Israel to launch attack against heavily populated Rafah despite allies' angst

Israel has defied its allies and approved plans for a military operation in Rafah. More than one million people are currently sheltering in the city. The United States and the UK have warned Israel against the move, saying thousands of people could be killed. Hamas has put forward a new proposal for a ceasefire agreement, under which Israeli hostages would be released in exchange for up to 1,000 Palestinian detainees. The terrorist organisation has changed its demands from a permanent ceasefire to a temporary one.