Israel resumes bombing Gaza after the expiration of the truce in the Israel-Hamas war
The Israeli military has officially restarted operations in Gaza as the truce expired, unleashing air raids and artillery fire. Despite efforts from international mediators, including Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, to secure another extension of the pause, the truce concluded at 7 am local time (05:00 GMT) on Friday.
In the aftermath of the truce expiration, thirty Palestinian prisoners were released from Israeli jails in the seventh exchange, reciprocating the earlier release of Israeli captives in Gaza. The ongoing exchange adds another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation in the region.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged Israel’s plans to resume its offensive in Gaza. However, he emphasized the critical need for enhanced protection of civilians in the besieged Palestinian enclave. The plea for safeguarding civilian lives underscores the growing concerns about the impact of renewed hostilities on the vulnerable population in Gaza.
The grim toll of the conflict is evident in the staggering numbers reported. More than 15,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in Gaza since October 7, reflecting the prolonged and devastating nature of the conflict. In Israel, the official death toll stands at approximately 1,200, highlighting the asymmetry in the human cost experienced by both sides.
As the situation escalates once again, the international community closely watches the developments, with hopes for a swift and peaceful resolution to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.