Israel launches major Gaza offensive as talks continue on possible ceasefire

More than 150 people have been killed in Israeli strikes in the last 24 hours, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry

People take part in a protest demanding the end of the war (Maya Alleruzzo/AP)

Israel has launched a major military operation in the Gaza Strip in a bid to pressure Hamas to release hostages while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a negotiating team to remain in Qatar for indirect talks with the militant group.

Defence minister Israel Katz said Operation Gideon Chariots was being led with “great force”.