BREAKING: U.S. humanitarian envoy David Satterfield says Israel has taken significant steps to improve the flow of aid to Gaza and stresses the humanitarian situation in Gaza has improved over the last three weeks

NEW: Israel presses the U.S. to reconsider sanctions against IDF battalion. My story on @axios www.axios.com/2024/04/21/us-israel-reconsider-sanctions-idf

One rocket fired from the Gaza Strip at southern Israel a short while ago was intercepted by the Iron Dome, the IDF says. Sirens had sounded in Sderot and nearby towns. There are no reports of injuries in the attack.

The IDF has conducted all necessary preparations for an offensive in southern Gaza's Rafah, and is waiting for government approval, a senior defense official tells Reuters.