Page 5 - Aaron Boxerman News Today

As fighting surged in the territory, Arab leaders condemned the move as a “mark of shame,” one that will haunt the United States for years.

The claim adds to the growing concerns that there is no safe place in the enclave for those who have been displaced since the war began.

Beleaguered Gazans, having fled the territory’s north, emerged from a night of bombardment wondering where to go next for safety.

Israel’s military announced early Friday it had resumed fighting in Gaza, after saying that Hamas fired rockets from the territory in the final hours of the cease-fire.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Israeli officials and a Palestinian leader on Thursday to seek improved conditions for Gaza’s civilians and to try to exert influence over Israel’s expected military offensive.

American officials are making clear to Israel that it cannot pursue a campaign in the south that would have the same devastating consequences as in the north.

Talks on extending a weeklong cease-fire broke down, with each side blaming the other. The truce had included the release of hostages held in Gaza for people in Israeli prisons.

And Hamas released of a third round of hostages yesterday

Israeli leaders, who were preparing for another prisoners-for-hostages swap with Hamas, must choose whether to resume fighting once the truce ends Tuesday.

Both sides announced a four-day pause in the war between Israel and Hamas, but details were still being worked out.