Muwasi, Jul 14: Hamas said Sunday that Gaza cease-fire talks continue and the group's military commander is in good health, a day after the Israeli military targeted Mohammed Deif with a massive airstrike that local health officials said killed at least 90 people, including children.

Deif's condition remained uncertain after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday night “there still isn't absolute certainty” he was killed. Hamas representatives gave no evidence to back up their assertion about the health of a chief architect of the October 7 attack that sparked the war.

The Israeli military on Sunday announced that Rafa Salama, a Hamas commander it described as one of Deif's closest associates, had been killed in Saturday's strike. Salama commanded Hamas' Khan Younis brigade. The statement gave no update on Deif, who has long topped Israel's most-wanted list and has been in hiding for years.

Hamas rejected the idea that mediated cease-fire discussions had been suspended after the strike. Spokesperson Jihad Taha said “there is no doubt that the horrific massacres will impact any efforts in the negotiations” but added that “efforts and endeavors of the mediators remain ongoing.”

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Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): A major fire broke out at a school ground near here in the small hours of Monday, destroying three parked school buses, police said here.

The incident occurred at around 2.45 am at the ground of a Higher Secondary School at Thundathil under Kazhakkoottam police station limits.

Three school buses were completely gutted in the fire, while another bus was partially damaged, police said.

Fire and rescue teams rushed to the area and brought the blaze under control after an operation that lasted about 30 minutes.

A tempo traveller was found close to the buses, raising suspicion of foul play, officials said.

However, it is not yet clear who drove the vehicle or how it reached the area where the buses were parked.

The school authorities and locals suspect that the fire may not have been accidental.

Police said they have begun an investigation to find out the exact cause of the fire.