Blinken: Rafah operation risks 'further isolating Israel around the world'

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that an Israeli ground offensive in Rafah would risk "further isolating" Israel and damage its long-term security.

He told reporters on Friday that he had "candid conversations" with Israeli officials during his visit to the country.

Blinken said that a ground operation in Rafah "risks killing more civilians. It risks wreaking greater havoc with the humanitarian assistance. It risks further isolating Israel around the world and jeopardising its long-term security and standing".