The White House has told Congress it plans to send more than $1bn (£800m) 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.

It said last week it had paused a shipment of bombs to Israel over concerns civilians would be killed if used in densely populated areas.

The package can be blocked by Congress if a majority in both chambers object.

The package, confirmed by US media, would include $700m in tank ammunition, $500m in tactical vehicles and $60m in mortar rounds, according to the Associated Press news agency.

The White House notification is part of a process mandated by federal law when a US arms sales to a foreign nation exceeds a set amount. Last month, Congress approved a package of military aid providing $95bn to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan.

On Tuesday, Israeli tanks advanced deeper into residential areas in the south-east of Rafah and are thought to be about a mile from the centre.

Meanwhile, medical services are dwindling. Aid agency Doctors Without Borders told the BBC they had stopped operating at one of the area’s field hospitals because it was too dangerous to stay.