Unlock the Editor’s Digest for free – Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, curates her top stories in this weekly newsletter. Israel and Hamas recently resumed fighting, ending a week-long truce only a few days into its extension. The fighting shattered the ceasefire that allowed for hostages to be released and resulted in renewed violence on both sides. This forced Israel and Hamas to go back to war on Friday, prompting air raids and artillery strikes.
Hamas claimed Israel failed to release all of the hostages as promised, which sparked the resumption of fighting. Qatar, Egypt, and the US have been trying to negotiate a return to the truce, but Israel’s offensive has continued, complicating negotiations. Additionally, the UN said that the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza has been closed, compounding the already existing humanitarian crisis.
Israel has continued its military offensive, focusing on northern Gaza, prompting warnings to civilians to evacuate. The UN argued that Israel’s unilaterally declared “safe zone” in Al-Muwasi could endanger more civilians caught in the conflict. Both western governments and the UN have pressed Israel to do more to protect civilians. The IDF has urged people to move to known shelters and humanitarian areas.
The fighting has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement in Gaza. The situation has continued to escalate, and there are concerns about the humanitarian crisis worsening. Israel, Hamas, and international mediators are currently involved in negotiations to restore the ceasefire and address the escalating conflict.
By Roula Khalaf, Editor of the Financial Times.
