Israel has declared it will attack the southern city, where more than 1.4 million people—roughly half of them children—have sought safety from the conflict. Israeli troops claim that Hamas fighters are entrenched there, and they will do so in spite of strong US pressure.
President Joe Biden issued a warning that the US would stop giving Israel some weaponry if it continues with its assault due to tensions over the escalating offensive.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared in a bold declaration that “we will fight with our fingernails” if necessary, and he promised to carry out the strike with or without US weapons.