Israel to consult US before any moves on Rafah: White House

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told ABC news on Sunday that Washington has been assured that Israel wont invade Rafah until its most important ally has had a chance to share its "perspectives and concerns."

Kirby emphasized that the US is still pushing for a hostage exchange deal, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken headed to the region to encourage an agreement on a six-week cease-fire.

"What we're hoping is that after six weeks of a temporary cease-fire we can maybe get something more enduring in place. We want to see an end to this conflict as soon as possible," Kirby told ABC's George Stephanopoulos.

Israel's military is poised to evacuate Palestinians from Rafah in preparation for an attack on what it sees as Hamas' last stronghold in the enclave, a senior Israeli defense official said on Wednesday, despite international warnings of a humanitarian catastrophe.

Washington has said it could not support a Rafah operation without an appropriate and credible humanitarian plan.

Referring to the US initiative to build a floating pier to deliver aid to Gaza, Kirby told ABC that nothing can replace the ground routes, controlled by Israel, by which trucks of aid are entering the blockaded enclave in a very limited capacity.

Earlier this month Biden told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to protect Palestinian civilians and foreign aid workers in Gaza or Washington could rein in support for Israel in its war against Hamas in Gaza.