Israel-Gaza updates: Death toll in Rafah airstrike rises to 50: Action Aid UK

Israel has made "refinements" to its military operations in and around Rafah following U.S. concerns about harm to civilians, U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan said Wednesday.

"We had detailed discussions on Rafah during my visit to Israel. These have built on weeks now, as I've discussed with you from this podium, of discussions on a professional basis, about Rafah and about how Israel can achieve the defeat of Hamas, everywhere in Gaza, including in Rafah, while minimizing civilian harm," Sullivan said discussing his recent trip to Israel and Saudi Arabia.

"What we have seen so far in terms of Israel's military operations in that area has been more targeted and limited, has not involved major military operations into the heart of dense urban areas," he said.

Sullivan said the U.S. will "now have to see what unfolds from here" and whether what Israeli officials have laid out continues to happen.

-ABC News' Justin Ryan Gomez

Israel will not transfer funds to the Palestinian Authority after Spain, Ireland and Norway recognized Palestine as a state, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced in a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The decision by Israel's far-right finance minister could push the Palestinian government into an even worse financial situation.

-ABC News' Will Gretsky

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has authorized settlers to enter parts of the northern West Bank that they had previously been barred.

The Israelis previously had settlements in this area that were evacuated and then demolished in 2005. Settlements in the area will still need government approval, but this authorization will make it easier for settlers to establish outposts.

"Just as I have acted in all my positions in the governments of Israel - I will continue to develop the settlements in Judea and Samaria, to strengthen the security elements and the security of the citizens - in roads and settlements," Gallant said in a statement.

-ABC News' Will Gretsky

The White House responded to Ireland, Norway and Spain recognizing Palestine, saying President Joe Biden supports a two-state solution, but said he thinks a Palestinian state should be realized after negotiations and "not through unilateral recognition."

With the additions of Ireland, Norway and Spain, some 143 countries now recognize the state of Palestine, according to the U.N.

-ABC News' Michelle Stoddart