Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh accused Western nations of giving Israel a "licence to kill" in its war against Hamas. This comes as Israel has been bombing Gaza since Hamas crossed its border with the Palestinian territory on October 7 and killed more than 1,400 people, mostly civilians, as per Israeli officials. Gaza health ministry said that more than 5,000 people, also mainly civilians, have been killed in the Israeli bombardment.
"What we hear from the mouth of the occupation (Israeli) leaders on preparations for a land invasion means more crimes, atrocities and forced displacement," Mohammed Shtayyeh said.
"We condemn the statements that constitute a licence to kill and give Israel political cover to commit massacres and spread destruction in Gaza," he added.
Read more: Israeli foreign minister heads to UN with families of hostages held by Hamas
US president Joe Biden, British prime minister Rishi Sunak, German chancellor Olaf Scholz and other leaders have visited Israel in recent days reaffirming its "right to defend" itself. They have also calling on the Israeli government to stay within international humanitarian law.
Attacks on Gaza by Israel
Gaza's interior ministry said that at least 18 people were killed in Israeli attacks in Rafah city wounding scores of Palestinians. An airstrike hit a residential building about 200 metres from the UN headquarters in Rafah on Monday, killing and wounding several people, according to Associated Press.
Read more: Egypt offers to set up tent city, field hospital inside Gaza amid Israel strikes
{{/usCountry}}Gaza's interior ministry said that at least 18 people were killed in Israeli attacks in Rafah city wounding scores of Palestinians. An airstrike hit a residential building about 200 metres from the UN headquarters in Rafah on Monday, killing and wounding several people, according to Associated Press.
Read more: Egypt offers to set up tent city, field hospital inside Gaza amid Israel strikes
{{/usCountry}}Meanwhile, the Israeli army said that it had "thwarted" an attack from Gaza by two drones that was claimed by Hamas.
"Two UAVs were identified crossing from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory" at Nir Oz and Ein HaBesor near the border, the army said, adding" Both UAVs were thwarted" without stating whether they were shot down.