US, Arab states at odds on truce

Airstrikes target Gaza refugee camp as Israel rejects pause in fighting

GAZA/JERUSALEM — The United States and Arab countries disagreed on the need for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as Israeli military strikes killed civilians at a United Nations shelter and hospitals.

The strike came as Israel said it would press on with its offensive to crush the Hamas militants, despite US appeals for a pause to get aid to desperate civilians.

Large columns of smoke rose as Israel's military said it had encircled Gaza City. Gaza's Health Ministry has said more than 9,700 Palestinians have been killed in the territory, and that number is likely to rise as the assault continues. More than 1,400 Israelis are reported to have been killed since Oct 7.