US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that an offensive on the southern Gaza city of Rafah would risk “further isolating” Israel and damage its long-term security, Reuters reports.

Speaking as he departed Israel, Blinken told reporters he had “candid conversations,” referring to meetings with officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

A military ground operation in Rafah “risks killing more civilians. It risks wreaking greater havoc with the humanitarian assistance. It risks further isolating Israel around the world and jeopardizing its long-term security and standing,” Blinken said.