Harris warns Israel of consequences over potential Gaza ground offensive

US Vice President Kamala Harris has warned Israel of consequences if it moves forward with a major ground offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

Harris, who has emerged as one of the highest-ranking American officials urging restraint by Israeli forces, made the comments in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday.

The Biden administration has been pressing Israel to de-escalate the conflict with Hamas, which has fired thousands of rockets into Israel in recent days.

Harris' warning comes as the Israeli military is massing troops on the border with Gaza, raising fears of a ground invasion.

In a statement, the White House said Harris "reiterated the US commitment to Israel's security and conveyed the administration's strong belief that Israelis and Palestinians equally deserve to live in safety and security."

The statement added that Harris "underscored the need for all parties to de-escalate tensions and bring a halt to the violence."

Harris' comments came after she spoke with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday. In that call, Harris expressed her condolences for the loss of Palestinian lives and called for an immediate cease-fire.