The escalation of the conflict in the Gaza Strip, which has led to human losses among Palestinians, is also endangering the lives of Israeli hostages, a member of Hamas' political office, Basem Naim, told Sputnik on Wednesday.
"It is a dangerous escalation, which has led to material and human losses among Palestinians, but it does not exclude Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip too and will put their lives in danger," Naim said.
According to the latest data from Gaza's health ministry, more than 419 people have been killed and more than 500 injured in the latest strikes.
On March 1, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that had been in effect since January 19 ended. Combat operations did not resume that day, thanks to the efforts of mediators. However, on March 2, Israel announced a ban on humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and threatened further pressure on Hamas for refusing to accept the new US plan to extend the truce in the enclave and release the remaining hostages.