Mediators in Cairo made a renewed push for a Gaza ceasefire, but differences remained as fighting raged on Sunday between Israeli forces and Hamas militants in the Palestinian territory gripped by desperate food shortages.

Israel War: Gaza truce talks in Cairo as heavy fighting rages

Ahead of this year’s Eurovision competition, Israel’s public broadcaster is reconsidering its position on the lyrics of the song that they intend to send for this year. Israel’s public broadcaster will soon be asking those involved with the making of the song to tweak the lyrics of their song titled “October Rain”.

Israel to change lyrics of October Rain for Eurovision after being barred from contest

A march by thousands of Israelis demanding the release of hostages held in Gaza reached Jerusalem on Saturday, as negotiators prepared to resume ceasefire negotiations in Cairo that would include a swap deal with Hamas.

Thousands rally in Jerusalem after four-day march for hostages’ return

Days after a massacre by Israeli troops in Gaza City triggered fears of complicating ceasefire negotiations Cairo is hosting a critical round of talks between the two sides but the conversation reached a dead end before it could even begin. In the latest development an Israeli official had said that the country will not be sending its delegation to the Egyptian Capital for ceasefire talks. Watch to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: Israel refuses truce talks till Hamas gives list of hostages still alive

A Hamas delegation on Sunday (Mar 3) arrived in Cairo as talks to hammer out a Gaza truce get momentum. According to local media reports, mediators from Qatar and the US also arrived in Egypt’s capital on Sunday amid indications that Israel has agreed to the six-week truce deal currently in the works. However, the Jewish nation has reportedly boycotted the talks over the unknown fate of hostages still held by the Palestinian militant group.

Earlier on Saturday, talks involving Israeli officials took place in the Qatari city of Doha. Hamas is expected to submit its response on Sunday or Monday, as time to finalise a truce deal runs out before the said deadline of March 10, when the holy month of Ramadan starts.

<h2>Mixed hints from Hamas and Palestine</h2>

Earlier in the day, a Hamas official was quoted by AFP news agency as saying that if Israel withdrew its military from the Gaza Strip and stepped up humanitarian assistance in the besieged territory, it would “pave the way for an agreement within the next 24-48 hours”.

On the truce talks, however, a Palestinian official warned that the deal was still not imminent as “we’re not there yet.”

<h2>Israel seeking details about hostages</h2>

Israel will reportedly be absent from the Sunday meeting in Cairo as the Jewish nation demands reassurances on the fate of hostages held by Hamas.

However, according to a senior US official quoted by Reuters, Israel has “more or less accepted” the truce deal drafted by mediators.

Israeli media say Hamas is refusing to say which of its hostages are still alive, so Israel will not attend.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war | New demand: High-level prisoners should be deported to Qatar

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According to Egyptian officials, representatives from both Israel and Hamas were expected to join the meeting.

<h2>Pressure grows on Israel</h2>

Pressure for a ceasefire has grown after Feb 29&nbsp;incident outside Gaza City in the north of the territory where at least 112 people were killed as crowds rushed an aid convoy.

Hamas has accused the Jewish nation of shooting at civilians as they attempted to get food, a claim Israel vehemently denies. Israel said an investigation was launched into the incident.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj38ur1qdiEAxWFumMGHdU5CkgQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-schools-in-gaza-adjacent-city-of-sderot-reopen-for-first-time-since-oct-7-696184" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-schools-in-gaza-adjacent-city-of-sderot-reopen-for-first-time-since-oct-7-696184&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj38ur1qdiEAxWFumMGHdU5CkgQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Israel: Schools in Gaza-adjacent city of Sderot reopen for first time since Oct 7</a>

The UN Security Council (UNSC) on Sunday underscored the need to protect civilians in Gaza, while expressing deep concerns over the deadly episode.

Hamas claims more than 30,000 people have lost their lives in Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza enclave launched after the Oct 7 terror attacks.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Hamas delegation on Sunday (Mar 3) arrived in Cairo as talks to hammer out a Gaza truce get momentum. According to local media reports, mediators from Qatar and the US also arrived in Egypt’s capital on Sunday amid indications that Israel has agreed to the six-week truce deal currently in the works.

A Hamas delegation on Sunday (Mar 3) arrived in Cairo as talks to hammer out a Gaza truce get momentum. According to local media reports, mediators from Qatar and the US also arrived in Egypt’s capital on Sunday amid indications that Israel has agreed to the six-week truce deal currently in the works. However, the Jewish nation has reportedly boycotted the talks over the unknown fate of hostages still held by the Palestinian militant group. Earlier on Saturday, talks involving Israeli officials took place in the Qatari city of Doha. Hamas is expected to submit its response on Sunday or Monday, as time to finalise a truce deal runs out before the said deadline of March 10, when the holy month of Ramadan starts. Mixed hints from Hamas and Palestine Earlier in the day, a Hamas official was quoted by AFP news agency as saying that if Israel withdrew its military from the Gaza Strip and stepped up humanitarian assistance in the besieged territory, it would “pave the way for an agreement within the next 24-48 hours”. On the truce talks, however, a Palestinian official warned that the deal was still not imminent as “we’re not there yet.” Israel seeking details about hostages Israel will reportedly be absent from the Sunday meeting in Cairo as the Jewish nation demands reassurances on the fate of hostages held by Hamas. However, according to a senior US official quoted by Reuters, Israel has “more or less accepted” the truce deal drafted by mediators. Israeli media say Hamas is refusing to say which of its hostages are still alive, so Israel will not attend. Watch: Israel-Hamas war | New demand: High-level prisoners should be deported to Qatar × According to Egyptian officials, representatives from both Israel and Hamas were expected to join the meeting. Pressure grows on Israel Pressure for a ceasefire has grown after Feb 29 incident outside Gaza City in the north of the territory where at least 112 people were killed as crowds rushed an aid convoy. Hamas has accused the Jewish nation of shooting at civilians as they attempted to get food, a claim Israel vehemently denies. Israel said an investigation was launched into the incident. Also read: Israel: Schools in Gaza-adjacent city of Sderot reopen for first time since Oct 7 The UN Security Council (UNSC) on Sunday underscored the need to protect civilians in Gaza, while expressing deep concerns over the deadly episode. Hamas claims more than 30,000 people have lost their lives in Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza enclave launched after the Oct 7 terror attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Gaza war: Israel 'boycotts' Cairo talks with Hamas over unknown fate of hostages

At least 112 people were killed and 760 injured in an incident where Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops used live fire as hungry and desperate Palestinian civilians were gathering around food aid trucks, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza. Watch to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli troops open fire on hungry Gazans, over 100 killed

Israel war: Israelis rally in Tel Aviv calling for release of 134 hostages

U.S. humanitarian air drops began in Gaza on Saturday, with military aircraft dropping thousands of meals to the war-torn region a day after President Joe Biden announced the effort, the U.S. military said.

Israel war: US Military airdrop supplies over southern Gaza strip

Israel war: Thousands of Israelis rally in Tel Aviv calling for release of hostages

Israel has 'more or less' agreed to a deal proposing a six-week ceasefire in its war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza strip, said a senior US official on Saturday.

The Biden administration official further added that it was now up to Hamas to fully agree to the release of the most vulnerable hostages for the agreement to be put into effect.

"There's a framework deal. The Israelis have more or less accepted it," the Biden administration official told&nbsp; speaking on condition of anonymity, according to AFP.&nbsp;

"Right now, the ball is in the camp of Hamas."

The official said that the negotiators were working "round the clock" in order to ensure the deal was secured by the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

"It will be a six-week ceasefire in Gaza starting today if Hamas agrees to release the defined category of vulnerable hostages... the sick, the wounded, elderly and women," the official said.

"I just want to kind of emphasize that we would have a ceasefire if Hamas addresses that final issue," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leaking-uk-cargo-ship-attacked-by-houthis-sinks-in-red-sea-raises-environmental-concerns-696019">Leaking UK cargo ship Rubymar attacked by Houthis sinks in Red Sea, raises environmental concerns</a>

Earlier, US President Joe Biden said that he was hoping there would be a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas by Ramadan as the conflict in the Gaza Strip intensifies.

"I'm hoping so, we're still working real hard on it. We're not there yet," Biden told reporters at the White House when asked if he expected a deal by Ramadan, which is set to begin in about a week.

"We'll get there but we're not there yet -- we may not get there," Biden said.

The war has been going on for nearly five months and international pressure is mounting for a ceasefire in Gaza. Hamas is weighing a proposal, agreed by Israel at talks with mediators in Paris last week, for a 40-day ceasefire, which would be the first extended truce of the conflict.&nbsp;

<h2>US conducts initial airdrop of humanitarian assistance into Gaza</h2>

The US military executed its inaugural humanitarian aid airdrop into Gaza, utilising three C-130 planes, as disclosed by two anonymous US officials on Saturday (March 2).

The airdrop involved more than 35,000 meals, and the White House affirmed its commitment to sustaining these efforts, noting Israel's support for the initiative.

In solidarity, several nations, including France, Egypt, and Jordan,&nbsp;also conducted airdrops to provide aid to Gaza.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel has 'more or less' agreed to a deal proposing a six-week ceasefire in its war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza strip, said a senior US official on Saturday.

Israel has 'more or less' agreed to a deal proposing a six-week ceasefire in its war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza strip, said a senior US official on Saturday. The Biden administration official further added that it was now up to Hamas to fully agree to the release of the most vulnerable hostages for the agreement to be put into effect. "There's a framework deal. The Israelis have more or less accepted it," the Biden administration official told speaking on condition of anonymity, according to AFP. "Right now, the ball is in the camp of Hamas." The official said that the negotiators were working "round the clock" in order to ensure the deal was secured by the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. "It will be a six-week ceasefire in Gaza starting today if Hamas agrees to release the defined category of vulnerable hostages... the sick, the wounded, elderly and women," the official said. "I just want to kind of emphasize that we would have a ceasefire if Hamas addresses that final issue," he added. Also read: Leaking UK cargo ship Rubymar attacked by Houthis sinks in Red Sea, raises environmental concerns Earlier, US President Joe Biden said that he was hoping there would be a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas by Ramadan as the conflict in the Gaza Strip intensifies. "I'm hoping so, we're still working real hard on it. We're not there yet," Biden told reporters at the White House when asked if he expected a deal by Ramadan, which is set to begin in about a week. "We'll get there but we're not there yet -- we may not get there," Biden said. The war has been going on for nearly five months and international pressure is mounting for a ceasefire in Gaza. Hamas is weighing a proposal, agreed by Israel at talks with mediators in Paris last week, for a 40-day ceasefire, which would be the first extended truce of the conflict. US conducts initial airdrop of humanitarian assistance into Gaza The US military executed its inaugural humanitarian aid airdrop into Gaza, utilising three C-130 planes, as disclosed by two anonymous US officials on Saturday (March 2). The airdrop involved more than 35,000 meals, and the White House affirmed its commitment to sustaining these efforts, noting Israel's support for the initiative. In solidarity, several nations, including France, Egypt, and Jordan, also conducted airdrops to provide aid to Gaza. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel has broadly accepted Gaza ceasefire deal, says US official

Condemnations have poured in from around the world after Israeli troops opened fire on Palestinian civilians, killing hundreds, during Gaza aid delivery. The scenes of carnage at food aid sites invited condemnation from countries around the world with many pressing for an immediate ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.

Israeli forces open Fire on Palestinians amid Gaza aid delivery | World express shock, horror

Division seem to be deepening in Israel's wartime government and according to Israeli media a minister of the wartime cabinet Benny Gantz was also the head of the national Unity party is now all set to travel to Washington on Sunday. He's going to hold several meetings with the US officials and the announcement has outraged the incumbent prime minister Netanyahu. Watch to know more!

Israel's war cabinet minister Benny Gantz plans US visit without PM Netanyahu's permission

At least 112 people were killed and 760 injured in an incident where Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops used live fire as hungry and desperate Palestinian civilians were gathering around food aid trucks, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza. The massacre that took place in the northern part of the Gaza City has sent shock waves across the world. Global leaders have condemned this costly attack by the state of Israel in which over a 100 Palestinians were massacred and their demands for a thorough probe. Watch to know more!

Israel war: Pressure mounts for inquiry into Israeli troops firing on Gazans

Israel war: Hamas threatens to stop 'Truce Negotiations' with Israel

United States President Joe Biden said on Friday (March 1) that he was hoping there would be a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas by Ramadan as their conflict in the Gaza Strip intensified. "I'm hoping so, we're still working real hard on it. We're not there yet," President Biden told reporters at the White House when asked if he expected a deal by Ramadan, which will start on March 10 or 11.

Israel-Hamas war: Hoping for Gaza ceasefire deal by Ramadan says Prez Biden

At least 112 people were killed and 760 injured in an incident where Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops used live fire as hungry and desperate Palestinian civilians were gathering around food aid trucks, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza.

The many massacres in Gaza: Who's to blame?

Israel-Hamas war: Massacres in Gaza, Who's to be blamed?

United States President Joe Biden said on Friday (March 1) that he was hoping there would be a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas by Ramadan as their conflict in the Gaza Strip intensified. "I'm hoping so, we're still working real hard on it. We're not there yet," President Biden told reporters at the White House when asked if he expected a deal by Ramadan, which will start on March 10 or 11. Watch to know more!

Israel War: US, Egypt, Qatar working to forge a deal before Ramadan

US President Joe Biden mixed up Gaza and Ukraine in his announcement to airdrop food and supplies in the Middle East region. Watch to know more!

US President Biden mixes up Gaza & Ukraine in airdrop announcement, White House clarifies later

United States President Joe Biden on Friday (Mar 1) said that the country will start airdropping food and supplies as part of humanitarian aid into Gaza in the days ahead.

Speaking with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in an Oval Office meeting, he called the killing of more than 100 people in Gaza a "tragic and alarming event".

On Thursday (Feb 29), a huge crowd of people in North Gaza rushed towards food aid trucks after which&nbsp;the Israeli forces guarding those trucks opened fire at them.

"The loss of life is heartbreaking. People are so desperate that innocent people got caught in a terrible war unable to feed their families, and you saw the response when they tried to get aid in," Biden said.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-hoping-for-gaza-ceasefire-deal-by-ramadan-says-biden-695706">Israel-Hamas war: Hoping for Gaza ceasefire deal by Ramadan, says Biden</a>

He added, "And we need to do more in the United States, will do more. In the coming days, we’re going to join with our friends in Jordan and others in providing airdrops."&nbsp;

"In addition to expanding deliveries by land, as I said, we're gonna -- we're gonna insist that Israel facilitate more trucks and more routes to get more and more people the help they need. No excuses because the truth is, aid flowing to Gaza is nowhere nearly enough," the US president further said.&nbsp;

"Now, it's nowhere nearly enough. Innocent lives are on the line, and children's lives on the line and we won't stand by and let -- until they -- until we get more aid in there. We should be getting hundreds of trucks in, not just several. I won't stand by and we won’t let up," he added.

<h2>White House confirms planning to be robust, additional air drops to be planned</h2>

At a media briefing, White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said, "There's few military operations that are more complicated than humanitarian assistance air drops. This is----this is a tough military mission to do because so many parameters have to be exactly right. We're going to pursue this the way we would pursue any such operation -- carefully."

He added that the planning will be robust. "I know that we will learn from the first airdrops, and this will be a part of a sustained effort. This isn't going to be one and done," Kirby added.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel War: 'Massacre' in Gaza as Israeli forces kill dozens of aid seekers

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"There will be additional airdrops planned and executed. And with each one, I think we'll learn more and we'll get -- we'll get better at them. It's very difficult. It is extremely difficult to do an airdrop in such a crowded environment as is Gaza. Very, very densely populated. A lot of people confined to small spaces. So, you want to do it in a way that you can get it to close -- as close as you can to the people in need, but not in a way that puts them in any danger. And so, the Pentagon will be doing a raft of planning on this," he further said.&nbsp;

Kirby also added that first airdrops will involve pallets of MREs -- Meals Ready to Eat -- and that the country has been working alongside international aid organisations on distribution.

"I can tell you that this first one coming in -- in a few days, will not be the last one. It will be part of a larger, longer, sustained effort to increase the flow of humanitarian assistance," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden on Friday (Mar 1) said that the country will start airdropping food and supplies as part of humanitarian aid into Gaza in the days ahead.

United States President Joe Biden on Friday (Mar 1) said that the country will start airdropping food and supplies as part of humanitarian aid into Gaza in the days ahead. Speaking with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in an Oval Office meeting, he called the killing of more than 100 people in Gaza a "tragic and alarming event". On Thursday (Feb 29), a huge crowd of people in North Gaza rushed towards food aid trucks after which the Israeli forces guarding those trucks opened fire at them. "The loss of life is heartbreaking. People are so desperate that innocent people got caught in a terrible war unable to feed their families, and you saw the response when they tried to get aid in," Biden said. Also Read: Israel-Hamas war: Hoping for Gaza ceasefire deal by Ramadan, says Biden He added, "And we need to do more in the United States, will do more. In the coming days, we’re going to join with our friends in Jordan and others in providing airdrops." "In addition to expanding deliveries by land, as I said, we're gonna -- we're gonna insist that Israel facilitate more trucks and more routes to get more and more people the help they need. No excuses because the truth is, aid flowing to Gaza is nowhere nearly enough," the US president further said. "Now, it's nowhere nearly enough. Innocent lives are on the line, and children's lives on the line and we won't stand by and let -- until they -- until we get more aid in there. We should be getting hundreds of trucks in, not just several. I won't stand by and we won’t let up," he added. White House confirms planning to be robust, additional air drops to be planned At a media briefing, White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said, "There's few military operations that are more complicated than humanitarian assistance air drops. This is----this is a tough military mission to do because so many parameters have to be exactly right. We're going to pursue this the way we would pursue any such operation -- carefully." He added that the planning will be robust. "I know that we will learn from the first airdrops, and this will be a part of a sustained effort. This isn't going to be one and done," Kirby added. Watch: Israel War: 'Massacre' in Gaza as Israeli forces kill dozens of aid seekers "There will be additional airdrops planned and executed. And with each one, I think we'll learn more and we'll get -- we'll get better at them. It's very difficult. It is extremely difficult to do an airdrop in such a crowded environment as is Gaza. Very, very densely populated. A lot of people confined to small spaces. So, you want to do it in a way that you can get it to close -- as close as you can to the people in need, but not in a way that puts them in any danger. And so, the Pentagon will be doing a raft of planning on this," he further said. Kirby also added that first airdrops will involve pallets of MREs -- Meals Ready to Eat -- and that the country has been working alongside international aid organisations on distribution. "I can tell you that this first one coming in -- in a few days, will not be the last one. It will be part of a larger, longer, sustained effort to increase the flow of humanitarian assistance," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

US to start airdropping food, supplies into Gaza in days ahead: Biden

Israel will face dire consequences if it sends troops into the besieged Gazan city of Rafah, according to Ehud Olmert, a former prime minister.

Former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert issues stern warning to Netanyahu

More than 100 Palestinians have been killed and some 700 others wounded after Israeli troops opened fire on hundreds waiting for food aid southwest of Gaza city. The ministry said the attack was part of Israel’s ongoing “genocidal war”. It called on the international community to “urgently intervene” to forge a ceasefire as “the only way to protect civilians”.

Israel war: Palestine officials accuse Israel of killing 100 Gazans, US calls it 'serious incident'

Palestinians were seeking food in Gaza city. Israeli forces opened fire. How Gaza food killings unfolded, and Israel’s story changed. At least 112 Palestinians were killed after waiting for much-needed aid in Gaza.

Israel War: 'Massacre' in Gaza as Israeli forces kill dozens of aid seekers

Israel War: 'Massacre' by Israeli troops at aid delivery site in Gaza | WION Fineprint

Israeli troops in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire on Palestinians scrambling for food aid on February 29, in a chaotic incident that the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory said killed more than 100 people.

'Massacre' at aid delivery site in Gaza, Israeli forces fires at crowd

Israel war: Biden condemns killing of 100 Palestinians, says 'ceasefire talks will be complicated'

Former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert talks to WION, issues stern warning to Netanyahu

Israel war: More than 100 Gazans killed while waiting for aid, trampled in chaotic stampede

Israel-Hamas war: Over 100 Gazans waiting for food aid killed by Israeli fire

Israel war: More than 100 Gazans killed, trampled in chaotic stampede while waiting for aid

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