Hopes for a peace deal fade

Hamas to snub talks as world leaders fear Iran hit on Israel

- DAVE BURKE

A CEASEFIRE agreement in Gaza is looking increasingly unlikely as US President Joe Biden admitted striking a deal was "getting hard".

World leaders were on edge last night over fears of an Iranian attack on Israel as tensions in the Middle East grow.

It came as Palestinian health officials said 17 people, including five children, died in Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip late Tuesday and early yesterday.

The US, Qatar and Egypt are trying to broker a deal to end the war and secure the release of Israeli hostages.

But crucial talks scheduled for today were thrown in doubt when Hamas officials said they would not take part.