Israel is carrying out a ‘massive attack’ on the Gaza Strip. This is the claim of the country’s army. A spokesman for the Hamas-controlled Military Defense Agency in Gaza said that at least 34 Palestinians were killed in the attack. At least 200 were injured.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that they were attacking sites designated as ‘terrorist’ by Hamas.

This is the largest airstrike in Gaza since the ceasefire came into effect on January 19. The attack by the Israeli forces has further heated up the situation.

The talks to extend the ceasefire in Gaza have failed to reach a final agreement. Due to this, the risk of new conflict has increased. Citing medical workers and witnesses, the strikes targeted three homes in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, a building in Gaza and several locations in the cities of Khan Younis and Rafah.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement that Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the strikes on Tuesday morning. The statement said Hamas had repeatedly refused to release the hostages and had rejected all offers made by mediators, including US President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff. The strikes were carried out in response to this.

The statement also said that Israel would now use more military force against Hamas. The Israeli army planned the strikes at the end of the week. The political leadership approved them.