In recent days, top officials from the U.S., Israel’s staunchest ally which has provided key military and diplomatic support, have publicly voiced their frustration with Netanyahu and his government.

Two Associated Press journalists aboard an American aid flight to Gaza observed the wreckage to the strip’s north as the plane delivered much-needed food aid to Palestinians below.

The fate of the people in Rafah has been a major area of concern of Israel’s allies and humanitarian groups, worried an offensive in the region densely crowded with so many displaced people would be a catastrophe.

The push to get food in by sea – along with a recent campaign to air drop aid into isolated north Gaza – highlighted the international frustration with the growing humanitarian crisis.

The new push for aid came in the final hours before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which could start as early as Sunday evening, depending on the sighting of a crescent moon.