At least three rounds of explosions echoed across the Libyan capital in a three-hour span that began late Monday, and the roar of jets could be heard overhead.

Government spokesman Musa Ibrahim said that the warplanes hit administrative buildings in central Tripoli, and that a nearby hospital was "indirectly" affected.

Ibrahim said the strikes followed "an extended period of calm."

"It is very sad," he said. "We are losing people every day on both sides. We think it is time to sit down and talk."

NATO warplanes and missiles have been pounding Gadhafi's forces and government installations since March as Gadhafi tries to quash a nearly three-month-old revolt against his regime. Libyan rebels are demanding freedom and an end to Gadhafi's nearly 42-year-rule.

Meanwhile, an aid ship chartered by the International Committee of the Red Cross reached the war-torn port city of Misrata.

Misrata is the only city in western Libya held by the rebels, and witnesses have said indiscriminate shelling on the city has left victims with crushed bones, burns and amputations.

The ICRC is bringing medical supplies, spare parts to repair water and electrical supply systems and 8,000 jars of baby food, the statement said.