A weeklong truce between Israel and Hamas expired early Friday morning, prompting Israel to renew combat operations in Gaza after it said Hamas fired toward Israeli territory.
Airstrikes: Israel said it had begun launching airstrikes in Gaza.
U.S. role: Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is in the region for the third time since Hamas's Oct. 7 attack, had urged Israel to extend the pause and reduce civilian casualties if the fighting resumes.
Hostages: Hamas released two hostages late on Thursday and six more around midnight.
Thirty Palestinians—seven women and 23 minors—were released from Israeli prisons as part of a swap deal.
Persons:
Antony Blinken, —
Organizations:
Al, Hamas
Locations:
Israel, Gaza, Al Jazeera