"US Urges Hamas to Accept Cease-Fire as Netanyahu's Rafah Invasion Claim Dismissed"

The Biden administration dismisses Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's claim of a set date for a ground offensive into Rafah as bluster, attributing it to his tenuous political standing and the pressure to eliminate Hamas while reaching a ceasefire. US officials have not seen a comprehensive plan from Israel for such an operation and have questioned the practical details, including the evacuation of civilians. Netanyahu's government's hardline approach has drawn criticism from President Biden, who has urged a change in tactics and warned of waning support for Israel's military operation.