Israeli warplanes have recommenced bombings in Gaza after the truce expired, causing significant casualties. Foreign media reports state that over 175 Palestinians are dead, with many more injured. Al-Jazeera reported that health officials confirmed the death toll rose sharply after Israel resumed its attacks post-truce expiration.
At approximately 7 am local time on Friday, hostilities resumed as the week-long truce ended. In the hour before the truce’s expiration, there were reports of rockets and gunfire. Israel accused Hamas of violating the truce agreement, according to Al-Jazeera. Meanwhile, the Israeli army is urging people in the heavily bombarded southern parts of Gaza to evacuate, indicating a possible expansion of the offensive.
John Kirby, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, reported that the United States is actively working to restore the humanitarian pause in Gaza. The US is focusing on releasing more captives and facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid into the region. Concurrently, the Palestinian Red Crescent noted that Israeli forces had barred truck entries at the crossing, significantly impacting humanitarian efforts.
Israel has proposed creating a buffer zone near its border within Gaza to prevent future attacks, sharing this plan with several Arab states, including Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, and indirectly with Saudi Arabia. This proposal, part of Israel’s plans for the enclave after the war, was met with opposition from Arab states when presented, as per Egyptian security sources and a Reuters news agency report.
