Israel kills 100 since Trump urged it to 'stop bombing' as negotiators discuss deal

Israel has killed more than 100 Palestinians since Hamas agreed on Friday to release all captives as part of the latest US ceasefire plan, with truce negotiations set to begin Monday in Egypt.

Heavy bombing rocked the Gaza Strip over the weekend, with strikes reported on residential neighborhoods, refugee camps, and aid distribution points.

Residents of Gaza City also reported the use of explosive barrels dropped by remotely controlled vehicles, targeting homes in the al-Jalaa neighbourhood and other areas.

The Gaza-based Government Media Office said at least 94 people were killed on Saturday and Sunday. At least seven more were killed on Monday morning, according to local media.

Israeli forces carried out 131 air and artillery strikes on densely populated areas across the Strip over the weekend, the media office added.

Since the beginning of the genocide in Gaza, Israeli forces have killed at least 67,160 Palestinians, including more than 20,000 children. A further 9,500 people are missing and presumed dead, the Gaza Government Media Office said.

On Monday, an attack on the Greek Orthodox School - also known as the al-Rum School - in Gaza City's Tal al-Hawa neighbourhood killed and wounded several displaced Palestinians, including children.

Shelling was also reported southwest of Khan Younis, in southern Gaza, near an aid distribution centre, where civilians had gathered to receive assistance.

One Palestinian died of malnutrition on Monday, bringing the death toll from the Israeli-imposed famine to at least 460.

Cairo ceasefire talks 

The escalating attacks come despite US President Donald Trump ordering Israel to “immediately stop the bombing of Gaza” on Friday, after Hamas appeared to partially agree to the so-called peace plan presented by the White House last week.

Hamas agrees to release Israeli captives but rejects foreign governorship of Gaza

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The Palestinian group agreed to release all Israeli captives under the conditions outlined in the 20-point proposal but did not clarify its position on other terms of the plan, including disarmament and the proposed involvement of foreign troops in Gaza. 

A Hamas delegation led by chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya arrived in Egypt on Sunday ahead of more detailed discussions on the plan.

Israeli state radio reported that the head of the Israeli delegation and two US envoys will not participate in Monday’s talks in Sharm el-Sheikh; they are expected to join as early as Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir said on Sunday that there is no ceasefire at present, but rather a “change in the operational situation”.

“Two years ago, we witnessed the most difficult event in our history, and we do not intend to return to the days before 7 October 2023,” Zamir said, referencing the Hamas-led attacks.

“We are changing the reality throughout the Middle East, on all fronts. We are not containing ourselves; we are attacking and destroying the enemy on every front.”