Agencies Dubai

Israel continued its relentless bombardment of Gaza on Monday after tens of thousands of Palestinians fled eastern Gaza City in the north of the territory after Israel war­ned of a major new offensive. At least 25 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Monday, health authorities said in an updated toll, including 10 people killed in Zeitoun in southern Gaza City.

Two people seeking aid were also killed by Israeli fire near an aid distribution centre in southern Rafah, sources at the Nasser medical complex told Al Jazeera. The attacks come as Israeli officials are due in Washing­ton for a new ceasefire push by the US, which is fuelling the war by providing wea­pons to the Israeli military.

Israel’s strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer was expe­cted at the White House later on Monday for talks on Iran and Gaza, an Israeli official said. In Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet was expected to convene to discuss the next steps in its widening assault on Gaza. The Israeli PM has been ac­cused of deliberately prolonging ceasefire negotiati­ons, and blocking their progress, to ensure own political survival by having the war continue.