Israel continued its air and ground operations across Gaza on Sunday, killing at least 24 Palestinians just hours before indirect ceasefire talks were set to begin in Egypt. The discussions, mediated by the United States, aim to reach a truce between Israel and Hamas after months of escalating violence.
According to Gaza’s Nasser Medical Complex, four asylum seekers were among those killed near an aid distribution centre north of Rafah. Despite global appeals to end hostilities, Israeli forces continued their operations in central Gaza and Gaza City.
Al Jazeera’s correspondent Hani Mahmoud reported from az-Zuwayda that “Palestinians were hoping for peace, but the night brought more strikes,” describing attacks on both displacement zones and densely populated areas.
Delegations Gather for Ceasefire Negotiations
A Hamas delegation, led by senior official Khalil al-Hayya, arrived in Sharm el-Sheikh on Sunday. The talks, beginning Monday, will address the ceasefire mechanism, Israeli troop withdrawal, and a potential prisoner exchange. Israel confirmed its delegation, led by top negotiator Ron Dermer, will also attend.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was hopeful that “a deal to release all remaining captives could be announced this week.” U.S. President Donald Trump described the talks as “advancing quickly,” urging negotiators to “move fast” to finalize details.
The U.S.-backed peace initiative, known as the Trump Plan, calls for Hamas to release all hostages and for Israel to withdraw troops to pre-August positions. A ceasefire would follow immediately after this initial step.
Regional Support and Humanitarian Impact
Arab states including Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey welcomed Hamas’s positive response to the proposed Gaza plan. They also praised Trump’s call for Israel to halt bombings and implement the exchange agreement, calling it a “critical step toward regional stability.”
Meanwhile, Gaza’s Government Media Office reported devastating civilian losses, with more than 2,700 families — around 8,500 people — erased from civil records since the war began. The casualties include over 1,000 infants, 1,600 medical workers, 254 journalists, and 140 civil defense staff.
Despite growing international pressure, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio admitted the conflict “has not yet ended,” but said the negotiations mark “the closest we’ve come to freeing all hostages.”
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