Israeli forces launched airstrikes and artillery attacks on Gaza early Sunday after a highly anticipated ceasefire deal collapsed at the 11th hour. At least eight people were killed, according to Palestinian medics, as renewed violence dashed hopes for a temporary pause in the Middle East's deadliest conflict in decades. 💔
Why Did the Truce Fall Apart?
An hour before the 8:30 a.m. ceasefire deadline, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded Hamas provide names of three hostages slated for release. Hamas claimed \"technical field reasons\" delayed the list but insisted it remained committed to negotiations. 🕊️
A War of Numbers and Survival
The conflict, sparked by Hamas' October 2023 attack that killed 1,200 Israelis, has now claimed nearly 47,000 Palestinian lives in Gaza, per local health authorities. Residents in northern Gaza reported fleeing freshly shelled areas like Zeitoun and Beit Hanoun even as celebratory gunshots briefly rang out in Khan Younis at the original truce time. 🏚️
What's Next?
The proposed three-stage deal—brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S.—would have exchanged Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. While Hamas says names could be released \"soon,\" Israel vows to keep attacking Gaza until its demands are met. 🌍 Tensions with Iran-backed groups across the region remain high.
