Reports of intense bombardment in Rafah tonight come as aid organisations and governments have been warning against Israel’s plans to send ground forces into the city in southern Gaza where more than 1.4 million Palestinians are sheltering, Al Jazeera reports.

Israel’s announcement of a full-scale assault on an area previously designated a “safe zone” has raised alarm, including among Israel’s allies.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry has cautioned in recent days against the “extremely dangerous repercussions” of Israel attacking Rafah, while Egypt has warned of “dire consequences” and a deepening of the “humanitarian catastrophe” in the city.

On Sunday, the World Health Organization’s chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also said reports of Israel’s looming offensive in Rafah were “extremely worrying”.

“Proceeding with the plans could have gravely devastating consequences for the 1.4 million people who have nowhere else left to go, and who have almost no place left to seek health care,” he posted on X.