The Israeli military is poised to carry out ground operations in Rafah, the southern part of the Gaza Strip, where nearly 1.5 million people, including refugees, live. The United Nations Security Council voted on a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire for humanitarian purposes, but the United States used its veto and the resolution was rejected.
The future of negotiations regarding a cessation of fighting between Israel and the Islamic organization Hamas remains uncertain, and there are concerns that the humanitarian situation will further deteriorate.