The White House has told Congress that it plans to send more than $1 billion  in new weapons to Israel.

This comes despite the US being opposed to a full-scale invasion by the Israeli military on the southern Gaza city of Rafah, which led it to pause a shipment of bombs.

The Associated Press says the new package must still be approved by lawmakers, and would include $700 million in tank ammunition, $500 million in tactical vehicles and $60 million in mortar rounds.

This comes as Israeli tanks advance deeper into residential areas in the south-east of Rafah and are thought to be about a mile from the centre.

BBC News says Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen has been critical of the decision, telling the Washington Post that the US should not proceed with any additional arms transfers until the Netanyahu government meets President Biden’s concerns about Rafah and the provision of humanitarian assistance.