The Israeli military says it is carrying out “extensive strikes” in the Gaza Strip. A spokesperson for Gaza’s Hamas-run Civil Defence agency – the strip’s main emergency response service – told the BBC that at least 34 Palestinians have been killed and 70 others injured. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it was targeting what it called “terror targets” belonging to Hamas. This is the largest wave of airstrikes in Gaza since the ceasefire began on 19 January. Talks to extend the Gaza ceasefire have failed to reach an agreement. Three houses were hit in Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza, a building in Gaza City, and targets in Khan Younis and Rafah, Reuters reported, citing medics and witnesses. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the strikes on Tuesday morning, according to a statement from the PM’s office. Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength, it said. The plan for the strikes “was presented by the IDF over the weekend and approved by the political leadership”, it added.
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