In an interview with ABC News on Sunday, US Vice President Kamala Harris said there may be "consequences" if Israel goes ahead with its plan to take the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where the last four battalions of Hamas are stationed, and where senior terrorist operatives remain holed up.
While the US administration and other European allies have stressed the importance of avoiding civilian casualties, Israeli sources believe that hostages kidnapped from southern Israel during the October 7 attack may also be held in the city.
Over the past days, the IDF has stepped up attacks in Khan Yunis and central Gaza.
During Secretary of State Blinken's visit in Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated that Rafah would be taken "with or without American support." "If we need to, we will do it alone," he was quoted as saying.