Crucial Gaza Ceasefire Talks Resume Amid Escalating Violence

Negotiators reconvened in Doha on Friday as efforts to broker a Gaza ceasefire agreement continue, amidst ongoing Israeli bombardment of the Palestinian enclave. Gaza health officials reported Thursday that the death toll from the conflict has now exceeded 40,000, reflecting the war's devastating toll over the last 10 months.

The latest round of talks, which began on Thursday, will resume on Friday, according to Qatari and U.S. officials. A U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, described Thursday's discussions as 'constructive.'

'This is vital work. The remaining obstacles can be overcome, and we must bring this process to a close,' U.S. national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continued their assault on Gaza, with airstrikes killing at least six Palestinians in Jabalia and hitting targets in the southern cities of Rafah and Khan Younis. Hamas' Hossam Badran emphasized that Israeli actions were hindering progress towards a ceasefire and called for the implementation of a previously accepted framework agreement.

(With inputs from agencies.)