A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office added that “Israel will now intensify its military actions against Hamas “.
It said that Mr Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yisrael Katz have ordered the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to “take strong action” against Hamas.
This decision followed Hamas’s persistent refusal to release the hostages and rejecting all offers from the US presidential envoy, Steve Witcoff, and the mediators.
“We will now escalate our military actions against Hamas,” read the statement.
The IDF and Shin Bet (ISA) are reportedly undertaking extensive strikes on Hamas terror targets in the Gaza Strip, according to a joint statement.
A spokesperson from the Palestinian Civil Defence has confirmed that there have been casualties and injuries as a result of these actions.
The IDF strikes come just two days after the Gaza health ministry reported nine Palestinians, including three journalists, were killed in an Israeli airstrike in the northern town of Beit Lahia.
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