Israel’s extensive strikes on the Gaza Strip follow “Hamas’s repeated refusal to release our hostages”, an Israeli government statement said, as ceasefire negotiations have stalled, according to AFP.

The air strikes were ordered after “Hamas’s repeated refusal to release our hostages, as well as its rejection of all of the proposals it has received from US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and from the mediators,” the statement said, adding that Israel would now act with “increased military force” against Hamas.