Gaza Conflict: Cease-Fire on Horizon Amid Rising Toll

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hints at an emerging cease-fire deal in Washington as Gaza faces escalating violence. Displaced Palestinians in Gaza, particularly in Khan Younis, endure dire conditions, with over 39,100 deaths reported. Egypt, Israel, the U.S., and Qatar plan cease-fire discussions in Doha.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, currently in Washington to address Congress, has hinted at the formation of a cease-fire deal. Palestinians displaced by the latest Israeli military order in southern Gaza's Khan Younis are reported to be sleeping in the streets amid dire conditions. The Health Ministry in Gaza has announced that over 39,100 Palestinians have lost their lives in the ongoing nine-month conflict.

On Thursday, officials from Egypt, Israel, the United States, and Qatar are scheduled to convene in Doha to discuss a proposed three-phase cease-fire aimed at ending the war between Israel and Hamas and securing the release of remaining hostages.

Here's the most recent update: dozens more have perished in Gaza, taking the death toll to over 39,100. The Health Ministry in Gaza reports that the bodies of 55 individuals killed by Israeli strikes have been brought to hospitals in the last 24 hours, along with 110 wounded. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its statistics.

An Israeli delegation is set to head to Cairo for talks with Egyptian officials ahead of the Doha negotiations. The discussions are expected to center on the Rafah border crossing and Philadelphi corridor. There are concerns that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's actions could derail a potential agreement.

On a related note, an Iran-backed faction in Iraq has claimed responsibility for an attack with drones on a 'vital target' in the southern Israeli city of Eilat. The Israeli military intercepted the drones, preventing them from entering Israel's airspace.

The escalation comes after previous drone attacks by Iran-backed factions, including a deadly incident in Tel Aviv last week by Yemen's Houthi rebels.

(With inputs from agencies.)