In a stern warning issued by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, Israel has been cautioned against launching a ground assault on the southern Palestinian city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip. Blinken made these remarks during a joint press conference in Cairo with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shakuri on Thursday, part of his ongoing Middle East tour.

Blinken emphasized that such a move would be deemed "unnecessary" to defeat Hamas, further underscoring the strained relations between the United States and Israel. The Associated Press reported on the development.

Blinken's visit to the region marks his sixth tour since the conflict erupted in October. After landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, he held discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. His subsequent meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo revolved around the pressing need for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, coupled with discussions on the future of the war-torn region.

During the Cairo talks, Blinken stressed the urgency of securing a ceasefire, linking it to the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. These discussions are expected to continue at the highest levels in Qatar on Friday.

Following these diplomatic efforts, Blinken is scheduled to travel to Israel on Friday for discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his war cabinet.

Meanwhile, the United States has put forth a draft resolution at the UN Security Council, urging for the release of Israeli hostages and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Blinken confirmed the proposal, emphasizing the need to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

However, Netanyahu remains steadfast in asserting that destroying Hamas is unattainable without an offensive in Rafah. The Israeli prime minister's stance sets the stage for further deliberations between Israel and the international community, amidst escalating tensions in the region.