Israel Resumes Bombing Campaign after Hamas Rejects Ceasefire Proposal

Violence in Israel and Gaza paused briefly yesterday when Israel agreed to Egypt’s proposal for a ceasefire. After Hamas rejected the ceasefire proposal, Israel’s bombing campaign continues today. 

According to the Israeli prime minister’s office, rocket fire came from Gaza for five hours during the proposed ceasefire before the Israeli military was permitted to reciprocate. 

The Israeli Defense Forces posted a public announcement on Twitter writing, “Hamas has fired 47 rockets since we suspended our strikes in Gaza at 9 a.m. As a result, we have resumed our operation against Hamas.”

According to Egypt’s proposal, the ceasefire should have begun immediately yesterday, followed by a series of negotiations on lessening the border blockade of Gaza. However, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri rejected the ceasefire saying, “This proposal is not acceptable.” 

Since the violence started eight days ago, 195 Palestinians have been killed, many of which were civilians; no Israelis have died. Many have sustained injuries on both sides of the conflict. 

Publication date: July 15, 2014