The Israel Defense Forces said that the pause in fighting between it and Hamas had ended, a few minutes after 7 a.m. Friday local time, when the pause was due to end. Israel’s military said Hamas had “violated the operational pause and, in addition, fired toward Israeli territory.” The Washington Post could not immediately verify that claim. Although neither side had ruled out extending the pause, there had been no announcement of an extension before that deadline. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters Thursday, while on a visit to Tel Aviv, that Israel must minimize civilian deaths in Gaza once fighting resumes. “We made clear the imperative … that there be a clear plan in place that puts a premium on protecting civilians,” Blinken said. “And the Israeli government agreed with that approach.” On Thursday, eight more hostages and 30 Palestinian prisoners were freed in the latest captive exchange.
