its aid distribution sites in the enclave were closed and a reopening date would be announced later, urging residents to stay away from these sites "for their safety".

Israel is supporting armed groups of Palestinians in Gaza in what it says is a move to counter Hamas. But officials from the U.N. and aid organizations say the

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has closed its aid distribution sites for the day, without giving a date on when they would open again.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel is arming a clan within the Gaza Strip to fight Hamas, the