NEW DELHI: Israel launched air strikes on three houses, located in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, in which 13 people were killed and several others suffered injuries, as reported by the medics on Monday (April 29). However, Hamas media outlets placed the death toll at 15.

As per health officials, two houses were struck by Israeli planes in Gaza City, in the north of the Gaza Strip.

Israel launched strikes on Rafah, which is home to more than a million people who have sought refuge to escape the continuous Israeli bombardment, hours before Egyptian government officials and Hamas leaders were likely to discuss prospects of a ceasefire agreement.

The Hamas leader said that it had no "major issues" after looking at the latest truce proposal of Israel.

"The atmosphere is positive unless there are new Israeli obstacles. There are no major issues in the observations and inquiries submitted by Hamas regarding the contents of the proposal," said the official.

Hamas officials on Sunday stated that a delegation, headed by the group's deputy Gaza chief, Khalil Al-Hayya, will discuss a ceasefire proposal which was given by Hamas to mediators from Qatar and Egypt, along with Israel's response. 

Mediators, with the support of the United States, have increased their efforts to finalise a deal as Israel continues threatening a Rafah invasion. 

United States President Joe Biden held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and "reiterated his clear position" on Rafah's possible invasion, said the White House.

The White House in a statement said that the US government will not support the Rafah invasion without a proper humanitarian plan.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said that Israel agreed to listen to the concerns of the United States before it launches an invasion.

"The President reaffirmed his ironclad commitment to Israel's security. The President stressed the need for this progress to be sustained and enhanced in full coordination with humanitarian organisations," read the statement.

The war broke out after the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas militants in which 1,200 were killed and 253 were taken hostage, as per Israeli authorities.

Israel has reiterated its aim of eradicating Hamas, which controls Gaza, in a military operation that has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, according to the health authorities of Gaza. 

Most of the 2.3 million population of the Gaza Strip has also been displaced because of the war.