Gaza: Robert Wood, US Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said that his country informed Israel of the existence of "other means" to achieve its goals in the city of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip. In answering questions from Anadolu Agency on Thursday, Wood explained that Washington is concerned about Israel carrying out a 'major ground operation' in Rafah. The American official added: 'I hope that Israel will take our recommendations into account,' without giving details about these methods. He added that communications are continuing with the Israeli side regarding a major military ground operation in Rafah. On Tuesday, Israel announced the invasion of the Palestinian side of the Rafah land crossing between Gaza and Egypt, as part of what it claims is a 'limited scope' operation that has been continuing in Rafah since Monday, including ground incursions and air strikes. The Israeli army announced "operational control" over the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing, hours after Hama s announced its approval of the mediators' proposal for a ceasefire and an exchange of prisoners and detainees Source: Maan News Agency