Israel has resumed military operations against Hamas in Gaza. The Israeli government accuses Hamas of breaching the ceasefire agreement by firing rockets and failing to release all women held as hostages.
The truce, initially established on November 24, 2023, and extended twice, aimed at facilitating the exchange of hostages and providing humanitarian aid to the region.
Israeli forces intercepted a rocket fired from Gaza just an hour before the ceasefire’s scheduled end at 7 am (0500 GMT). Despite the allegations, Hamas has not immediately commented or claimed responsibility for the launch.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “With the resumption of fighting, we emphasize the commitment to achieving the goals of the war: freeing hostages, eliminating Hamas, and ensuring Gaza poses no threat to Israel.”
As the truce lapsed, Israeli airstrikes and artillery strikes targeted multiple locations in Gaza, including Rafah near the Egyptian border. Reports from Palestinian media and the Gaza interior ministry described heavy shelling and residents fleeing for safety.
The conflict intensifies following Hamas’ alleged killing of 1,200 people and taking 240 hostages in October. Israel, vowing to annihilate Hamas, responded with a ground invasion and intense bombardment. Palestinian health authorities estimate more than 15,000 casualties in Gaza.
Efforts by Qatar and Egypt to extend the truce included the release of 105 hostages and 240 Palestinian prisoners. Notable releases involved six women, including a Mexican-Israeli dual national, Mia Schem, and siblings Belal and Aisha al-Ziadna, Israeli Bedouin Arab citizens.
While humanitarian aid entered Gaza during the truce, challenges persist in meeting the territory’s needs. King Abdullah of Jordan urged international pressure on Israel to allow more aid into Gaza during an emergency meeting in Amman.