Israeli airstrikes continue as Gaza death toll nears 30,000

Truce talks for Gaza are underway in Paris, representing a significant effort to halt the ongoing conflict and secure the release of Israeli and foreign hostages. The head of Israel's Mossad intelligence service is engaging separately with Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.

There are preliminary signs of optimism for progressing toward serious negotiations. Hamas has concluded ceasefire talks in Cairo and is awaiting outcomes from the weekend discussions with Israel. Mediators are intensifying efforts to prevent an Israeli assault on Gaza's city of Rafah, with hopes of achieving a ceasefire.

Israel has indicated a potential attack on Rafah if no truce agreement is reached soon, despite U.S. warnings of potential civilian casualties. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh met with Egyptian mediators in Cairo, and Israel is expected to participate in talks in Paris with U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari mediators.

The current discussions follow the rejection of previous proposals, and both sides maintain their respective positions on a truce condition.