Israel conducts 'extensive strikes' against Hamas in Gaza

March 17 (UPI) -- Israel Defense Forces conducted a wave of "extensive strikes" throughout the Gaza Strip early Tuesday as they targeted Hamas terrorists in the country's first major attack since the start of a cease-fire.

"Tonight we returned to fighting in Gaza due to Hamas' refusal to release the hostages and threats to harm IDF soldiers and Israeli communities," Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement. "If Hamas does not release all the hostages, the gates of hell will open in Gaza."

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