DHAKA: Israel has launched air strikes on Gaza early Thursday after being targeted by rocket fire, just as agreement had been reached on extending a truce by five days.

Israel's military said it was targeting "terror sites" after at least five rockets were launched from Gaza.

The ceasefire extension was agreed in indirect talks in Cairo, minutes before an existing three-day truce expired.

However, it is not yet clear if either side sees the latest strikes as a major breach of the ceasefire, correspondents say, reports the BBC.

The report added that Palestinian sources say the truce extension will create a window for further negotiations.

But the BBC's Kevin Connolly in Gaza says future talks are likely to be forbiddingly difficult.

By the ways, officials from both sides have been communicating their demands through Egyptian intermediaries in Cairo.

The talks are aimed at finding a more durable solution to the conflict in Gaza.

BDST: 0851 HRS, AUG 14, 2014