Heavy airstrikes across Gaza Strip leave hundreds dead and injured

Early on the morning of March 18, the Israeli army announced that it had conducted several airstrikes on targets of the Hamas Islamist movement throughout the Gaza Strip.

According to medical sources, at least 80 Palestinians were killed and about 150 others were injured in the series of airstrikes.

According to the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he had ordered the army to take strong action against Hamas targets in Gaza and conduct airstrikes across this Mediterranean strip of land.

The office also said that the Israeli Defense Minister had given the order to take action. The Israeli Army has not yet made a detailed announcement.

Meanwhile, according to the Palestinian Civil Emergency Authority, there have been at least 35 airstrikes across Gaza. Eight Palestinians, including children, were killed in one airstrike in Gaza City alone.

Medical workers and witnesses said three houses were hit in Deir Al-Balah city in central Gaza, a building in Gaza city and targets in Khan Younis and Rafah cities were also hit.

The move comes as Israel and Hamas have yet to reach a consensus on how to maintain the three-phase ceasefire, which began on January 19.

Over the past two weeks, mediating countries including the US, Qatar and Egypt have been trying to narrow the gap between Hamas and Israel to restart negotiations for a ceasefire to free hostages and lift the blockade, but have made little progress.

Israel wants to extend phase one of the deal until mid-April and pressure Hamas to release half of the remaining hostages in exchange for a commitment to negotiate a long-term ceasefire.

However, Hamas rejected this proposal and demanded that Israel immediately negotiate the second phase of the deal.