Israel launched new airstrikes across Gaza early Friday after Palestinian militants fired rockets toward Israel, shattering a tenuous ceasefire that had held for the past week.
Loud explosions rocked Gaza as Israeli warplanes struck targets across the territory at dawn. Plumes of black smoke billowed into the sky amid the sound of heavy gunfire.
The Israeli military said it was responding after Hamas launched rockets toward southern Israel just before the 7am truce expiration. Air raid sirens wailed in communities near Gaza shortly after.
“Hamas violated the operational pause and additionally fired toward Israeli territory,” the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated. “The IDF has resumed combat against the Hamas terrorist organization in Gaza.”
There was no immediate claim of responsibility from Hamas authorities in Gaza. However, Hamas-linked media reported airstrikes and drones over Gaza City and other areas.
After two extensions, the Egyptian-brokered truce had paused fighting for seven days to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and negotiations on a long-term ceasefire.
Over 80 Israelis held hostage by Hamas were freed in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians prisoners during the pause. However, Israel claims Hamas failed to release all women and children captives as outlined under the temporary deal.
With pressure mounting domestically and abroad, analysts say the collapse of talks and return of hostilities severely dims hopes for a durable Gaza ceasefire and resolution to long-running tensions.
The U.N. has warned Gaza’s humanitarian situation is dire, with over 1.7 million displaced. There are fears renewed fighting could spur an exodus toward Egypt.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday urged plans to protect Gaza civilians while meeting officials. But gaps remained as the clock expired early Friday.
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