At least 109 Palestinians have died since the end of a week-long ceasefire, as Israel resumed its intense bombing of Gaza. The Gaza Ministry of Health reported on Friday that hundreds more people have been injured in the attacks. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed that they have targeted over 200 sites since the ceasefire expired on Friday morning. The assault has taken place on the ground, in the air, and at sea in both the north and south of Gaza, including the cities of Khan Younis and Rafah.
Before the ceasefire, Hamas released 110 hostages, but they still hold 137 captives, according to Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy. Levy promised to deliver a severe response to the Palestinian militants for failing to release all the kidnapped women, stating that the majority of the captives are Israeli citizens. In contrast, Israel released about 240 Palestinian women and children held in Israeli jails during the ceasefire. It has been reported that 80% of the released prisoners were never convicted of a crime and many were not even charged, as they were held under a controversial practice called administrative detention.
You may also like to watch : Who Is Kamala Harris? Biography - Parents - Husband - Sister - Career - Indian - Jamaican Heritage
The IDF claims that Hamas violated the truce by firing rockets, which prompted Israel to resume bombing just minutes after the ceasefire ended. However, Hamas argues that West Jerusalem consistently rejected further offers of hostage releases, which could have extended the ceasefire. Despite efforts by the US, France, and other Israeli allies, they were unable to extend the pause in fighting.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas had been ongoing, with failed negotiations aimed at reaching a temporary cessation of hostilities. The two sides agreed to a four-day ceasefire brokered by Qatar, which began on November 24. Israel initially pledged to release 150 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 50 of the approximately 240 hostages held by Hamas. However, the IDF has continued its bombing campaign, causing significant casualties and damage in Gaza. Palestinian ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, told the UN General Assembly that over 15,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 30,000 wounded since Israel declared war on Hamas. He accused Israel of waging a full-fledged war against Palestine and its people.
Israel reiterated on Friday that its objectives are to release its hostages, eliminate Hamas, and ensure that Gaza can never threaten Israel’s security again.
