Renewed Conflict in Gaza: Netanyahu Accuses Hamas of Breaking Truce

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has squarely blamed Hamas for breaking the seven-day humanitarian truce in Gaza, alleging that the militant group refused to release more hostages and launched rockets at Israeli citizens. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, in a statement, labeled Hamas as the “Hamas-ISIS terrorist organization” and emphasized the government’s commitment to achieving war goals, including releasing hostages, eliminating Hamas, and ensuring Gaza poses no threat to Israel.

The truce, extended multiple times, expired on Friday morning, prompting the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to resume combat operations against Hamas. Both sides had indicated readiness for a resumption of hostilities, with Hamas’ military wing maintaining a high-combat readiness posture. The situation is poised to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, marked by shortages of essential supplies, amid ongoing conflict since Hamas initiated the assault on October 7. Over 14,800 Palestinians and more than 1,200 Israelis, including foreign nationals, have been reported as casualties since then.