The UN and the Western powers are worried that a full-scale invasion could lead to mass civilian casualties and a humanitarian catastrophe.

US President Joe Biden has repeatedly warned Israel about the operation in Rafah. But Netanyahu has dismissed the American warning and said his country can fight on without their support. 

“If they go into Rafah, I’m not supplying the weapons that have been used historically to deal with Rafah,” he said during an interview with CNN. He added that he would “continue to make sure Israel is secure”.

The official told CBS News that the paused shipment consisted of 1,800 2,000lb (907kg) bombs and 1,700 500lb bombs. 

“Even though the Hamas proposal is far from Israel’s basic requirements, Israel will send a delegation of mediators to exhaust the possibility of reaching an agreement under conditions acceptable to Israel.”

Turkey has halted all trade with Israel due to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Turkish trade ministry stated that this measure will continue until Israel allows a sufficient flow of aid into Gaza.