Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip killed at least 18 people overnight, including six women and four children, health officials said on Tuesday, as Israel and Hamas appeared to be narrowing in on a ceasefire deal to end the 15-month war on the Palestinian enclave.
Officials have expressed mounting optimism that they can conclude an agreement in the coming days after more than a year of talks that have repeatedly stalled.
Two strikes in the central Gaza city of Deir al-Balah killed two women and their four children, who ranged in age from 1 month to 9 years old. One of the women was pregnant and the baby did not survive, according to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, which received the bodies.
Another 12 people were killed in two strikes on the southern city of Khan Younis, according to the European Hospital.
Meanwhile, the “final round” of Gaza truce talks is due to start Tuesday in Qatar, said a source briefed on the negotiations.
“A final round of talks is expected to take place today in Doha”, the source told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the negotiations.
The source said that Tuesday’s meetings “are aimed at finalising the remaining details of the deal”.
