At least 140 Palestinians have been killed as the Israeli Air Force launched a massive attack on Hamas targets throughout Gaza on Saturday, world media reported.

Most of the victims were members of the security forces of Hamas but a few civilians were also among the dead, including children. Scores more Palestinians were wounded.

At the Gaza City police station, at least 15 traffic police who had been training in a courtyard were killed on the spot.

The air attack came after days of warnings by Israeli officials that Israel would retaliate for intense rocket and mortar fire against Israeli towns and villages by Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza.

A shaky Egyptian-brokered truce between Israel and Hamas started to break down in early November. Hamas had originally agreed to a six-month lull, and declared it officially over when the six-month period expired on December 19.

"The operation will be continued, expanded and intensified as much as will be required," an Israeli military statement reads.

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