"The IDF remains alert and maintains both defensive and striking capabilities in order to address the renewed aggression," Israel Defense Forces said in a statement. "The IDF is determined to defend the civilians of the state of Israel."
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told AFP the claim by Israel was a ruse to sabotage talks in Cairo aimed at a longer-term cease-fire.
"We don't have any information about firing rockets from Gaza," he said. "The Israeli raids are intended to abort the negotiations in Cairo."
However, shortly before the launch, Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said: "If (Israel Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu doesn't understand … the language of politics in Cairo, we know how to make him understand."
It is not immediately clear if the renewed hostilities will lead to a longer-term resumption in attacks by both sides, effectively ending a fragile cease-fire that has been in place for several days.
Nearly 2,000 Palestinians have been killed since the fighting broke out July 8. Gaza's Health Ministry and the United Nations say the majority of them were civilians. Israel says it has lost 67 people, including three soldiers.
The indirect peace talks taking place in Egypt had yielded few signs of progress. Hamas is seeking an end to a seven-year Israeli-Egypt blockade that has ravaged Gaza's economy, while Israel wants guarantees that Hamas will disarm.
An Egyptian compromise proposal calls for easing the blockade, but not lifting it altogether and opening the territory's air and seaports as Hamas has demanded.
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