Israel
IDF resumes combat in Gaza after Hamas violates ceasefire and says Oct 7 was ‘just a rehearsal’
The Israeli military launched a wave of airstrikes after terrorists fired rockets into Israel
December 1, 2023 08:32
The Israeli military launched a wave of airstrikes after terrorists fired rockets into Israel
December 1, 2023 08:32The Israel Defense Forces resumed combat operations in the Gaza Strip on Friday morning after Hamas broke a week-long ceasefire by firing rockets at the Jewish state.
The military said it was conducting a wave of airstrikes across the Palestinian enclave, and that additional details would be provided.
Terrorists fired a rocket from Gaza at about 6 a.m., which was intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system.
An hour later, several projectiles were again fired at the Jewish state, setting off sirens in Kibbutz Holit. The rockets landed in open areas, causing no injuries or damages.
“Hamas violated the [truce] agreement by firing at the territory of the State of Israel. The IDF renewed fire against the terrorist organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip,” the military said in response.
Hamas had not provided Israel with a list of hostages to be freed on Friday by the agreed 7 a.m. deadline, indicating the terror group did not intend to extend the ceasefire deal.
“The terrorist organization Hamas-ISIS violated the framework, did not meet its obligation to release all kidnapped women, and fired rockets at Israel,” according to a Friday statement by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office.
“Amid the return to combat, we stress the government of Israel is committed to achieving the goals of the war: Releasing our hostages, eliminating Hamas and ensuring that Gaza can never again pose a threat the people of Israel,” added the statement.
Eight Israeli hostages were released from Gaza on Thursday, the seventh day of a truce that went into effect on Nov. 24. Overall, 81 Israelis were freed along with 23 Thais and one Filipino during the lull in hostilities.
IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said on Thursday that the military had “insisted” on carrying out the ceasefire-for-hostages arrangement with Hamas.
“The IDF is ready to resume the fighting. We are prepared to attack at any hour, tonight as well,” warned Hagari.
Also Thursday, Hamas terror chief in Gaza Yahya Sinwar threatened to continue Palestinian efforts to massacre Israelis.
“The leaders of the occupation [Israel] should know, Oct. 7 was just a rehearsal,” stated Sinwar, according to the Maariv newspaper.
At least 1,200 people were killed in Hamas’s Oct. 7 attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border. Another 240 men, women, children and soldiers were taken back to the Strip as hostages.