GAZA - Renewed clashes erupted in Gaza for the second consecutive day as efforts to extend a week-long truce with Hamas faltered. Israeli forces conducted extensive bombardments in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, leading to rising columns of smoke. The truce, set to expire after a week, witnessed intensified violence, resulting in 184 reported deaths and over 589 injuries by Friday evening.
The breakdown of the truce was attributed to the failure to reach an agreement on extending the daily release of hostages by Hamas in exchange for Palestinians held by Israel. The United Nations warned of an escalating humanitarian crisis, with a spokesperson describing the situation as "Hell on Earth" in Gaza.
Israel claimed to have targeted more than 200 "terror targets" in Gaza, while accusing Hamas of not releasing all female hostages. The conflict escalated further, with Gaza facing severe devastation and over 15,000 reported casualties, according to Palestinian health authorities.
Qatar, a key mediator, indicated ongoing negotiations but highlighted the complications arising from Israel's renewed bombardment. In response, an Israeli official in Washington emphasized the priority of securing hostage releases and expressed willingness to negotiate amid ongoing hostilities.
In the north of Gaza, plumes of smoke and gunfire marked the main war zone, with reports of clashes between Hamas fighters and Israeli forces. Rocket attacks from Gaza into southern Israel triggered sirens, while casualties were reported in southern Lebanon.
The United States held Hamas responsible for the renewed fighting, emphasizing diplomatic efforts to restore the truce. However, tensions persisted, with accusations exchanged between the U.S. and Hamas. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported a halt in aid deliveries, adding to the challenges faced by Gazans.
Despite casualty reports, Israel, in collaboration with the U.S. and the U.N., expressed efforts to minimize harm to civilians through a "deconfliction mechanism." The situation remains dire, with the conflict escalating and humanitarian concerns deepening in the embattled region.