Gaza Truce Talks Continue Amid Escalating Violence

Mediators in Cairo persisted with efforts towards a Gaza truce after Israel's top ally the United States stepped up pressure for a halt in fighting and more aid to enter the besieged Palestinian territory.

Bombardments and combat killed 124 more people within 24 hours, said the health ministry in the Hamas-ruled territory. Gaza has been devastated and gripped by dire food shortages in the war sparked by Hamas's October 7 attacks on Israel.

Qatari and Egyptian mediators were meeting with United States and Hamas envoys -- but no Israeli delegates so far -- in Cairo for a second day of talks. They are aiming for a halt in fighting before the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan starts on March 10 or 11.

The plan under discussion is for a six-week truce, the exchange of dozens of remaining hostages for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and for more aid to enter Gaza -- but sticking points remain.

Hamas wants Israel to withdraw all its forces, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted the army will finish its campaign to destroy Hamas, including in Rafah where about 1.5 million Palestinians have tried to find refuge near Egypt's border.

Israel has also demanded a list of all remaining hostages.

While diplomacy takes place the war grinds on. Witnesses reported clashes in Gaza City's Zeitun neighborhood and the main southern city of Khan Yunis. 

The Israeli military said continuing operations in Khan Yunis "began with a series of strikes on dozens of targets" and that there was "ongoing air support".

Earlier it said it carried out "targeted raids" in the area, killed 15 militants over the past day, and detained dozens of suspects linked to Palestinian armed groups.

The Hamas government media office said "dozens of air strikes" and "intense artillery shelling" hit across Gaza.