Gaza Ceasefire Crumbles: Israel Resumes Combat Operations

The fragile seven-day ceasefire in Gaza collapsed as Israel accused Hamas of violating the truce agreement by firing toward Israeli territory, prompting the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to resume combat against the militant group. The truce, extended multiple times, was set to expire, leading to heightened tensions. Israel reported intercepting a rocket fired from Gaza, while explosions and gunfire were reported in northern Gaza, according to media outlets affiliated with Hamas.

Air strikes targeted the southern Gaza Strip, as stated by the Hamas-run interior and national security ministry. Egyptian and Qatari negotiators sought a two-day extension for humanitarian efforts, but Israel insisted on Hamas releasing 10 Israeli hostages per day as a condition.

Both sides had signaled preparedness for a resumption of hostilities, with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasizing the potential for a swift transition into full-scale fighting. Hamas’ military wing urged forces to maintain a high-combat readiness posture, signaling a heightened risk of renewed conflict in the region.