Israel says it is currently carrying out “extensive strikes on terror targets” across the Gaza Strip.
A statement said: “From now on, Israel will act against Hamas with increasing military force.”
Officials added that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s order to Israeli Defence Forces came after Hamas “repeatedly refused to release our hostages”.
A spokesman for the Palestinian Civil Defence says there have been fatalities and injuries as a result of the strikes.
It comes two days after the Gaza health ministry said nine Palestinians, including three journalists, were killed in an Israeli airstrike in the northern town of Beit Lahia.
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