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Live blog update| Israel's war on Gaza

In pictures: Netanyahu makes surprise visit to Rafah

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a surprise visit to Israeli troops in the area around Rafah, in southern Gaza.

He reportedly told troops that the military pressure combined with a demand to bring back 120 hostages still being held in Gaza was producing results.

"This double pressure is not delaying the deal, it is advancing it," he said, according to a statement from his office.

Itamar Ben Gvir, a member of Netanyahu's governing coalition, has suggested that Israel delay the ceasefire agreement in order to help former US President Donald Trump defeat Joe Biden in the upcoming election, according to an Israeli news report.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Israeli soldiers in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, in this handout picture from July 18, 2024. Avi Ohayon/GPO/Handout via Reuters
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Israeli soldiers in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, in this handout picture from July 18, 2024. Avi Ohayon/GPO/Handout via Reuters

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Israeli soldiers in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, in this handout picture from July 18, 2024. Avi Ohayon/GPO/Handout via Reuters
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Israeli soldiers in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, in this handout picture from July 18, 2024. Avi Ohayon/GPO/Handout via Reuters

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Israeli soldiers in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, in this handout picture from July 18, 2024. Avi Ohayon/GPO/Handout via Reuters
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Israeli soldiers in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, in this handout picture from July 18, 2024. Avi Ohayon/GPO/Handout via Reuters