Hamas condemned Israel’s decision to escalate military operations in the Gaza Strip, accusing Tel Aviv of attempting to gain leverage in ongoing ceasefire and prisoner exchange negotiations, Anadolu reports.

The Israeli news website Walla cited unnamed political sources as saying: “The Israeli security Cabinet recently instructed the military to intensify its operations in Gaza to strengthen Israel’s position in the negotiations.”

As of yet, no official Israeli statement has been issued regarding this decision.

In a statement, Izzat al-Rishq, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, described Israel’s decision as “a renewed persistence in its fascist approach against the Palestinians in Gaza” and an “insistence on brutal behavior targeting defenseless civilians.”