Gaza war: First plane carrying US ammo lands in Israel

The first plane carrying American ammunition to be used in Israel's assault on Gaza has landed in the country, the Israeli military said on Tuesday, after the US said it would send munition supplies to its ally.

Israel has launched its fiercest strikes on the besieged Gaza Strip in 75 years, killing at least 1,100 Palestinians, according to the health ministry in Gaza. The death toll includes dozens of Palestinian children.

Thousands more are injured, with over 260,000 displaced as Israel continues to bombard the impoverished and densely populated territory.

The US said it would also provide Israel with new supplies of air defences and other security assistance, as Tel Aviv battles Hamas following the Palestinian group's unprecedented assault on the country.

Washington said it would also provide extra inceptors to replenish Israel's Iron Dome, which intercepts short-range rockets and artillery shells fired from a distance between 4 and 70 kilometres.

The Iron Dome, largely funded by the US, has been hit by several Hamas-fired rockets amid the Gaza war, evading its much-esteemed aerial defence system.

Washington has contributed billions of dollars to the Iron Dome over the years, with the most recent Congress-approved bill amounting to $1 billion.

The US, considered Israel's strongest ally, adequately provides Israel with military aid amid a steady stream of financial support.

The US move came as President Joe Biden described Hamas' cross-border assault on Israel as 'sheer evil' and issued a warning apparently aimed at its Iranian backers, according to Reuters, while urging Israel to follow the "law of war" in its response to Hamas.

He also told reporters the United States had "enhanced our military force posture in the region to strengthen our deterrence," including by moving an aircraft carrier strike group and fighter aircraft.

Biden also pledged to "stand with Israel", despite its siege and bombardment of Gaza.