Gaza/Jerusalem - In a rapidly escalating crisis, Israel is gearing up for a ground assault in the Gaza Strip as violence continues to surge with Iran issued a warning of "far-reaching consequences" if Israel's military campaign doesn't cease.

As of the most recent reports, a ground assault had not yet begun, but Israeli forces were positioned for it. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh to discuss efforts to prevent further escalation and secure the release of hostages.

Israel has warned the militant group Hezbollah, situated north of Israel, against opening a second front. Israeli officials threatened the "destruction of Lebanon" should such a conflict unfold. On Sunday, a senior Israeli official accused Iran of attempting to smuggle weapons into Syria, which could further exacerbate the situation.

Iran has warned the United Nations that Israel's actions, labelled as "war crimes and genocide," could lead to dire consequences. Both Hamas and Hezbollah receive backing from Iran, making the region's stability even more precarious.

During a meeting, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Iran's foreign minister discussed the recent attack in Israel and pledged to continue their cooperation.

In the midst of this conflict, the U.S. President Joe Biden and other world leaders are cautioning against further escalation. International organizations and aid groups are urging Israel to ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

Russia has submitted a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council, scheduled for a vote on Monday. This resolution calls for a humanitarian ceasefire and condemns violence against civilians and acts of terrorism in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Biden, while reaffirming support for Israel, emphasized the need for international coordination to provide essential resources for innocent civilians. He also discussed with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas the urgent requirement for humanitarian aid corridors in Gaza.

The U.S. Department of Defense has deployed the Eisenhower aircraft carrier strike group to the eastern Mediterranean to deter hostile actions and prevent the conflict from widening further.

Meanwhile, amid the ongoing conflict, the Israeli military has advised residents of the northern half of the Gaza Strip to relocate to the southern region. Israel has promised the safety of fleeing Palestinians on main roads, but Hamas discourages people from leaving, citing unsafe conditions and previous casualties among refugees during vehicle strikes.

The Palestinian Health Ministry reported approximately 300 casualties in Gaza in the last 24 hours, predominantly children and women. The sole exit from Gaza not under Israeli control is the Rafah checkpoint with Egypt, which has been disrupted by Israeli strikes. Egypt has strengthened its side of the checkpoint, indicating reluctance to accept a mass influx of refugees. The United States is working to open the crossing for some people and is in contact with Palestinian-Americans seeking to leave Gaza.

Israel has defended its evacuation order as a humanitarian measure while it targets Hamas fighters. However, the United Nations expresses concerns about moving such a large number of people within Gaza without causing a humanitarian crisis.

The escalating violence has also led to deadly clashes along Israel's northern border with Lebanon, raising the risk of the conflict expanding to another front. Hezbollah has reported firing at Israeli outposts, and Israel has responded with lockdowns in border villages.

Israel's security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, has urged Hezbollah to stay out of the fighting and cautioned against being drawn into a two-front war.