Joe Biden paused a shipment of bombs to Israel last week over fears it would invade the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

Washington halted the load of 1,800 2,000-lb (907 kg) bombs and 1,700 500-lb (226 kg) bombs after Israel had not “fully addressed” US concerns about a major ground operation, marking the first time in the conflict that Mr Biden has halted military aid.

News of the move comes as the White House criticised the “unacceptable” closure of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt after Israel sent tanks in earlier Tuesday - while holding out hope for a ceasefire with Hamas.

Officials said Washington was “especially focused” on the use of the heaviest 2,000-lb bombs “and the impact they could have in dense urban settings as we have seen in other parts of Gaza.”

Ceasefire talks involving Israel, Hamas, the United States, Qatar and Egypt resumed on Tuesday.

“A close assessment of the two sides’ positions suggests that they should be able to close the remaining gaps, and we’re going to do everything we can to support that process,” US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said.

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