Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to devise a plan for a ground operation in Rafah, the southernmost part of the Gaza Strip. The international community has expressed concern that the number of casualties among residents will increase.
Meanwhile, foreign ministers from Arab countries held a meeting in Saudi Arabia and emphasized the need for a ceasefire as soon as possible. Japan has announced a temporary suspension of funding to UNRWA= The need to continue supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees was included.