As the Israeli army prepares to launch a ground operation in the southern city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip, the government is awaiting Hamas’ response to a cease-fire proposal in return for the release of hostages. For Israel, the situation seems to be reduced to either striking a deal or launching a Rafah operation.

Israel stepped up airstrikes on Rafah overnight after saying it would evacuate civilians from the southern Gazan city and launch an all-out assault despite allies' warnings this could cause mass casualties.

The United States has not seen a credible Israeli plan for a military operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah that would address its concerns, State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said on Tuesday.

A firm majority of Americans favor Israel in its war against Hamas and would support a military operation in the refugee-dense southern Gazan city of Rafah, according to a new poll.