Algeria submitted a statement to the United Nations Security Council on the 20th as the Israeli military indicated its intention to carry out ground operations in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. The United States vetoed the resolution, citing ongoing diplomatic negotiations regarding a cessation of hostages and the release of hostages.
Hamas released a statement on the. 20th, saying that its top official, Haniyeh, visited the Egyptian capital Cairo and held discussions with Egyptian. government officials acting as mediators.