Israel conducting ‘extensive strikes’ on the Gaza Strip
The Israeli military said it was conducting a “wide strike” in the Gaza Strip.
Gaza Hamas – A spokesperson for the operating civil defense agency is the main emergency services agency in the strip – told the BBC that at least 34 Palestinians were killed and 70 others were injured.
The IDF said it targeted Hamas’ “terrorist targets.”
This is the biggest wave of air strikes in Gaza since the ceasefire on January 19. Talks to extend the ceasefire in Gaza An agreement was not reached.
Reuters reported that in a building in Gaza, three houses were attacked in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, with Khan Yunis and Rafa targets being attacked.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz ordered a strike, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
“This is because Hamas repeatedly refused to release our hostages and rejected all the advice it received from U.S. Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and the mediators,” it said.
It added: “From now on, Israel will take action against Hamas with an increasing military force.”
It said the strike plan was “promulgated by the IDF over the weekend and approved by the political leadership.”
A White House spokesman told Fox News that Israel consulted U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration before the strike.
Negotiators have been trying to find a way forward after the first phase of the temporary truce ended on March 1.
The United States proposes to extend the first phase to mid-April, including hostages held by Palestinian prisoners held by Hamas and Israel.
But a Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations told the BBC that Israel and Hamas disagree with the key aspects of the deal that Witkov proposed in the indirect negotiations.
The latest war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas killed more than 1,200 people, most of them civilians and 251 hostages in southern Israel.
According to Hamas-Operation Health Ministry figures, the raid triggered an Israeli military offensive, killing 48,520 people, most of them civilians.
Most of Gaza’s 2.1 million people have been displaced repeatedly.
An estimated 70% of buildings have been damaged or damaged, health care, water and sanitation systems have collapsed, and food, fuel, medicines and shelter are lacking.
