PHOTO: AFP

AGENCIES

Israeli tanks moved deeper into Gaza City’s residential districts yesterday, as local health authorities said they have been unable to respond to dozens of desperate calls, expressing concern about the fate of residents in the targeted areas.

Gaza health ministry said at least 77 people have been killed by Israeli fire in the past 24 hours.

Witnesses and medics said Israeli tanks had deepened their incursions in the Sabra, Tel Al-Hawa, Sheikh Radwan and Al-Naser neighbourhoods, closing in on the heart and the western areas of Gaza City, where hundreds of thousands of people are sheltering.

The Israeli military launched its long-threatened ground offensive on Gaza City on September 16 after weeks of intensifying strikes on the urban centre, forcing hundreds of Palestinians to flee although many still remain.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump yesterday expressed optimism about reaching a deal to end the war in Gaza, saying there is “a real chance for greatness in the Middle East,” ahead of tomorrow’s talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Trump did not provide specific details of a prospective ceasefire-for-hostages agreement in Gaza, but Vice President JD Vance told “Fox News Sunday” that top US officials are immersed in “very complicated” negotiations with Israeli and Arab leaders.

“We have a real chance for Greatness in the Middle East. All are on board for something “So

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