WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has expressed concern about reports of an Israeli plan to proceed with a ground assault on Rafah.

He wrote on X that further escalation of violence in this densely populated area would lead to many more deaths and suffering.

Meanwhile, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, says the Israeli war against Gaza has left a staggering almost 23 million tons of rubble and unexploded weapons scattered across the besieged enclave.

The agency said it will take years before the strip is made safe again.