Netanyahu indicated that Israel might proceed with an invasion of Rafah despite opposition from its closest ally, the US.

President Joe Biden had urged Israel not to go ahead with such an operation due to concerns about worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

On Wednesday, Biden announced that the US would not provide offensive weapons for a Rafah offensive, increasing pressure on Netanyahu.

However, Netanyahu responded by saying that Israel would stand alone if necessary and would fight with more than just fingernails.

Israel's top military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, also downplayed the practical impact of any arms holdup, stating that the army had sufficient munitions for its planned missions in Rafah.

Israel has threatened to invade Rafah, a city in southern Gaza housing over 1.3 million Palestinians and serving as a hub for humanitarian operations.

Israel claims Rafah is the last stronghold of Hamas and intends to dismantle the group and free hostages taken during the October 7 attack.

Ultra-nationalist members of Israel's coalition government, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, support a large-scale invasion and have threatened to bring down the government if it doesn't occur.

Aid groups warn that an invasion would be disastrous.

The UN has warned that most of the 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza are experiencing hunger, with northern Gaza already in a state of "full-blown famine." A recent Israeli military operation at the Rafah border crossing with Egypt has disrupted humanitarian efforts and complicated ceasefire negotiations between Israel, Hamas, the US, Qatar, and Egypt.

Hamas has agreed to an Egyptian-Qatari ceasefire proposal, but Israel has not met its core demands, leading to inconclusive talks.

Analysts suggest that the US's tough stance against Israel and the allies' rift could weaken Israel's negotiating position and harden Hamas' stances.

Hamas is demanding an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, which Israel has refused.

The Israel Policy Forum, a pro-Israel organization, criticized Hamas for holding out on a hostage deal during the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel.

The war began with Hamas' surprise attack into southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of over 1,200 civilians and the capture of around 100 hostages and the remains of over 30 others.

The conflict has killed over 34,800 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and caused widespread devastation, forcing 80% of Gaza's population to flee their homes.

Israel's capture of the Rafah crossing has closed a key entry point for fuel, and it's unclear when it will reopen.

Hamas is hoping for increased pressure on Israel to secure a ceasefire without making any concessions.

The UN refugee agency for Palestinians, UNRWA, announced that it only has enough supplies to continue operations for a few days and has begun rationing due to the closure of Gaza's main cargo terminal, Kerem Shalom, following a rocket attack.

Although Israel reopened the crossing, UNRWA cannot bring in aid on the Palestinian side due to security concerns.

A northern route is still functioning but only allowing 60 trucks per day, far below the pre-war daily average.

The first American-built floating pier for aid delivery to Gaza departed on Thursday, but its corridor is not yet operational and will not be able to handle as much aid as the two main land crossings.

Parts of the pier are still in the Israeli port of Ashdod, awaiting favorable seas before being moved into position off Gaza.

The US Sagamore ship, which has departed from Cyprus, will transport aid to the Roy P. Benavidez vessel off the coast of Gaza.

In the near future, the US will initiate an international humanitarian aid effort for the people of Gaza using a floating pier.