Israeli leadership gave Hamas a 36-hour ultimatum warning it will step up its offensive unless Gaza ceases strikes.

In an interview with Israeli radio station Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz said Israel may widen the operation up to “complete military decision” unless Hamas ceases firing at Israeli territory and stops illegal supply of weapons to the Gaza Strip, Interfax reported.

According to the recent data, 81 people were killed in Gaza as a result of Israeli strikes. In Israel the death toll has reached three people. Meanwhile, talks on Gaza are underway in Egypt. The Palestinian side said the talks would hardly have a positive outcome because of Israel’s demands. In its turn the Israeli side considers the results would become clear in 1-2 days.