Early Friday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported a violation of the temporary ceasefire by Hamas, the Palestinian militant group controlling Gaza.
This breach occurred shortly after the ceasefire had been extended for an additional 24 hours on Thursday.
Israel sources report that Hamas militants fired projectiles towards Israeli territory, compelling the IDF to resume military operations against the Palestinian militant group in Gaza.
Within hours of the ceasefire violation, Gaza’s health officials reported that at least 70 people were killed and dozens more wounded due to airstrikes. At least eight residential homes were impacted, according to Gaza officials.
While the ceasefire was in effect over the last seven days, A total of 105 civilians were released from Hamas captivity in Gaza. Among them were 81 Israelis, 23 Thai nationals, and one Filipino. In return, 210 Palestinian prisoners, all women or minors, were released.
However, Israel has reported that 137 hostages are still being held within the Strip.
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office issued a statement, accusing Hamas of violating the ceasefire framework by failing to fulfill its obligation to release all the women being held hostage and firing rockets at Israel.
According to reports from Al Jazeera, the Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s armed wing, claimed responsibility for launching rocket barrages at the southern Israeli cities of Ashkelon, Sderot, and Beersheba. Additionally, the resumption of the conflict disrupted the entry of crucial aid supplies, fuel, and cooking gas from Egypt into the Gaza Strip, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the Rafah border crossing.
Reuters revealed that Israel’s airstrikes resulted in numerous casualties and forced residents to flee south. Efforts to extend the ceasefire collapsed, and as the deadline expired, additional strikes were reported in Khan Younis in southern Gaza.
Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy expressed disappointment at the breakdown of the pause in fighting, stating, “Unfortunately, Hamas decided to terminate the ceasefire by failing to release all kidnapped women. Having chosen to hold onto our women, Hamas will now take the mother of all thumpings,” according to The Times of Israel.
Levy also reacted to a recent statement made by UN Chief Antonio Guterres on social media platform X.
Market Reactions: On Friday, the Israeli shekel remained stable, recovering from a decline of up to 1.4% on Thursday. The iShares MSCI Israel ETF EIS fell 2.2%.
In the hours leading up to the opening of the New York market, U.S. equity futures showed minimal movement, staying relatively flat.
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