Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza Kill at Least 20, Ceasefire Talks Continue
Israeli airstrikes on three houses in Rafah, Gaza, killed at least 20 Palestinians and injured many others on Monday.
Two houses were also struck in Gaza City, killing at least four people.
The attacks occurred before planned ceasefire talks between Hamas leaders and Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo.
The Israeli military is investigating the reports.
Over 34,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's military operation to eradicate Hamas in Gaza, according to Gaza's health authorities.
The text describes the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip, which has displaced over 2.3 million people and caused significant damage.
The conflict began with an attack by Hamas militants on Israel on October 7, resulting in over 1,200 deaths and 253 hostages, according to Israeli reports.
There are concerns that an anticipated assault on Rafah, which is considered the last Hamas stronghold in the Gaza Strip, could lead to a humanitarian disaster due to the large number of displaced people in the area.
On Sunday, Hamas officials announced that they would discuss a ceasefire proposal handed to Qatari and Egyptian mediators, as well as Israel's response.
Mediators, supported by the US, are working to finalize a deal between Hamas and Israel.
Hamas officials have not revealed the specifics of the latest proposals, but a source informed Reuters that Hamas will respond to Israel's truce proposal delivered on Saturday.
The source disclosed that Hamas is open to releasing fewer than 40 hostages in exchange for freeing Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons.
Additionally, there will be a second phase of the truce, which includes a prolonged period of calm, and Israel will allow free movement between north and south Gaza and partially withdraw troops from the region after the initial phase.
A Hamas official spoke to Reuters, stating that upcoming talks in Cairo will involve Hamas, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators to discuss Hamas' concerns regarding Israel's response to its recent proposal.
Hamas has queries about Israel's reaction and may not provide an immediate response.