Agreements between Israel and Hamas on hostage releases appeared to be getting harder to reach despite the efforts of international mediators such as Qatar and the US.
Israel’s military has resumed combat in Gaza after accusing Hamas of violating the seven-day truce.
A spokesperson for Israel Defence Forces said: “Hamas violated the operational pause and in addition fired toward Israeli territory.”
Around 30 minutes after the ceasefire ended, the Israeli military said its fighter jets were striking Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.
Israel-Gaza latest: Follow live
Airstrikes hit southern Gaza, including the community of Abassan east of the town of Khan Younis, the interior ministry in the Hamas-run territory said.
Another strike hit a home north west of Gaza City.
Images on social media showed large plumes of dark smoke rising over the densely built-up Jabalia refugee camp.
IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari said multiple rockets had been launched from Gaza towards Israel.
It said sirens sounded in three Israeli communities near Gaza; Kibbutz Holit, Sufa, and Nir Yitzhak.
The ceasefire expired at 7am local time (5am UK) on Friday – with the IDF claiming it was “ready” and willing to continue military operations.
A total of 79 Israeli hostages have been released by Hamas over seven consecutive days, with hundreds of Palestinians freed from prisons in exchange.
About 140 hostages remain in Gaza.
Reaching agreements on hostage releases appeared to be getting harder as most women and children had already been released.
International mediators – including diplomats from Qatar, Egypt and the US – had been working to extend the temporary truce.
Israel said its objective is to annihilate Hamas, which rules Gaza, in response to the rampage by the group on 7 October, when Israel claims 1,200 people were killed and 240 were taken hostage.
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Emily Foster is a globe-trotting journalist based in the UK. Her articles offer readers a global perspective on international events, exploring complex geopolitical issues and providing a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
