KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip. Israeli airstrikes have resumed in the Gaza Strip, marking the end of a weeklong truce with Hamas. The airstrikes targeted houses and buildings in Gaza minutes after the truce expired. Black smoke filled the besieged territory, with health authorities reporting dozens of Palestinian casualties. Israel dropped leaflets over Gaza City and urged civilians to flee to avoid the fighting.
In response, sirens warned of incoming rockets in Israeli communal farms near Gaza. The renewed hostilities further intensify the suffering in Gaza, where approximately 2 million people are crammed into the southern territory. Israel, vowing to extend its ground assault, has urged people to relocate.
The truce, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, ended with both Israel and Hamas blaming each other. Qatar accused Israel of complicating mediation efforts and worsening the humanitarian crisis. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israel to protect Palestinian civilians.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that Israel is committed to achieving the war’s goals, including releasing hostages, eliminating Hamas, and ensuring Gaza poses no threat to Israel. The Israeli military released a map dividing Gaza into parcels, urging residents to learn their location for potential evacuation.
Within hours of the renewed bombardment, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported 109 people killed, while Israel claimed to have struck over 200 Hamas targets. The toll since the war’s start is over 13,300 Palestinians, with concerns about additional casualties trapped under rubble.
The conflict began after an October 7 attack by Hamas and other militants, resulting in civilian deaths and hostage-taking. Despite international efforts to extend the truce, the situation escalated, with both sides accusing the other of violating the ceasefire terms.
Note: The information in this summary is based on the provided news report and may be subject to updates or changes.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
