U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Friday it is not appropriate for Israel to occupy Gaza in the long-term, as speculation mounts over the future of the territory.

"We do not believe that it makes sense for Israel, or is right for Israel, to occupy Gaza, reoccupy Gaza over the long term," Sullivan told journalists in Tel Aviv. 

Washington is pushing Israel to focus its military operation in Gaza on precise targeting of Hamas leaders rather than widespread bombing and ground operations, Sullivan added.