Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of breaking the seven-day humanitarian truce in Gaza by refusing to release additional hostages. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office, in a statement posted on X, stated, "The Hamas-ISIS terrorist organization has violated the outline. It has not met its obligation to release all of the women hostages today and has launched rockets at Israeli citizens."
As the truce expired at 7 a.m. local time on Friday, Netanyahu emphasized Israel's commitment to achieving war goals, including releasing hostages, eliminating Hamas, and ensuring Gaza poses no threat to Israeli residents. The truce, initially set for four days starting November 24, saw extensions, with the latest lasting seven days.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) resumed combat operations against Hamas, accusing the group of violating the truce by firing towards Israel. Sirens sounded in southern Israel before the ceasefire's expiration, with the IDF shooting down a rocket from Gaza.
Hamas-affiliated media reported explosions and gunfire in northern Gaza, while air strikes hit the southern Gaza Strip. The Hamas military wing had urged high combat readiness, and both sides indicated readiness for resumed hostilities.
Negotiators from Egypt and Qatar sought a two-day truce extension for hostage and prisoner releases and aid delivery. Israeli conditions for extending the truce included the daily release of 10 Israeli women and children by Hamas.
The restart in hostilities raises concerns about worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with shortages of essential supplies. Since Hamas' assault on Israel began on October 7, over 14,800 Palestinians have reportedly died, and Israel has reported over 1,200 casualties, including foreign nationals.
(With Agency Inputs)
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