The Israeli occupation bombed large areas in the Gaza Strip, for the second day after the collapse of talks to extend the week-long truce between Israel and Hamas, while the mediators stressed that the Israeli bombing complicates attempts to stop combat operations again.

The Israeli occupation army has launched intense bombardment on various areas in the besieged Gaza Strip, since this morning, Saturday, for the second day in a row after the end of the humanitarian truce, after a bloody day that left about 200 dead in Israeli attacks.

The eastern areas of the city of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, have been subjected to intense bombardment since the end of the truce. By Friday evening the Israeli raids had resulted in the death of 184 people, the wounding of at least 589 others, and targeted more than 20 homes.

The United Nations said the fighting would exacerbate a severe humanitarian emergency. "Hell on earth has returned to Gaza," said Jens Laerke, spokesman for the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs in Geneva.

Qatar, which plays a pivotal role in mediation efforts, confirmed that negotiations are still ongoing with the Israelis and Hamas to restore the truce, stressing that the renewed Israeli bombing of Gaza complicates mediation efforts.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that Washington "continues to work with Israel, Egypt and Qatar to put the truce back on track." Meanwhile, the Qatari mediator called on the international community to take action because the resumption of bombing “exacerbates the humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza.

Source: arab48