Tel Aviv, April 9 (RHC)-- Palestinian media say airstrikes hit two homes in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighborhood earlier today, killing and injuring dozens of people.  Other attacks were reported in other Gaza City neighborhoods, including Shuja’iyya and Sabra.  This comes as negotiations in Egypt continue, although little is believed to be accomplished.

Hamas said the latest ceasefire proposal does not meet its demands but that it is continuing to review the plan, which includes a six-week pause in fighting and the exchange of 40 Israeli hostages for at least 700 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.  While Hamas is demanding Israel end its assault on Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Monday that Israel has set a date to invade Rafah.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “Today I received a report on the talks in Cairo.  We are constantly working to achieve our goals, first and foremost the release of all of our hostages and achieving a complete victory over Hamas.  The victory requires entry into Rafah and the elimination of the terrorist battalions there.  It will happen. There is a date.”

Displaced Palestinians have been returning to Khan Younis after Israel withdrew from the decimated southern city. 

One woman, Umm Eyad al-Najjar, said normally she would be preparing for Eid celebrations at this time of year as she took in the ruins of her home.   “Our house was good and had everything.  I lacked nothing.  I lived happily with my husband, and our daughter’s children used to live with us, too. … There is no Eid for me. I have no desire to celebrate or do anything.  I’ll just sit in front of my house like this. We won’t go anywhere.  And many of our family members were martyred.  They’re still uncovering the bodies . Praise God.  Who wants to celebrate?  Every house has wounded or martyrs.”