Israeli forces have continued airstrikes in the Gaza Strip through Wednesday following a renewed offensive in the territory that killed hundreds of people the previous day.



Israel said multiple senior Hamas officials were killed in Tuesday's airstrikes. Gaza health authorities reported that more than 400 people had died in the attacks.



Local media said 14 residents were killed and many others injured in the attacks that continued across wide areas on Wednesday, including Khan Younis in southern Gaza.



Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the attacks, saying: "Israel does not target Palestinian civilians. We target Hamas terrorists." He accused Hamas of using civilians as "human shields" and blamed it for the "unintended casualties."



Netanyahu stressed that further ceasefire negotiations will take place under fire.



The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas started in January. Talks have stalled on transitioning to its second phase, which calls for a complete withdrawal of Israel's forces from Gaza, and a permanent truce. The agreement is at stake, as Israel has resumed attacks, blaming Hamas for rejecting a US proposal to extend the ceasefire and free Israeli hostages.



Tensions also continue in the Red Sea, where the Yemen-based, anti-government Houthi group claimed it carried out a military operation against a US aircraft carrier and other targets. The group, which has expressed solidarity with Hamas, said it was the fourth attack in 72 hours.