Israel’s warplanes began pounding targets in Gaza after the collapse of a cease-fire deal that allowed the release of over 100 hostages and nearly 250 Palestinians from Israeli jails. By mid-afternoon, Israel had launched over 200 airstrikes across the territory, including in Rafah and Khan Younis, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have sought shelter. Health officials in Gaza reported 178 deaths and nearly 600 injuries in the renewed bombardment. Rafah, near the Egyptian border, experienced one strike near an open market.
Fadwa Miqdad, daughter of Ramadan Miqdad, was killed during the Rafah strike, while Joury Miqdad, a five-year-old, was playing with her cousin. The incident occurred during the Rafah strike, causing widespread mourning and a loss of life.
While Israel and Hamas trade accusations, negotiations on a new agreement continue.
Hamas has resumed fighting with Israeli forces after a ceasefire was ended, following a seventh hostages-for-prisoners exchange. The move comes as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken leaves Israel after high-level meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel’s military reopened combat operations due to Hamas violating the operational pause and firing toward Israeli territory. Netanyahu’s office criticized Hamas for not fulfilling its duty to release all kidnapped women and launching rockets at Israeli citizens.
The Israeli government is committed to achieving war goals, including releasing hostages, eliminating Hamas, and ensuring Gaza’s safety for Israeli residents. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has flown over Gaza in a helicopter, witnessing the impressive attacks by the Air Force. The prime minister’s office emphasizes the Israeli government’s commitment to achieving these goals and ensuring the safety of Israeli residents. Hamas, an Islamist militant group, has claimed Israel bears full responsibility for the breakdown of the cease-fire in Gaza. In all-night negotiations, Hamas offered to exchange prisoners and the elderly, as well as hand over the bodies of those killed and detained as a result of the Israeli bombing.
The group also referred by name to a family of captives, Shiri Bibas and her two children, who were killed in an Israeli airstrike. Hamas also offered to hand over the bodies of the Bibas family and release their father, so he could participate in their burial ceremonies. However, Israel refused to deal with these offers. Hamas also claimed that the Biden administration bears full responsibility for the continuation of Zionist war crimes in the Gaza Strip after its absolute support for it and after Blinken’s “green light” for Israel to resume the war. Blinken emphasized the importance of securing the release of hostages, increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza, and ensuring Israel can prevent Hamas from retaliating against its actions on October 7th.
Israel reiterates its demands for Gaza’s civilian population to go south
Hamas has been accused of using residents of the Gaza Strip as human shields, using their command and military infrastructure in residential areas, hospitals, mosques, and schools. Israel’s military issued a warning, stating that Hamas turns civilian sites into military targets. The military issued an interactive evacuation map, but many residents have been without electricity or internet connection for weeks, making it difficult to navigate on a cell phone.
Israeli planes dropped leaflets over Khan Younis, warning that the city is a dangerous combat zone. It said residents should move to Rafah, about 6 miles to the south. During the week-long pause in fighting, Hamas and other militants in Gaza released more than 100 hostages, most of them Israelis, in return for 240 Palestinians freed from prisons in Israel.
As fighting restarts, officials continue working on new deal
The truce facilitated the provision of humanitarian aid to besieged Gaza, whose 2.2 million inhabitants have been suffering from Israeli airstrikes and a ground campaign resulting in at least 13,300 deaths. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed regret over the restarting of military operations in Gaza, expressing hope for a renewed pause and highlighting the importance of a true humanitarian ceasefire, despite the return to hostilities.
Hamas has extended the cease-fire deal with Israel for three days, allowing for the exchange of more captives. Israel agreed to prolong the truce if Hamas provided an additional 10 hostages per day in exchange for 30 Palestinians. However, Hamas only released eight captives in the final exchange.
Families of prisoners on both sides cling to hope
Hundreds of people gathered in a key Tel Aviv plaza where the families of captives and their allies have maintained vigil since the crisis began as Israelis woke up to the news that the conflict was back on. The relatives of several Israeli captives who are still being held by Hamas expressed their sadness on Friday over the fighting’s restart. Yoav Shelhav of Nahal Oz kibbutz, whose two people were kidnapped in the Hamas raid eight weeks ago, expressed his regret over the situation, saying, “I feel very bad about the whole issue.” Omri Miran and Tzahi Idan, two kibbutz members, are still held captive. Shelhav said that Idan is a distant relative.
I believe that bringing everyone back—not just these two guys—should be our top priority.” He stated. “In my opinion, this ought to come first. While the Hamas problem is significant and need to be handled, it may not always take precedence.I have no actual idea of them, if they are still alive or not, but I have hope,” Shelhav stated in reference to his continued optimism that additional captives may one day be released.
Nihal Deeba, a resident of East Jerusalem, is deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, where her sons Malik and Arafat are accused of stone-throwing. Malik was released from an Israeli jail as part of a truce, while Arafat remains in prison. Deeba prays for mercy and protection for the people of Gaza, hoping for another truce and the release of all prisoners. She also expresses hope for Arafat’s release and the emptied prisons. Deeba hopes for a peaceful resolution and the release of Arafat’s older son. The situation in the Gaza Strip is a cause for concern and hope.
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