Hamas has threatened to execute an Israeli captive each time Israel bombs a Palestinian home without prior notice.
The blockade of the Gaza Strip and the unprecedented activation of 300,000 reservists fueled rumors that Israel was planning a ground assault.
More than 1,500 people have been killed in the violence, leading to international declarations of support for Israel in the wake of a devastating weekend attack by Hamas and calls for an end to the conflict and the protection of civilians.
In the Hamas attack, Israeli media reported that 900 Israelis were killed, 2,600 were injured, and dozens were taken captive. At a music festival in the desert where hostages were taken, 260 Israelis, mostly young people, were killed by gunfire.
In a vengeful speech, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Iran-backed Hamas of executing a bound and gagged child. “This vile enemy wanted war and will get it,” he said.
Since Saturday, Israeli air strikes on Gaza have killed 687 Palestinians and wounded 3,726, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Media and eyewitnesses reported that apartment blocks, a mosque, and hospitals were attacked, destroying roads and houses.
Strikes continued well into Monday night. Israel said it hit Islamic Jihad and Hamas targets along Gaza’s coast from the sea and air, including a weapons depot.
Abu Ubaida, a spokesman for Hamas, threatened on Monday to execute any Israeli captives still being held following the attack early Saturday morning. He vowed that every time Israel unprovokedly bombed a civilian home, Hamas would publicly execute an Israeli prisoner in retaliation.
The Israeli military did not immediately respond to the threat.
Dozens of residents of the Remal neighborhood in Gaza City have abandoned their homes.
According to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) currently provides shelter for approximately 137,000 people in need.
