Israeli strikes kill 28 near Gaza hospital

Gaza rescuers said Israeli strikes in the vicinity of a hospital in the south of the Palestinian territory killed at least 28 people Tuesday, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the military would enter Gaza "with full force" in the coming days.

Gaza's civil defence agency said at least 28 people were killed in Israeli strikes surrounding the European hospital in Khan Younis.

"It was an utterly catastrophic scene," Amro Tabash, a local photojournalist, told AFP.

"In the very coming days, we are going in with full force to complete the operation," Netanyahu was quoted as saying in a statement from his office.

Israel resumed major operations across Gaza on March 18 amid a deadlock over how to proceed with a January 19 ceasefire.

US officials told families of hostages still held in Gaza they see a better chance of a deal for their release after Washington reached an accord with militant group Hamas for an American hostage's freedom that largely bypassed the Israeli government.

US special envoy for hostage affairs Adam Boehler and Steve Witkoff, US special envoy to the Middle East, met families of hostages for almost two hours in Tel Aviv Tuesday. Of the 58 hostages still held in Gaza, about 20 are said to be alive.

Hamas on Monday released Edan Alexander, the last known living American hostage, ahead of President Donald Trump's visit to the region.

"I think there’s a better chance now than before," Boehler told reporters in Tel Aviv ahead of meeting the families.

Boehler, who is tasked with securing the release of US hostages, said Hamas could "pull a deal any day they want" and there was "hope of change" following Alexander's release.

The Hostages Families Forum, which represents many families of those held in Gaza, said Boehler and Witkoff told the meeting they would travel to Doha for talks on the war in Gaza.

"They're optimistic, and we've left with some optimism to hear that they have a plan that they hope to implement in the near future," said Udi Goren, cousin of Tal Haimi who was abducted and later confirmed dead. His body is still being held.

Israel has announced it is sending a delegation to Qatar. Egypt and Qatar have mediated talks throughout the war and most of the hostages have been released through diplomatic negotiations.

Trump will travel to Qatar Wednesday after Saudi Arabia. He is also set to visit the United Arab Emirates but not Israel.