The U.S. is extremely concerned that an Israeli operation in southern Gaza would lead to significantly more civilian casualties.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel's military operations in southern Gaza must not repeat the massive loss of civilian life and displacement seen during its offensive in the north.

The United States is urging Israel to narrow the zone of combat and clarify where Palestinian civilians can seek safety during any Israeli operation in southern Gaza, U.S. officials said on Wednesday,

Hundreds of thousands of Gazans who fled bombardment in the north fear a resumption of Israeli airstrikes after the fighting pause ends.

A one-day extension was announced early Thursday, but officials warn of an uphill battle to arrange an additional pause.