Israel’s military has resumed it fighting against Hamas in Gaza, ending a week-long truce that international mediators had hoped to extend to an eighth day.
“Hamas violated the operational pause, and in addition, fired towards Israeli territory,” the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement, following warning sirens near Gaza.
“The IDF has resumed combat against the Hamas terrorist organisation in the Gaza Strip.”
The resumption of hostilities on Friday shattered a fragile truce between the warring sides that had allowed for the release of about 100 Israeli women and children and foreigners held hostage by Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups, in exchange for about 240 Palestinian women and children freed from Israeli jails.
The renewed offensive appears to be wide-ranging. The Shehab news agency, which is considered close to Hamas, reported that explosions and gunfire could be heard in northern Gaza, where fighting was heaviest before the ceasefire. Other Hamas-affiliated media also reported sounds of military and drone aircraft flying over Gaza City.
Airstrikes were reported in southern Gaza too, including the community of Abassan east of the town of Khan Younis, the interior ministry in the Hamas-run territory said. Another strike hit a home north-west of Gaza City.
Drones could also be heard in the air over the south for the first time since the truce, an AFP journalist in the area said. There were unconfirmed reports of casualties from strikes in Khan Younis and Rafah.