In southern Gaza, artillery fire hit tents sheltering displaced families in the Asdaa area northwest of Khan Younis.

A new full-scale ground operation in Gaza City would likely deepen the already severe humanitarian crisis.

The Gaza Health Ministry said that since the war began, at least 60,839 Palestinians have been killed and 149,588 wounded.

The Syrian Interior Ministry denied reports that security forces were being redeployed to Suwayda to contain the violence.

But progress has stalled, with both sides accusing the other of intransigence.

Two US contractors said they were alarmed by what they described as an unregulated and dangerous environment, AP reported.