NYT: US advises Israel to delay Gaza invasion

American officials say the US has advised Israel to delay the planned ground invasion of Gaza, according to the New York Times.

Citing several officials, the NYT said on Sunday the suggestion was made to allow a window for more people held in Gaza to be released and for life-saving aid to enter the besieged enclave. 

Israel has imposed a "full siege" on Gaza for over two weeks, cutting supplies of food, water, fuel and electricity to the 2.3m Palestinians living there. Human rights groups criticised the move as a form of collective punishment that may amount to a war crime. 

A total of 34 aid trucks entered Gaza over the weekend, which comprise less than one percent of the relief needs, according to Palestinian officials. 

Meanwhile, Hamas' release of two American women from their custody last week has raised hope that more foreigners could be set free soon.

Hamas said it intends to release all non-Israels in their custody with no conditions. However, they suggested the intense Israeli bombing in Gaza is impeding the process.