86 Palestinians killed in Gaza over the weekend

Gaza February 26, 2024 (QJ) -Israeli forces and Palestinian gunmen clashed across the Gaza Strip over the weekend, as mediators stepped up talks on a ceasefire to free Hamas-held hostages.

The prospect of a ceasefire appeared uncertain, however, as Israel said it planned to expand its offensive to destroy Hamas. On the other hand, Hamas insisted on their demand for a permanent end to the war that has been going on for almost five months.

Residents said that the Israeli army bombarded several areas of Gaza as tanks poured into Beit Lahiya city and soldiers and armed men fought in the Zeitoun area of Gaza City.

At least 86 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes since Saturday, medical workers said on Sunday. The Israeli military said two soldiers were killed in fighting in southern Gaza and that its forces killed or captured Palestinian militants in Zeitoun and elsewhere.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his war council to brief intelligence chiefs late Saturday after a meeting in Paris with mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States on a possible second ceasefire in Gaza.

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters that negotiators from the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Israel had “agreed” on the basic terms of the detainee release agreement during the Paris talks.