The chief of Israel's military has indicated that its ground operation in the southern part of Gaza is nearing its end.
The Israel Defense Forces on Monday released an analysis of the operation in Rafah by Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, chief of the General Staff.
Halevi stated, "We have very high levels of achievements from the combat in Rafah." He added, "We are clearly approaching the point where we can say we have dismantled the Rafah Brigade," referring to Hamas units in Rafah.
Hamas, however, said in a social media post on Tuesday that it had attacked the Israeli military in Rafah. The Islamic group insists that Israel is rejecting proposals in negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release.
Qatar-based satellite news network Al Jazeera reported on Tuesday that the Israeli military bombed the family home of Hamas's political leader Ismail Haniyeh in northern Gaza, killing at least 10 people.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Defense Ministry says Defense Minister Yoav Gallant met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington on Monday. It says they discussed a governing alternative in Gaza and the security situation involving with the Lebanon-based Shia militant group Hezbollah.
Gallant is reportedly expected to meet with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday.