Netanyahu signals cease-fire deal could be shaping up as deaths top 39,000

The Israeli military has ordered the evacuation of part of a crowded area in the Gaza Strip it had designated a humanitarian zone.

The Health Ministry in Gaza says over 39,000 Palestinians have been killed in the nine-month war.

Egypt, Qatar and the United States are pushing Israel and Hamas toward a phased deal that would stop the fighting and free remaining hostages.

Netanyahu’s office has said a negotiating team will be sent to continue talks Thursday.

In China, Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah signed a declaration on forming a unity government and ending a long rift.

But previous declarations have failed, including a similar deal in 2011.