The Israeli army has launched heavy airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement saying that it has resumed attacks 'targeting terrorists' linked to Hamas.
According to the BBC, three houses in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, one building in Gaza City and Khan Yunis and Rafah were attacked.
This is the biggest airstrike in Gaza since the January 19 ceasefire. Negotiations to extend the Gaza ceasefire have failed.
A statement from the Israeli Prime Minister's Office states that 'Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the airstrikes on Tuesday morning'.
'This is a response to Hamas' continued refusal to release our hostages and the rejection of the proposals made by US President Steve Wittkoff and mediators,' the statement said, 'From now on, Israel will use increased military force against Hamas.'
The plan for the attack was said to have been 'presented by the IDF over the weekend and approved by the political leadership'.
After the first phase of the temporary ceasefire expired on March 1, negotiators were looking for the next step. The US proposed extending the first phase of the ceasefire until mid-April, which included the release of hostages by Hamas and the release of additional Palestinian prisoners by Israel.
However, according to a Palestinian official involved in the negotiations, according to the BBC, Israel and Hamas have disagreed on some important points in the agreement.
