The fighting continues around Schiffa Hospital in Gaza City

The Gaza Ministry of Health and Belt, led by Hamas, said on Thursday that 62 Palestinians were killed Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Israel said Wednesday it would send a senior delegation to Washington to discuss with senior American officials about plans for an offensive to Rafah.

It is a change in Israel's stance that cancelled such a trip in protest, as the United States did not veto, but merely abstained against a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire.

Such a move prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's reaction, a further sign of increased divisions with Washington over the war.

Although the delegation's visit was cancelled, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant was in Washington this week for talks with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and State Secretary Antony Blinken.

Mr. Netanyahu has said that an attack on Rafah is necessary to eliminate all control of Hamas over Gaza. But the United States has voiced itself against such offensive in the town, where over a million Palestinian civilians fled their homes because of the war are sheltered.

Israel has said it will move Palestinians to safe areas before any attack on the four Hamas battalions in Rafah, but has not clarified where it will send them.

Prime Minister Netanyahu said the vote at the Security Council “encouraged Hamas to take a harsh stance and believe international pressure would prevent Israel” from meeting its war goals. Israel has pledged to continue fighting until the destruction of Hamas' army and the release of about 10 hostages held by the militant group.

The White House said it is a positive “” to hold more talks with Israeli officials and that a date for holding them is being discussed.

The Hamas-controlled Gas Belt Health Ministry says at least 32,552 people were killed during the Israeli offensive, which began in October in response to Hamas' attack on Israel that caused the deaths of 1,200, while another 250 were taken hostage. More than 100 were released in November during a week-long ceasefire. / VOA/