Israel Steps Up Bombardment in Gaza Ahead of Ceasefire Talks in White House

Fighting rages on, with at least 58 killed after mass evacuation orders issued

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CAIRO/JERUSALEM - Palestinians in northern Gaza reported one of the worst nights of Israeli bombardment in weeks after the military issued mass evacuation orders on June 30, while Israeli officials were due in Washington for a new ceasefire push by the Trump administration.

A day after US President Donald Trump urged an end to the 20-month-old war, a confidant of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was expected at the White House for talks on a Gaza ceasefire, Iran, and possible wider regional diplomatic deals.

But on the ground in the Palestinian enclave, there was no sign of fighting letting up.

"Explosions never stopped; they bombed schools and homes. It felt like earthquakes," said Mr Salah, 60, a father of five, from Gaza City. "In the news we hear a ceasefire is near, on the ground we see death and we hear explosions."

Israeli tanks pushed into the eastern areas of Zeitoun suburb in Gaza City and shelled several areas in the north, while aircraft bombed at least four schools after ordering hundreds of families sheltering inside to leave, residents said.

At least 58 people were killed in Israeli strikes on June 30, the health authorities said, including 10 people in Zeitoun and at least 13 killed south-west of Gaza City. Medics said most of the 13 were hit by gunfire, but residents also reported an air strike.