Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel’s new military offensive in one of Gaza’s most populated areas amid growing condemnation at home and abroad, declaring that this is “the best way to end the war and the best way to end it speedily.

The UK government announced additional humanitarian aid for Gaza as it urged Israel to allow supplies into the territory and reverse plans for an expanded military operation to take control of a key city in the enclave.

Israel is facing growing backlash from Arab states and European allies after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a plan for Israel’s military to take over Gaza. It comes as Palestinians in the enclave face a series of deadly incidents involving airdrops for food aid.