Israeli forces have bombed a school in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip. Local authorities say it was used as a shelter, and the attack killed 40 people and injured dozens.

Israel's military said on Thursday that they carried out a precise strike on a Hamas compound embedded in the UN school, and killed multiple Hamas fighters.

They said they took a number of steps before the attack to reduce the risk of harming civilians.

But local authorities in Gaza condemned the raid, saying many displaced people were taking shelter in the school.

The airstrike came as mediators continue to work on a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza.

US news website Axios reported that Qatar and Egypt met with senior Hamas officials in Doha on Wednesday to discuss a new proposal for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release.

The website quoted the mediators as saying Hamas has not given an official response to the proposal. It said they are expected to hold additional talks.

Whether a deal will be hammered out remains to be seen as Israel is ramping up pressure on Hamas with continued attacks on Gaza.

Israeli media reported that Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said hostage negotiations with Hamas will "only be conducted under fire."