Live. Israel Hamas war: Biden Tel Aviv visit, Iran Hezbollah warning, Gaza humanitarian crisis

The IDF says it foiled an attempt by four militants to harm Israel from southern Lebanon. 

It claimed the "terror squad" was approaching the border fence from the Lebanese territory to plant a bomb. 

Palestinians in Gaza reported intense bombardments early Tuesday near the southern towns of Khan Younis and Rafah, where Israel ordered civilians to seek refuge.

Israeli bombs hit areas west and southeast of Khan Younis and west of Rafah, according to local reports.

Thousands of people trying to escape Gaza are gathered in Rafah, where the territory’s only border crossing to Egypt lies.

International mediators are pressing for a deal to allow aid in and refugees with foreign passports out, though the crossing remains closed. 

Details of causalities were not immediately available.

(AP)

The Pentagon has asked 2,000 troops to prepare for possible deployment in response to the Israel Hamas war, according to two anonymous US officials. 

The troops would cover a variety of support roles, such as medical role or explosive ordnance assistance, and providing additional security at gate crossings, one official said.

They would not be sent to Israel but could be deployed to countries in the wider region, one of the officials said.

The US president will travel to Israel on Wednesday to show support for his country's principal ally in the Middle East. 

The announcement, made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, comes amid rising concerns that the fighting between Hamas and Israel could spill over into the region. 

Biden will reportedly then go to Jordan to meet with Arab leaders.

Blinken's announcement followed hours of talks with Israeli officials, as well as an invitation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

As the humanitarian situation in