End of humanitarian pause between Hamas, Israel 'very bad news': French foreign minister

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) – Friday’s end to the humanitarian pause between Palestinian group Hamas and Israel is “very bad news,” said France’s foreign minister, local media reported.

“The breakdown of the truce is very bad news and regrettable. Because it does not provide any solution and complicates prospects for a resolution,” Catherine Colonna said on the sidelines of the COP28 UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, according to broadcaster BFMTV.

Defying international calls for a cease-fire, the Israeli army announced Friday morning that it had resumed attacks in the Gaza Strip as a weeklong humanitarian pause came to an end. Since resuming its attacks, over 100 Palestinians have been killed and many more injured.

The pause began on Nov. 24 as part of an agreement between Israel and Hamas to temporarily halt the fighting to allow the release of hostages and prisoners on both sides, as well as the delivery of aid.

More than 15,000 Palestinians, mostly children and women, have been killed in Israeli attacks since Oct. 7. Around 1,200 Israelis have also been killed, according to official estimates.