Air strikes, heavy shelling, and casualties have been reported in Gaza as Israel accuses Hamas of breaking the truce. The Israeli military has resumed combat operations against Hamas after efforts to extend the truce failed. The resumption of hostilities came after the deadline for the end of the week-long pause passed. Israeli air strikes have been reported across the enclave, including the previously safe southern region. Gaza’s health ministry has reported dozens of Palestinians killed and injured during the initial resumption of Israeli strikes. Rockets and gunfire were also reported before the temporary truce expired. Israel claims that Hamas violated the agreement, while efforts to extend the pause are ongoing with Qatari and Egyptian mediators. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Hamas did not agree to release further hostages, infringing the terms of the truce. Hamas has yet to respond.
With the resumption of fighting, the Israeli government emphasizes its commitment to achieving the goals of the war – freeing hostages, eliminating Hamas, and ensuring that Gaza does not pose a threat to Israel’s residents. However, Hamas believes that Israel’s aggression will not achieve what it failed to accomplish before the truce. Heavy gunfire and Israeli shelling have been reported in the north, central, and southern parts of Gaza, with aircraft and drones heard overhead.
Residential buildings have been destroyed in refugee camps, and casualties have been reported in different areas of Gaza. The resumption of fighting brings Palestinians the fear of living under Israeli bombardment once again. Israeli forces have been dropping leaflets warning civilians to evacuate towards Rafah, on the border with Egypt. However, Gaza is unprepared for further attacks, and people are left wondering where they should go.
The seven-day pause in fighting allowed for the exchange of hostages and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. During the truce, Hamas released 110 captives, while Israel released 240 Palestinians. However, the aid remains insufficient for Gaza’s 2.3 million people, with limited supplies of food, water, medicine, and fuel.
As heavy fighting continues in Gaza, the situation remains tense and uncertain. Efforts to reach a long-lasting resolution and ensure the safety and well-being of civilians in the region are ongoing.
