Truce Expired, Israel Resumes Bombing In Gaza (image-instagram/mahmoudhamda)A temporary ceasefire which has lasted for seven days expired on Friday at local time 7 am. The Israel military force has declared that they have resumed the fight with Gaza and has launched air raids and artillery fire on the besieged enclave of Gaza. International mediators, including Qatar, US and Egypt initiated in the extension of the four-day humanitarian truce.
In the seventh exchange of the truce, thirty Palestinian prisoners were freed in exchange for Israeli prisoners. As per Al Jazeera report, soon after the truce deadline ended, fighting has resumed between Hamas and Israel on the ground in separate areas across the territory. The Israel has carried out an air strike in the neighbourhood of sheikh Radwan and artillery shelling targeting the center part of Gaza. Meanwhile, the military forces are trying to expand their ground operation. Airstrikes hit southern Gaza, including the community of Abassan east of the town of Khan Younis, reports AP.
Live footages from the enclaves have been released showing black smoke billowing from the territory.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has released a statement on Friday morning stating that the Hamas militant group has violated the outline of the truce. They also alleged that the group did not commit their duties by releasing all the kidnapped women and launched rockets at Israel. Benjamin Netanyahu released statement on Wednesday in which he stated in clear terms that the fighting shall be resumed soon after the truce expires. Israel emphasized it is committed to achieving the goals of the war to release the hostages and eliminate Hamas.
A total of 83 Israelis, including dual nationals, were freed during the truce. The 240 Palestinians released so far by Israel are mostly been teenagers accused of throwing stones at Israeli forces. The halt in the fighting began on November 24 which initially lasted for four days and then was later extended.