Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates: Palestinians say Israel is warning them to leave areas in southern Gaza

14:15 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

IDF says new map splitting Gaza into zones will help residents avoid combat areas

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) has released a map that divides the Gaza Strip into hundreds of tiny zones, which it will use to alert Palestinian people of active fighting zones.

It invites Palestinians to pay attention to the number assigned to their region and to keep up with future IDF bulletins.

When the IDF's ground onslaught moves to the Strip's south, the military may use this map to call on Palestinians in specific locations to leave, rather than demanding mass evacuations like it did in the northern half of Gaza.

13:55 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Palestinians say Israel is warning them to leave areas in southern Gaza

Israeli fighter planes attacked targets in Gaza minutes after a week-long cease-fire ended on Friday, resuming the war with Hamas in full force. Black smoke billowed from the confined area, as Israel dropped leaflets over southern Gaza encouraging civilians to flee, implying that it was about to expand its offensive.

Resumption of hostilities has raised fears about the approximately 140 captives who remain in Gaza following the release of more than 100 as part of the truce.

The collapse of the cease-fire came a day after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Israeli officials and urged them to do more to protect Palestinian civilians as they seek to destroy Hamas. Blinken was on his way Friday to the COP28 climate talks in Dubai, where he was to meet with Arab and other leaders. 

13:38 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Israeli military ‘out to destroy’ Hamas, spokesperson says, as combat resumes in Gaza

Following the expiration of a week-long truce between Israel and Hamas, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) are again "out to destroy" Hamas, according to a spokeswoman.

The Israeli military's goal is to eliminate Hamas "o they can never commit this crime in Israel again, and along the way, bring our people home" IDF spokesperson Maj. Doron Spielman told CNN on Friday, as Israeli soldiers started combat sorties against Hamas in Gaza.

According to Spielman, the military's targets continue to be "Hamas strongholds, Hamas terrorists and where they shot the rocket launchers." 

13:13 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Deadly fighting resumes in Gaza as truce expires

Fighting began in Gaza on Friday, minutes after a week-long truce between Israel and Hamas expired, with the first casualties recorded minutes after, according to Palestinian health sources.

Within the first 90 minutes after the truce collapsed at 0500 GMT, an AFPTV livecam saw a large cloud of grey smoke sweeping over northern Gaza, as well as apparent noises of automatic weapons fire and explosions.

Israeli fighter planes were "currently striking" Hamas targets in Gaza, according to the Israeli military, as AFP correspondents confirmed air strikes in the territory's north and south.

12:44 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Military announces limitations on schools due to renewed fighting

Due to the resumption of combat, the Home Front Command has instructed that schools in most of central and southern Israel will open only if pupils can reach shielded areas in time in the case of rocket strikes.

Schools on Gaza's outskirts remain shuttered.

12:43 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Truce talks between Israel, Hamas ‘ongoing’ despite renewed Gaza strikes: Source

Despite increased fire, discussions between Israel and Hamas to restore a Gaza truce are continuing, according to a source briefed on the talks.

 “Negotiations are still ongoing with Qatari and Egyptian mediators despite the resumption of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza,” the source said asking to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the talks, after intense overnight discussions failed to secure an eighth ceasefire day.

12:40 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Hamas says 3 killed in Rafah strike, as explosions heard across Gaza

According to Hamas authorities, Israeli airstrikes have targeted southern Gaza, including the village of Abassan east of the town of Khan Younis. Another missile struck a house northwest of Gaza City.

The Gaza Strip is filled with loud, constant explosions, as black smoke billows from the enclave.

According to the Hamas-run health ministry, three individuals were killed in Israeli air attacks in Rafah, in the Strip's south.

12:30 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Israel resumes fight against Hamas as truce breaks down; IDF says terrorist group violated operational pause

Heavy fighting was reported in Gaza as Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed “resuming combat” against Hamas terrorists on Friday, ending the truce. Israel also accused the Palestinian terrorist group of violating the ceasefire by firing rockets into its territory.

“Hamas violated the operational pause, and in addition, fired toward Israeli territory. The IDF has resumed combat against the Hamas terrorist organization in Gaza,” IDF said in a post on X.

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12:17 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Negotiations over hostages continue despite resumed fighting, source says

Even after Israel's military declared the commencement of combat operations in Gaza early Friday, negotiations regarding the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are still underway, according to a person familiar with the talks.

An hour after the truce's 7 a.m. local time expiration, none of the major parties engaged - Hamas, Qatar, Israel, the United States, or Egypt - had officially proclaimed a collapse in the discussions.

Negotiations aimed at prolonging the war's seven-day ceasefire.

According to an earlier arrangement, Hamas was supposed to provide an eighth list of captives - 10 women and children to be freed on Friday in exchange for an extra day of delay.

12:14 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Nearly 2 months into the war, many Israelis have no idea if their relatives are dead or alive

In the Oct. 7 attack, the friends were slain. However, Yablonka's family is still in the dark about what happened to him over two months later. He is one of scores of persons still missing after Hamas entered Israel, murdering 1,200 people and kidnapping 240.

Some of the victims' bodies were extensively charred in flames or explosions during the assaults, leaving little to identify them. Others who may still be alive have not been found, leaving families in limbo.

11:52 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Hamas-run health ministry says 6 killed in Israeli air raids in Rafah

According to Hamas-run health ministry spokesperson Ashraf al-Qudra, at least six Palestinians were killed Friday morning in an Israeli air attack on Rafah city in Gaza's south.

In other news, two children were killed in air attacks on Gaza City, according to Fadel Naim, a doctor with Al-Ahli hospital, when violence resumed just after a seven-day truce between Israel and Hamas militants expired.

11:39 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

PM’s office: Hamas did not meet obligations; government committed to war’s goals

According to the Prime Minister's Office, Hamas "violated the framework, did not meet its obligation to release all hostage women, and fired rockets at Israel."

“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 threaten the people of Israel.”

11:30 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Israeli military jets conduct airstrikes on Hamas targets in Gaza

According to Reuters, Israeli fighter planes are currently launching airstrikes on Hamas sites in Gaza.

11:15 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Latest news from Israel-Hamas War

• The Israeli military has announced the resumption of combat operations against Hamas, accusing the terrorist organisation of breaking the cease-fire agreement by shooting towards Israel.
• The military declaration came after a seven-day truce between Israel and Hamas for the release of civilian captives ended, with no evidence that the parties had agreed to prolong it.
• Egyptian and Qatari diplomats were seeking to prolong the tense truce for another two days, Egypt reported.
• Eight additional hostages were released from Gaza on Thursday, while 30 Palestinians were liberated from Israeli prisons.
• US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that when Israel starts its military assault in Gaza, it must make further steps to safeguard civilians.

11:10 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Airstrikes heard in Gaza after resumption of combat announced

NBC News' team in Gaza reported airstrikes across the north and south of Gaza after Israel's military indicated it will resume combat operations there after a brief break.

On Telegram, Hamas-affiliated media said there were fighting in northern Gaza.

11:10 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Airstrikes heard in Gaza after resumption of combat announced

NBC News' team in Gaza reported airstrikes across the north and south of Gaza after Israel's military indicated it will resume combat operations there after a brief break.

On Telegram, Hamas-affiliated media said there were fighting in northern Gaza.

11:10 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Airstrikes heard in Gaza after resumption of combat announced

NBC News' team in Gaza reported airstrikes across the north and south of Gaza after Israel's military indicated it will resume combat operations there after a brief break.

On Telegram, Hamas-affiliated media said there were fighting in northern Gaza.

11:09 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Israel resumes combat as truce expires, accuses Hamas of violation

On Friday, Israel's military announced it has restarted combat operations against Hamas in Gaza after accusing the Palestinian militant organisation of breaking a seven-day cease-fire by shooting into Israeli territory.

The seven-day break, which began on November 24 and was twice extended, allowed for the exchange of dozens of hostages held in Gaza for hundreds of Palestinian inmates, as well as the introduction of humanitarian assistance into the damaged coastal strip.

Israel reported it intercepted a missile fired from Gaza one hour before the cease-fire was supposed to end at 7 a.m. (0500 GMT).

11:03 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Mediators scrambling for Israel-Hamas truce extension, as hostages-for-prisoners swaps get harder

Mediators were scrambling to extend an Israel-Hamas truce that was set to expire after daybreak Friday, as the two sides appeared to be struggling to agree on how to continue the daily exchanges of Hamas hostages for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel that had kept the week-long pause in fighting going.

Almost all of those released thus far have been women and children, but with few such hostages still in Gaza, striking an agreement on an extension may be more difficult. Hamas, which has dominated Gaza for the past 16 years, is anticipated to demand a larger ransom for the remaining detainees, particularly Israeli troops. Around 140 captives remain in Gaza, with over 100 released as part of the truce.

10:52 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Alert sounds in Holit in southern Israel

The IDF says it is investigating after a missile siren was heard in the southern Gaza Strip in the settlement of Holit.

A rocket strike there would be the second in the last hour.

10:52 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

IDF: Hamas violated ceasefire, we are renewing attacks on group

According to the Israel Defence Forces, Hamas breached the ceasefire agreement and launched missiles against Israel.

In retaliation, the IDF said it has resumed assaults on the terror organisation.

10:47 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Gaza truce expires; Israel intercepts rocket, reports of fighting

A temporary cease-fire agreement between Israel and Gaza's Hamas militants that was set to expire at 7 a.m. (0500 GMT) on Friday has expired, with neither side declaring an extension.

In the hour before the cease-fire was supposed to expire, Israel said it intercepted a missile fired from Gaza, while Hamas-affiliated media reported explosions and gunfire in the Palestinian enclave's north.

The Israeli military stated that missile warning sirens blasted again in Israeli towns near Gaza only minutes before the deadline.

Hamas made no immediate response or claim of responsibility for the missiles.

The seven-day pause, which began on Nov. 24 and was extended twice, had allowed for the exchange of dozens of hostages held in Gaza for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and facilitated the entry of humanitarian aid into the shattered enclave.

10:18 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Israel drawing up plans for global campaign to assassinate Hamas leaders — report

According to the Wall Street Journal, Israel intends to seek out Hamas leaders around the world once it ceases battling the group in Gaza.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed spy agencies to devise plans to murder the group's senior commanders living outside of Gaza, including those in Turkey, Qatar, and abroad, according to the daily, citing Israeli authorities.

In the 1970s, Israel launched a multi-year campaign to kill Palestinian terrorists implicated in the Munich Olympics tragedy.

10:15 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Blast heard in Sderot footage

In footage from Sderot, a boom can be heard immediately after the town's "red alert" rocket siren rings, signalling that a rocket assault occurred.

⚠️The sirens in Sderot#Israel #Gaza pic.twitter.com/3oP4VXMmLP— Swords of Steel (@ignis_fatum) December 1, 2023

10:10 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Israel intercepts rocket as gunfire, explosions in north Gaza reported

The Israeli military claimed it intercepted a missile fired from Gaza early Friday, while Hamas-affiliated media reported gunfire and explosions in the coastal strip's north minutes before a deadline to extend a seven-day truce was supposed to expire.

Air raid sirens wailed in Israeli neighbourhoods near the Gaza border as the 7 a.m. (0500 GMT) deadline for extending the cease-fire approached.

According to the Shehab News Agency, explosions and gunfire are possible in the northern Gaza Strip. Other Hamas-affiliated media outlets reported hearing military and drone planes flying over Gaza City. Other information was not readily accessible.

09:57 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Hamas open to truce extension as expiry nears

On Friday, Israel and Hamas reached an agreement in which additional captives were released from Gaza in return for Palestinian detainees.

The terrorist organisation stated that it was prepared to prolong the cease-fire further, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged that the halt be maintained.

However, there was little indication early Friday that the two sides would agree to prolong the cease-fire for an eighth day.

09:50 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Israel intercepts rocket as Hamas truce nears deadline

As a 7 a.m. (0500 GMT) deadline to prolong a cease-fire with Hamas approached, Israel's military claimed it intercepted a missile launched from Gaza, setting off air raid sirens in Israeli neighbourhoods.

The Palestinian terrorist organisation made no immediate comment on the incident, which Israel's Kan public TV claimed as the first since an Israel-Hamas truce began on November 24.

According to Hamas-affiliated media, explosions and gunfire are possible in the northern Gaza Strip ahead of the truce deadline. Other information was not readily accessible.

09:43 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Israel’s president visits UAE, asks for help to free hostages

On Thursday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog requested UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to use his "political weight" to assist rescue all Israeli captives held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.

According to a statement released by the Israeli president's media office, Herzog made the request during a meeting with Sheikh Mohamed in Dubai.

“The President appealed to his friend Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to employ his full political weight to promote and speed up the return home of the hostages,” it said.

09:36 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Families reunite with 17 Thai hostages freed by Hamas at homecoming at Bangkok airport

In an emotional homecoming at Bangkok's international airport on Thursday, seventeen Thai labourers freed from the terrorist Hamas organisation were met by family and friends, authorities, and media.

The 17 are among the 23 Thais released so far, with six remaining in Israel temporarily because physicians decided they were not yet able to depart. According to Thai officials, nine more Thai hostages are still being held in Gaza.

09:22 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

'Let's go home': Thai hostage couple has emotional reunion with family

Natthawaree Mulkan walked through the airport arrival gates and straight into her mother's arms, both crying with joy, meeting for the first time after losing touch for nearly two months when she was taken hostage by Hamas on October 7.

"I’m happy. Let’s go back home," she told her mother at an airport in Khon Kaen province in northeastern Thailand.

A relative tied holy threads on Natthawaree's wrist and on the wrist of her partner Boonthoom Phankhongwas in a Thai homecoming ritual.

The two were among the first 10 Thai hostages freed by Hamas during the first truce of the war in Gaza.

A total of 23 Thai hostages have been released with nine still in captivity.

08:54 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Israel was aware of Hamas’ attack plan over a year ago, New York Times reports

The New York Times reported Thursday that Israeli officials got a paper revealing Hamas' battle plan for its October 7 terror strike more than a year before the terrorist organisation carried out the operation, citing documents, emails, and interviews.

According to the Times, which read the translated paper, the roughly 40-page plan did not identify a date for the attack but detailed "point by point" the type of lethal invasion that Hamas carried out in Israeli territory in October.

According to the Times, Israeli military and intelligence authorities disregarded the idea, believing it would be too difficult for Hamas to carry out.

08:51 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Man indicted over antisemitic threats aimed at Nevada senator

According to court documents, a federal grand jury indicted a Las Vegas man detained last month on suspicion of making antisemitic threats against US Senator Jacky Rosen and her family, as well as the family of another US senator.

Rosen, a Democrat from Nevada, is Jewish and has been an outspoken supporter of Israel, including support for US funding to Israel. Though the indictment does not name her, Rosen's office acknowledged to The Associated Press that she and her family were targeted.

John Miller, 43, is accused of intimidating a federal official and influencing, obstructing, or retaliating against a federal official by threatening a family member on two counts. According to court documents, Miller is also accused of threatening the family of another unidentified US senator.

08:34 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Blinken calls on Israel to follow international law in war

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stepped up efforts for Israel to follow international law and protect civilians while fighting Hamas in Gaza.

On his third trip to the area since the conflict began, Blinken spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other high-ranking officials. He expressed the hope that the cease-fire may be extended and that more captives could be freed.

Blinken also stated that if Israel restarts the conflict and advances towards southern Gaza to pursue Hamas, it must do so in "compliance with international humanitarian law" and with "a clear plan in place" to protect civilians.

08:34 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Blinken calls on Israel to follow international law in war

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stepped up efforts for Israel to follow international law and protect civilians while fighting Hamas in Gaza.

On his third trip to the area since the conflict began, Blinken spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other high-ranking officials. He expressed the hope that the cease-fire may be extended and that more captives could be freed.

Blinken also stated that if Israel restarts the conflict and advances towards southern Gaza to pursue Hamas, it must do so in "compliance with international humanitarian law" and with "a clear plan in place" to protect civilians.

08:21 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Israel and Hamas agree to keep truce going for eighth day

According to the Wall Street Journal, quoting Egyptian authorities, Israel and Hamas have agreed to prolong the cease-fire for an eighth day.

There has been no formal announcement of a ceasefire extension from either side, or from Egypt, Qatar, or the United States, which have spearheaded the pause discussions.

According to the source, an additional day would likely result in the release of another ten Israeli captives.

Earlier, a source close to the Palestinian militant organisation Hamas told AFP that it was "willing to extend the truce."

08:12 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Israel releases 30 more Palestinian prisoners

A busload of 30 Palestinian prisoners released by Israel has been welcomed home in the West Bank.

The bus arrived early Friday in the city of Ramallah, hours after Hamas militants released eight Israeli hostages after eight weeks of captivity in the Gaza Strip.

Dozens of men, some holding green Hamas flags, greeted the prisoners. The men were hugged and the crowd chanted, “God is great.”

The exchanges have been taking place each night since last Friday as part of a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas.

07:56 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

More Israeli hostages, Palestinian prisoners are released under truce

Eight Israeli hostages were released from Hamas captivity in the Gaza strip on Thursday as part of a temporary cease-fire deal that has lasted for seven days, the Israeli military said.

Israel freed 30 Palestinian prisoners in the early hours of Friday under the truce deal, which has paused the deadliest fighting in decades between Israel and Palestinians.

International pressure has mounted for the truce to be upheld as long as possible after weeks of Israeli bombardment and ground campaign following Hamas’ deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel that triggered the war.