The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said that it had been instructed to carry out "extensive" strikes against Hamas throughout the Gaza Strip, seemingly putting an end to the fragile ceasefire that started on January 19.
"In accordance with the political echelon, the IDF and ISA are currently conducting extensive strikes on terror targets belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip," the IDF said. The statement came shortly after a series of explosions rang out across Gaza, with Israeli warplanes seen flying overhead, as reported by Al Jazeera. An unspecified number of people have been killed and injured in the strikes, the news agency added.
The first phase of the ceasefire ended on March 1. Hamas wanted to move on to phase two of the agreement, which would have seen a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the release of all hostages held by Hamas. Israel instead pushed for an extension of phase one and talks stalled.
