Israel Says Ceasefire Breaks Down As Fighting Resumes In Gaza

The ceasefire in Gaza ended Friday morning after Israel said Hamas fired rockets into Israel and it responded with airstrikes in the territory, following a weeklong pause in the fighting during which hostages were exchanged for Palestinian prisoners.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement that Hamas violated the terms of the ceasefire the two sides had in place by refusing to release the number of hostages it had promised to and by firing rockets into Israel.

Hamas "has not met its obligation to release all of the women hostages today and has launched rockets at Israeli citizens," the office said.

With the fighting underway again, Israel plans to resume its goal of destroying Hamas's military capacity, the prime minister's office said.

"Upon the resumption of fighting, we emphasize: the Government of Israel is committed to achieving the goals of the war: Releasing the hostages, eliminating Hamas and ensuring that Gaza never again constitutes a threat to the residents of Israel."

Hamas did not immediately comment on the collapse of the ceasefire. Negotiations have reportedly continued to extend the pause even as the fighting resumed in Gaza, where Israeli forces are waging a campaign against Hamas after its Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

Hamas killed some 1,200 people in Israel in that attack and abducted around 240 people. Israel has killed more than 13,000 people in Gaza, according to Gaza health officials.

The ceasefire that went into effect last Friday was based on an exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The agreements had focused on the release of women and children on both sides.

The ceasefire was extended multiple times over the past week as Hamas released dozens of Israelis and dual-national citizens. The ceasefire extensions raised the possibility that both sides would refrain from resuming the deadliest fighting in the region in years.

The breakdown in negotiations early Friday underscored the obstacles for both sides to reach a temporary pause or longer-term end to the war.

Hamas has signaled that it will require further concessions from Israel in exchange for releasing men, including Israeli soldiers, it is holding hostage. Several Americans remain hostage in Gaza as well, despite efforts by the U.S. to secure their release.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Netanyahu on Thursday in Israel in an effort to broker a further pause in the fighting. Blinken also met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Hours before the ceasefire broke down, Blinken told reporters in Tel Aviv on Thursday night that he urged Israel to limit civilian casualties if fighting resumed.

"Before Israel resumes major military operations, it must put in place humanitarian civilian protection plans that minimize further casualties of innocent Palestinians," Blinken said. He also said Hamas could choose to "immediately release all of the hostages it holds."

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