In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian armed group Hamas, the Israeli army has intensified its attacks on the central part of the besieged enclave, resulting in the deaths of dozens of Palestinians. As the violence rages on, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan traveled to Israel to engage in talks with senior officials in an attempt to urge for a more targeted approach by the Israeli leaders.

During his visit on Sunday, Sullivan met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While the United States expressed concerns over a wider-scale assault on the southern city of Rafah, Netanyahu remained determined to proceed with the offensive. The US official emphasized the need for Israel to connect its military operations with a political strategy that can ensure the lasting defeat of Hamas, the release of all hostages, and a better future for Gaza, according to a statement from the White House.

The situation in Rafah has escalated, with nearly 800,000 Palestinians displaced since the Israeli assault began last week, as reported by the United Nations. This has drawn condemnation from UN officials and human rights groups. Israeli authorities argue that the military operation is necessary to dismantle the last stronghold of Hamas.

The Israeli military has intensified both air and ground attacks across the Palestinian territory, with airstrikes on Sunday resulting in the deaths of at least 31 people in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. Al Jazeera's reporter on the ground described significant damage to a residential home and surrounding buildings, rendering them uninhabitable. The targeted building provided shelter to five families who had originally fled violence in the north of Gaza but were forced to evacuate from Rafah due to the expanded military operations.

Israeli forces have also pushed further into the narrow alleyways of Jabalia in northern Gaza, returning to an area they claimed to have cleared earlier. The Gaza Civil Emergency Service reported that the bodies of 150 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces have been recovered, and 300 houses have been struck by Israeli aerial and ground fire.

Sullivan's visit to Israel comes amid criticism of President Joe Biden's unwavering support for Israel during the Gaza war. Despite expressing disagreement with a full-scale operation in Rafah, the Biden administration has continued to provide military and diplomatic support to Israel, announcing plans to provide an additional $1 billion in military aid last week.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened due to the closure of the Rafah land crossing with Egypt by Israel earlier this month. Desperate Palestinians have been seen climbing onto aid trucks delivered through a newly built floating pier. Humanitarian groups have criticized this alternative solution, calling for the opening of land crossings to facilitate aid delivery.

While Netanyahu has vowed to continue fighting Hamas until their military capacity is destroyed, he has faced criticism for not presenting a post-war plan for Gaza or securing the release of over 100 captives held in the enclave. The Israeli prime minister is also under mounting political pressure, with war cabinet member and former defense minister Benny Gantz threatening to resign if Netanyahu fails to provide a clear vision for the conflict's resolution.

As the conflict rages on and diplomatic efforts continue, the international community remains deeply concerned about the escalating violence, loss of innocent lives, and the urgent need for a sustainable solution to restore peace and stability in the region.