178 Killed In Israeli Strikes In Gaza Since Truce Ended

Palestinian Territories: Israel resumed its deadly bombardment of Gaza on Friday despite international calls for a renewed truce, killing at least 178 people according to Hamas authorities as five hostages held by the Hamas group were also confimed dead.

Clouds of grey smoke from strikes shot up on the Gaza skyline and rockets fired from the territory streaked into Israel as Israel resumed its offensive, sparked by the deadly Hamas attacks and kidnappings on October 7.

The health ministry in Gaza run by the Palestinian Hamas group said at least 178 people had been killed there since the pause in hostilities expired early Friday.

UN agencies warned of a catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza as hospitals again struggled to cope with the wounded after a week-long



respite.

Israel alleged that Hamas attempted to break the truce before it ended at 0500 GMT by firing a rocket, and that it failed to produce a list of further hostages for release on Friday after seven earlier exchanges.

As hostilities resumed, Hamas's armed wing received "the order to resume combat" and to "defend the Gaza Strip", according to a source close to the group who asked not to be named because they were not authorised to speak to the media.

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres and the White House called for the break in fighting to be restored.

"We continue to work with Israel, Egypt and Qatar on efforts to extend the humanitarian pause in Gaza," a US National Security Council spokesperson said.