The IDF have released a video showing their scaled up operation taking place in Rafah.
The footage shows dozens of tanks and military vehicles operating in the area.
Smoke could also be seen over the Gaza skyline on Friday as Israel's offensive continued.
It comes after Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel can "stand alone" after the US warned they will not provide weapon shipments if a full-scale invasion of Rafah goes ahead in Gaza.
In his statement he also stated: “I have said that if necessary we will fight with our fingernails."
US President Joe Biden advised Israel to refrain from proceeding with the operation, expressing concerns that it could worsen the humanitarian crisis currently affecting Palestinians.
Israel has consistently issued threats of launching an offensive in Rafah, where more than half of the population, around 1.3 million Palestinians, have taken shelter.
According to the UN agency, over 110,000 people have fled Rafah and food and fuel supplies are critically low.
Local health officials have said the death toll from the war in Gaza has now increased to more than 34,500 people, and has led to the destruction of apartments, hospitals, mosques and schools across several cities.
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12 май 2024