Gaza truce talks end inconclusively as Rafah braces for Israeli assault

Israel is planning a ground offensive in Rafah, Gaza, to flush out Hamas militants from hideouts, despite concerns from international organizations and growing opposition from various countries. The Israeli military has been conducting airstrikes in the area for weeks, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to defeat Hamas gunmen hiding there. However, UN aid chief Martin Griffiths expressed concern over the lack of safety guarantees, insufficient aid supplies, and staff capacity to assist Palestinian civilians who may be trapped in the conflict zone. The consequences of an Israeli invasion are predicted to be "catastrophic" for the Palestinians already suffering from the ongoing violence. Several countries and international organizations have been urging Israel to halt its planned offensive.