Israel’s military restarted attacks against Hamas on Friday after accusing the Palestinian militant group of violating a temporary truce by firing into Israeli territory.
Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners were freed, and dozens of hostages held in Gaza were exchanged during the seven-day pause that started on November 24. The pause was extended twice and also facilitated the entry of humanitarian aid into the coastal strip.
Israel claimed to have intercepted a rocket fired from Gaza An hour before the scheduled end of the truce at 7 a.m. (0500 GMT).
Hamas issued no immediate statement of condemnation or assertion of liability regarding the launches.
Palestinian media reported that Israeli air and artillery strikes occurred throughout the enclave, including in Rafah, which is close to the Egyptian border, after the truce expired.
The Israeli military confirmed that its jets targeted Hamas installations in Gaza.
In response to the Oct. 7 Hamas rampage that killed 1,200 people and took 240 hostages, Israel has vowed to destroy the militant group.
Israel responded with intense bombing and a ground invasion. Palestinian health authorities trusted by the UN say over 15,000 Gazans have died.
