London, Feb. 11 -- UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron Saturday said that he is concerned over Israel's planned ground operation in the southern Gazan city of Rafah.

Israel has been pounding Rafah for several days in preparation for a ground offensive that aims to root out Hamas.

He said that "the priority must be an immediate pause in the fighting to get aid in and hostages out," followed by progress towards a sustainable and permanent ceasefire.

The United States, Canada, Germany and other Western allies of Israel have criticized the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for ordering a ground operation in the packed city, warning of an imminent humanitarian disaster.

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