Dozens killed in Gaza strikes ahead of cease-fire talks

At least 36 Palestinians were reported killed in a series of Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip on Saturday, as high-level cease-fire negotiations were set to take place in Cairo. Among the casualties were 11 members of a single family, including two children, following an airstrike on their home in Khan Younis. Nasser Hospital confirmed that it received 33 bodies from three separate strikes in the area, while Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital reported an additional three fatalities from an earlier attack. Another strike targeting a tuk-tuk east of Khan Younis resulted in at least five deaths. The ongoing conflict has led to widespread destruction, displacing the majority of Gaza's 2.3 million residents. In the past 24 hours alone, hospitals across the region reported a total of 69 deaths and 212 injuries. An Associated Press journalist documented the aftermath at Nasser Hospital, where families mourned their losses during funeral services held in the courtyard. As the situation escalates, experts are convening to address technical issues ahead of the cease-fire talks, mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. U.S. officials, including CIA Director William Burns, are leading negotiations amid significant disagreements between Israel and Hamas. Key points of contention include Israel's insistence on maintaining control over strategic corridors in Gaza, while Hamas demands a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. With pressure mounting for a cease-fire and fears of a broader regional conflict, the outcome of the talks remains uncertain. Hamas has reiterated its position, seeking a full withdrawal of Israeli troops, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has maintained that control over the corridors is essential for security.