UN condemns resumption of conflict in Gaza after temporary ceasefire expires

The UN condemned the resumption of conflict in Gaza on Friday, following the end of a temporary ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, and called for a return to negotiations for a long-lasting ceasefire. The temporary ceasefire ended Friday morning after several extensions.

The UN press release reported that the bombing in Gaza resumed “seconds” after the ceasefire concluded. Additionally, the release noted that the Gaza hospital system has been “crippled” since the start of the conflict on October 7. In response to the resumption of combat, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated, “I deeply regret that military operations have started again in Gaza. I still hope that it will be possible to renew the pause that was established. The return to hostilities only shows how important it is to have a true humanitarian ceasefire.”

In addition to the UN, Amnesty Internal called for renegotiations of a ceasefire after conflict resumed. Senior Director of Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns at Amnesty International Erika Guevara-Rosas stated:

We urgently reiterate our call for an immediate enduring ceasefire by all parties to the conflict. Without a ceasefire, the shocking death toll will skyrocket and civilians in Gaza will once again be forced to endure the unimaginable horrors of recent weeks with no safe place to go, no shelter and no humanitarian assistance. Hostages still held by Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza are at further risk. Civilians in Israel also are exposed to harm as a result of the firing of indiscriminate rockets from Gaza. This must stop.World leaders should urgently step up their pressure on all parties to reach an immediate and enduring ceasefire.

Israel and Hamas agreed to a temporary ceasefire and release of hostages and humanitarian aid on November 22, which was originally set to end on Monday. Israel and Hamas extended the temporary pause several times and Israel released Palestinian prisoners during the ceasefire. The UN reported that around 1,200 people died as a result of the Hamas attack on October 7, and there have been more than 15,000 fatalities since Israel began bombing Palestine in response to the attack. Both Israel and Hamas have been accused of war crimes since the start of the conflict.