JERUSALEM (AP) Israel is determined to launch a ground offensive against Hamas in Rafah, Gazas southernmost city, a plan that has raised global alarm because of the potential for harm to the hundreds of thousands of civilians sheltering there .

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel cant achieve its goal of total victory against Hamas without going into Rafah.

Israel has approved military plans for its offensive. But with 1.4 million Palestinians jammed into the city, Israels allies, including the U.S., have demanded greater care for civilians in its anticipated incursion.

Most of those Palestinians have been displaced by fighting in other parts of Gaza and are living in densely packed tent camps, overflowing U.N.-run shelters or packed apartments.

Netanyahu is sending a delegation to Washington to present the administration with its plans.