Two envoys of US President Donald Trump headed to Egypt on Saturday to discuss the release of captives in Gaza, after Hamas agreed to his ceasefire proposal, while Israeli forces launched deadly strikes across the territory.
The talks come after Trump urged Israel to halt its bombardment of Gaza, following Hamas' announcement that it was ready to release all the hostages and begin negotiations on the ceasefire proposal.
But Israel said Saturday that its troops were still operating in Gaza, warning residents not to return to the north.
At least 39 people were killed in Israeli strikes since dawn Saturday, according to Mohammed Abu Salmiya, head of Gaza's main Al-Shifa Hospital.
Salmiya said the dead included 34 people killed in Gaza City itself, where Israeli forces have carried out a sweeping air and ground assault in recent weeks.