New Delhi, March 18 -- Israel has launched a new wave of military strikes against Hamas in Gaza following the group's rejection of multiple ceasefire proposals.

The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz, directed the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to take "strong action" after Hamas refused to release Israeli hostages and rejected all mediation efforts led by US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and other mediators.

In a statement, the Prime Minister's Office declared that Israel would now act with "increasing military strength" against Hamas.

Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, justified the renewed offensive, stating, "Diplomacy has failed. The Americans have put forward sever...