Israel rejects call for 'pause' in conflict, in rare disagreement with allies

Israel has rejected calls for a "humanitarian pause" in hostilities, in a rare disagreement with several of its western allies. 

"Israel is opposed to a humanitarian pause or ceasefire at this time," Lior Haiat, Israel's foreign ministry spokesperson, said on Friday. 

A temporary stop to bombardment has been touted by several of Israel's backers, including the US, Canada, the UK, and the EU. 

"I welcome the growing global consensus for a humanitarian pause in the conflict," UN secretary general Antonio Guterres said in a statement. 

But far from a pause, Israel's military said on Friday evening that it was "expanding" its aerial and ground activity in Gaza.