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Israeli officials travelled to Egypt for another round of talks over a ceasefire deal in Gaza.

According to Reuters, Hamas representatives would not be present in Cairo as they await an Israeli offer.

The negotiations are thought to revolve around a six-week pause in Israel's operation in

Gaza in return for the freedom of the remaining hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7th attack.

Meanwhile the office of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he would be

admitted to hospital for a hernia operation.

Opposition candidates in Turkey looked to have achieved notable wins in local elections.

An initial count in Istanbul showed the incumbent opposition mayor Iqram Imolu heading for a second term.

That would be a blow for Reteb Teab Erdogan whose justice and development, AK party, hope to retake the city.

Another opposition figure, Mansour Yavas, declared victory over AK in Ankara, the capital.

Chinese manufacturing activity grew in March, the first such rise in six months.

The manufacturing purchasing managers index was 50.8 this month compared with 59.1 in February. Anything over 50

denote expansion. An increase in export orders explains the rise.

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