Airstrikes on Gaza kill 4 as Israel refuses to negotiate

Israel continued its bombardment of the Gaza Strip early Sunday, killing three Palestinians across the besieged coastal enclave as Cairo ceasefire negotiations stalled amid the Israeli withdrawal of its delegation.

Overnight airstrikes primarily targeted the southern cities of Rafah and Khan Younis, killing three -- including a thirteen-year old girl and a fourteen-year old boy -- and injuring dozens as the toll in the 34-day Israeli assault reached 1,917 with more than 9,840 injured.

Palestinian negotiators warned they would leave ceasefire talks in the Egyptian capital if no Israeli delegation showed up, with one senior Palestinian setting a 3 p.m. deadline.

"We have a meeting tomorrow (Sunday) with Egyptian (mediators). If we confirm that the Israeli delegation is placing conditions for its return, we will not accept any conditions," lead negotiator Azzam al-Ahmed told AFP.

But an Israeli official told AFP that talks could not take place until Palestinian rocket fire came to a halt. Militants launched 25 rockets into Israel on Saturday, causing no damage as Israeli airstrikes killed at least 10. more

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