Gaza Death Toll Rises as Israel Resumes Airstrikes After Truce Ends
At least 32 Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded in new Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on Friday, ending a brief humanitarian truce that had been agreed upon by Israel and Hamas. The Israeli army said it intercepted a rocket fired from Gaza, the first such attack since the truce began on Nov 24.
Medical sources in Gaza told Xinhua that the Israeli raids targeted several populated areas and residential buildings in different parts of the enclave, causing heavy casualties and damage. The government media office in Gaza condemned the Israeli aggression and held the international community responsible for “the continued war on children and women.”
According to Israeli media, sirens were heard in Israeli towns near the border with Gaza on Friday morning, warning of incoming rockets from the coastal strip. The Israeli army confirmed that its Iron Dome system intercepted one projectile, but no injuries or damage were reported. The Israeli Home Front Command issued new guidelines for civilians in some areas, instructing them to stay close to shelters and avoid large gatherings.
The temporary humanitarian truce that had been reached between Israel and Hamas with the mediation of Egypt and the United Nations expired at 7:00 am local time (0500 GMT) on Friday. The truce was meant to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid and the repair of infrastructure in Gaza, which has been under a crippling Israeli blockade for more than a decade.
The latest escalation of violence in the region began on Nov 14, when Israel assassinated a senior Hamas commander in Gaza, sparking a barrage of rockets from the militant group. Since then, more than 200 Palestinians and 12 Israelis have been killed in the cross-border exchange of fire, according to health officials on both sides.
The international community has been calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, as well as a political solution to the long-standing conflict. The UN Security Council is expected to hold an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the situation and urge the parties to resume negotiations.
