On December 1, the Israeli army announced that it had resumed its offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire agreement between the two sides expired that morning.
Israeli armored vehicles in southern Israel, bordering Gaza, November 30.
Israel accused Hamas of violating the agreement by firing rockets into Israeli territory. One rocket was fired toward a community near the Gaza Strip and was shot down by air defenses. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties from the attack, the first in a week of truce. Hamas did not immediately comment.
Sirens were heard in the southern city of Sderot, which borders the Gaza Strip, and surrounding areas shortly before the ceasefire expired, media reported. The Israeli military is also investigating after sirens were heard in the Holit neighborhood near the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, Palestinian media reported hearing gunfire and explosions in the northern Gaza Strip. The Israeli military said planes were hitting Hamas targets.
Israeli aircraft leave a trail of smoke in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip on November 30.
The ceasefire between the two sides began on November 24 to allow the two sides to exchange hostages and prisoners. According to AFP, 80 Israeli hostages and 240 Palestinian prisoners were released. More than 20 foreigners, mostly Thai, were also released under a separate agreement.
During a visit to Israel on November 30, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on Israel to establish a safe zone for Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip before resuming military operations, according to AFP. The diplomat also proposed extending the ceasefire agreement to exchange hostages and provide aid.
In a statement afterward, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had informed Mr. Blinken of the November 30 shooting in Jerusalem, for which Hamas had claimed responsibility. Mr. Netanyahu stressed that the fight would continue until three goals were achieved: rescuing all hostages, completely eliminating Hamas and ensuring such a threat does not re-emerge from Gaza.
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