The US Secretary of State says there is a “gap” between Israel’s intent to protect civilians and how the war has been unfolding in Gaza.
Antony Blinken says “it remains imperative that Israel put a premium on civilian protection” – Israel insists it’s taking steps to minimise civilian harm.
Meanwhile, a UN official says the Israeli military offensive means there is no safe place left for aid agencies in southern Gaza.
Tens of thousands of Palestinians have fled to Rafah near the border with Egypt as intense fighting continues in Khan Younis.
Israel says that it will open the Kerem Shalom border crossing in the next few days to allow aid into Gaza.
Hamas attacked Israel in October, killing 1,200 people and taking 240 hostages, some of whom were released during a short-lived truce.
Hamas officials in Gaza say Israel has killed more than 17,177 people in its retaliatory campaign, including about 7,000 children.__bbc.com
