GAZA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army killed at least 200 Palestinians and wounded dozens more during the intensifying airstrikes on various places in Gaza, the Hamas-run government media office said Tuesday.

In a press statement, the office said that the Israeli raids targeted densely populated residential areas in the south, north and center of the Strip, as well as camps for displaced persons.

"The strikes caused significant material damage and left dozens trapped under the rubble, while rescue teams faced severe challenges in reaching the victims due to the ongoing bombardment," it said.

The past few hours have witnessed a sharp military escalation, with Israeli warplanes launching successive raids on residential neighborhoods in Gaza City, the southern city of Khan Yunis and the town of Jabalia in the north.

Palestinian eyewitnesses told Xinhua that they heard powerful explosions that echoed throughout the Strip as civil defense crews rushed to pull victims from beneath the debris.

Medical sources in Gaza said that hospitals are operating beyond capacity amid a severe shortage of medical supplies, making it increasingly difficult to treat heavy casualties.

Ambulance services have been disrupted as the ongoing airstrikes have destroyed roads and infrastructure, further complicating rescue efforts.

The latest escalation comes after Israel announced the resumption of attacks on Gaza, citing Hamas's rejection of U.S.-brokered proposals to extend the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.

Hamas, in turn, accused Israel of violating the ceasefire that took effect on Jan. 19 and called on mediators to pressure Israel to halt the military campaign. Enditem

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