Israel launches a new military op in Gaza, kills 146

JERUSALEM: Israel said on Satur-day that it has launched a major operation in the Gaza Strip to pressure Hamas to release remaining hostages, following airstrikes that killed at least 146 Palestinians over the past 24 hours and injured many more.

Defence Minister Israel Katz said that Operation Gideon Chariots was being led with "great force." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had vowed to escalate pressure with the aim of destroying the militant group that has ruled Gaza for nearly two decades.

The military operation came a day after US President Donald Trump concluded his Middle East trip without a visit to Israel. There had been hope that Trump's trip could increase the chances of a ceasefire deal or the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza, which Israel has pre-vented for more than two months.

Israel's army said on social media that it was intensifying attacks and exerting "tremen-dous pressure" on Hamas across Gaza, and wouldn't stop until the nostages are returned and the militant group is dismantled.

Ceasefire talks resume:Meanwhile, soon after Tel Aviv launched massive new ground assault. Israel and Hamas resumed ceasefire talks on Sat-urday, in Qatar, both sides said.

Taher Al-Nono, the media advisor for the Hamas leader ship, told Reuters a new round of indirect talks with the Israeli del egation in Doha began on Satur-day, discussing all issues "with out pre-conditions".

The Hamas delegation out-lined the position of the group and the necessity to end the war, swap prisoners, the Israeli with drawal from Gaza, and allowing humanitarian aid and all the needs of the people of Gaza back

into the strip," he added. Katz also said in a statement that the talks had started with out Israel first agreeing to a ceasefire or to lift its blockade.