The Israeli military appears to be determined to wage a ground offensive targeting Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

Former Israeli Defense Minister and current war cabinet member Benny Gantz said on Sunday that the military will push into Rafah if Hamas fails to release all hostages by Ramadan. The Muslim month of fasting begins around March 10 this year.

Nearly 1.5 million people are now in Rafah, including Palestinians who fled from northern Gaza and sought shelter in the area.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces have continued fierce attacks on Khan Younis, north of Rafah.

On Tuesday, the World Health Organization released a video explaining its efforts to transfer critical patients from the Nasser Medical Complex. The hospital in Khan Younis was raided by Israeli forces.

The WHO said an estimated 130 sick and injured patients and at least 15 doctors and nurses remain inside the hospital. But the hospital has no electricity or running water, and medical waste and garbage are creating a breeding ground for disease.

As fears mount of a further escalation in civilian casualties, the UN Security Council voted on a resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Hamas on Tuesday.

The United States again vetoed the resolution, claiming it could jeopardize sensitive negotiations now under way.

Thirteen of the 15 council members -- including Japan -- supported the draft resolution.