ISRAEL’S opposition party today warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against launching a ground offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

Yair Lapid, leader of Yesh Atid, the main opposition to the far-right coalition government led by Mr Netanyahu, said the Israeli PM must strike an immediate deal to return all the captives held by Hamas in Gaza.

He said launching a ground invasion in Rafah runs the risk of putting any ceasefire deal in jeopardy.

But Mr Netanyahu appears intent on attacking Rafah despite opposition from US President Joe Biden and the majority of the international community.

Earlier this week, Mr Netanyahu said he was determined to complete the elimination of Hamas in Rafah, adding that “there is no way to do this without a ground incursion.”

Despite any misgivings, the US shows no sign of stopping its supply of the weapons that the Israeli forces need to continue their killing spree.

The Gaza Health Ministry put the latest Palestinian death toll at more than 31,819, which it says is made up of at least two-thirds women and children.

The war began after a surprise attack by Hamas and other Palestinian groups on October 7, during which 1,200 people were killed and around 250 taken hostage.

Hamas is believed to still be holding around 100 people hostage after a prisoner exchange last year and the deaths of some during Israeli attacks.  

Meanwhile Gaza’s largest hospital remains under attack by Israeli forces.

Reporting for Al Jazeera from the al-Shifa hospital, Hani Mahmoud said the Israeli army is warning the displaced people at the complex to evacuate immediately or face being bombed.

He said: “Judging by the pattern of bombing at the hospital and areas around it, it seems like the entire complex will be destroyed.

“They demolished the hospital’s entire specialist care centre, a brand new building that was set up to help Palestinians who need surgery.” 

He added: “The Israeli military is now ordering everyone inside the hospital, including medical staff and patients, to evacuate immediately. Otherwise, the entire facility will be blown up.”

The Israelis claim to have already killed at least 140 people inside the hospital.

In previous evacuations there have been accusations that Palestinians have been targeted by Israeli sniper fire as they have tried to escape.

Mr Mahmoud reports that there is an intense bombing campaign taking place around the hospital, with residential buildings being destroyed and the people inside denied the opportunity to evacuate.