Gaza's health ministry says at least 60 people were killed by Israeli strikes in a 24-hour period as Israel pressed ahead with its military offensive and let in minimal aid to the strip.

President Joe Biden’s top Middle East adviser on Tuesday held talks in Doha with senior Qatari leaders on the ongoing efforts to complete a cease-fire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas.

President Joe Biden has spoken with his Egyptian and Qatari counterparts ahead of a trip by his CIA director meant to press toward a deal to secure the release of more hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a pause to fighting in Gaza.

The hostage deal had seemed on the verge of unraveling.

The Gulf nation of Qatar has agreed to represent U.S. interests in Afghanistan following the closure of the American embassy in Kabul in late August.