330 killed after Israel resumes Gaza strikes following truce collapse
What's the story
At least 330 people have been killed as Israel launched dozens of strikes throughout Gaza overnight.
The Israeli military said it was carrying out "extensive" attacks after discussions to extend the ceasefire failed.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the decision to resume strikes followed Hamas's "repeated refusal to release our hostages, as well as its rejection of all of the proposals it has received from US special envoy to the Mideast Envoy Steve Witkoff and from the mediators."
Ceasefire breakdown
Ceasefire collapse amid Israeli military operations
"Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength," the prime minister's office said in a statement.
The Israeli military announced via Telegram that it was conducting "extensive strikes on terror targets" associated with Hamas.
AFP news agency, quoting the head of the Gaza health ministry, Mohammed Zaqut, said most of the dead are women and children.
He said that hundreds more are wounded and "dozens of them in critical condition."
Targeted strikes
Israeli military targets Hamas strongholds
Hamas has insisted on sticking to the original terms of the agreement, which was scheduled to commence its second phase at the beginning of the month.
During that phase, Israel was expected to fully withdraw from Gaza and sign an agreement to permanently terminate the conflict in exchange for the release of the remaining living hostages.
While Israel agreed to the accord, Netanyahu has long maintained that the war will not stop until Hamas's governing and military capabilities are decimated.
Civilian impact
Israeli strikes target densely populated areas
As a result, Israel refused to even discuss the terms of phase two, which was scheduled to begin on February 3.
Nonetheless, the ceasefire remained in force for around two and a half weeks after the end of the first phase, as mediators attempted to forge fresh terms for the truce's continuation.
Last week, Hamas stated that it would release American-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander and four prisoner bodies if Israel agreed to immediately begin talks on implementing the second phase.
Stalemate
Negotiations for ceasefire continuation at an impasse
Israel, however, accused the group of carrying out "psychological warfare" against hostage families.
Though not officially declaring an end to the ceasefire, senior Israeli officials have hinted their assault on Gaza would continue.
Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz threatened the "gates of hell" would open in Gaza if the last of the captives were not freed.
"We will not stop fighting until all of the hostages return home and all the war's aims are achieved."