Israeli forces continued operations near the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis on Monday, amid international efforts to broker a ceasefire and prevent a wider regional conflict.

Palestinian medics reported at least 18 people killed and several wounded in Israeli strikes on Khan Younis. Meanwhile, more families evacuated areas threatened by new orders.

Later, an Israeli airstrike killed five people in Gaza City’s Zeitoun suburb, and two others were killed in Rafah, near the Egyptian border.

Hamas reacted skeptically to the latest round of Egyptian and Qatari-brokered talks, saying it had seen no sign of movement from Israel.

The group demanded that mediators force Israel to accept a ceasefire proposal based on ideas from U.S. President Joe Biden, which Hamas had accepted.

Two sources close to Hamas told Reuters the group believes the new call for talks was coordinated with Israel to deter responses from Iran and Hezbollah to the recent assassinations of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders. Israel’s defense minister told his US counterpart that Iran was preparing for a large-scale attack on Israel, as preparations for a potential escalation grew.

The Gaza war, now in its 11th month, has caused widespread destruction and loss of life. According to Palestinian officials, Israeli strikes have killed around 40,000 people, while Israel says it has lost 330 soldiers in the conflict.

Both sides have accused the other of civilian casualties, with Hamas denying the presence of its fighters in a recent Israeli strike on a Gaza school.

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