US threatens to block more arms sales if Israeli assault on Rafah goes ahead

Antony Blinken highlighted the horrible loss of life of innocent civilians', in some of the strongest criticism of Israel from the US to date

The US may block more weapons systems to Israel if it goes ahead with a ground offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, the US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, has said.

The US has already suspended the shipment of 3,500 2,000lb (907kg) and 500lb (227kg) high-payload bombs following concerns over the scale of civilian casualties in Israel's war in the territory.