Israel and Hamas resume ceasefire talks after IDF launches major ground offensive to 'seize and control' areas in Gaza

Israel’s cabinet approved plans to invade all of Gaza following a week that saw at least 300 people, the vast majority civilians, killed by Israeli strikes on the region.

The announcement comes after days of intensive strikes across Gaza that killed hundreds of people, according to Gaza's health ministry.

Israel has said it would not stop operating in Gaza "until Hamas is no longer a threat and all our hostages are home", and had "struck over 150 terror targets throughout the Gaza Strip" in 24 hours.

Speaking on Saturday, Israel's defence minister Israel Katz accused Hamas of “refusing to discuss negotiations without a cessation of the war" but said the renewed assault on Gaza’s civilian population has seen the militant group agree “to sit in a room and seriously discuss the deal".

Read more: Israel launches major ground offensive to 'seize and control' areas in Gaza

"Israel emphasises that if the talks do not progress, the [military] operation will continue," he added.

Hamas official Taher al-Nono confirmed the two sides were speaking without "pre-conditions".

He added the group was "keen to exert all the effort needed" to find peace.

The last week has been the deadliest in Gaza since Israel ended its ceasefire with Hamas in March, with over 150 people being killed in the last 24 hours, the Palestinian health ministry reports.

The director of the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, Marwan Al-Sultan, said it had received 58 bodies since midnight "while a large number of victims remain under the rubble".

"The situation inside the hospital is catastrophic," he added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed earlier in the week to escalate pressure on Hamas with the aim of destroying the militant group that has ruled Gaza for nearly two decades.

Yesterday, as US President Donald Trump wrapped up his Middle East visit, Israeli strikes killed at least 20 people in Gaza.

Widespread attacks across northern Gaza took place as Mr Trump finishes his visit to Gulf states - but not Israel.

There had been widespread hope that Mr Trump's regional visit could usher in a ceasefire deal or renewal of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

An Israeli blockade of the territory is now in its third month.

The strikes lasted hours into Friday morning, sending people fleeing from the Jabaliya refugee camp and the town of Beit Lahiya.

It followed days of similar attacks that killed more than 130 people, according to Gaza's health ministry.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed earlier in the week to push ahead with a promised escalation of force in Israel's war in the Gaza Strip to pursue his aim of destroying the Hamas militant group, which governs Gaza.

In comments released by Mr Netanyahu's office on Tuesday, the prime minister said Israeli forces were days away from entering Gaza "with great strength to complete the mission... It means destroying Hamas."

It was unclear if Friday's bombardment was the start of the operation.

At least 53,000 Gazans, the vast majority women and children, have been killed by Israel in the wake of Hamas’ October 7 attack on the country, which saw 1,200 Israelis die.

Recent weeks have seen the United Nations warn of mass starvation and famine in Gaza, as Israel continues to block aid from entering the region.