The death toll in Gaza from Israeli bombardment, particularly on children, is "far too high" US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said.
Following meetings with Israeli officials on Tuesday, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Mr Blinken said Palestinians must be able to return home as soon as possible.
He said the US would reject any attempt at resettlement.
"Palestinian civilians must be able to return home as soon as conditions allow," he said.
"They must not be pressed to leave Gaza.
"As I told the prime minister, the United States unequivocally rejects any proposals advocating for the resettlement of Palestinians outside of Gaza, and the prime minister reaffirmed to me today that this is not the policy of Israel’s Government."
Gaza death toll
Mr Blinken also criticised the high death toll in Gaza.
"We know that facing an enemy that embeds itself among civilians - who hides in and fires from schools, from hospitals - makes this incredibly challenging," he said.
"But the daily toll on civilians in Gaza, particularly on children, is far too high."
It comes as the United Nations, humanitarian organisations and NGOs have all said they have faced widespread issues entering Gaza and then moving within the enclave because of Israeli restrictions.
Mr Blinken said "important progress" has been made in increasing the amount of aid getting into Gaza.
"90% of Gaza’s population continues to face acute food insecurity, according to the United Nations," he said.
"For children, the effects of long periods without sufficient food can have lifelong consequences.
"As I underscored in our meetings today, more food, more water, more medicine, other essential goods need to get into Gaza.
"And then once they’re in Gaza, they need to get more effectively to the people who need them.
"And Israel needs to do everything it can to remove any obstacles from crossings to other parts of Gaza," he added.
Reports say at least 23,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began in October.
Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip following Israeli airstrikes, 15/12/2023. Image: UPI / Alamy Stock PhotoMr Blinken claimed a submission by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice on the charge of genocide was "meritless."
He will meet the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah today before heading to Cairo to end an extensive tour of the region.
Reports say Jordan's King Abdullah is to hold a summit with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and President Abbas on Wednesday.
The three leaders will discuss the "serious developments" in the Gaza Strip, according to Jordan's state news agency.
Ireland has called for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" and the release of hostages in Gaza.
