The Israeli forces intensified air and ground attacks on Gaza, killing more than 80 Palestinians, including nine aid seekers, across the besieged territory in 24 hours, according to the enclave’s Health Ministry.

Israel is ready to negotiate a lasting deal to end the war with Hamas in Gaza when a temporary halt to hostilities begins in the Palestinian territory, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday.

As Israel and Hamas move closer to a ceasefire agreement, Israel says it wants to maintain troops in a southern corridor of the Gaza Strip — a condition that could derail the talks. An Israeli official said an outstanding issue in the negotiations was Israel's desire to keep forces in the territory during a 60-day truce,

Eight children were among 66 people killed in Israeli strikes on Thursday while they were waiting for food outside a health clinic.