Russia expressed "deep regret" on Tuesday over Israel's latest airstrikes on Gaza and said it condemned any actions that led to civilian deaths. Palestinian health authorities said more than 400 people had been killed in what the Israeli military called a "preemptive offensive" against Hamas militants still holding 59 Israeli hostages.

Israel says the offensive is due to Hamas’ refusal to release hostages, vowing to increase military pressure if talks continue to stall.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he ordered the strikes because of a lack of progress in talks to extend the ceasefire.