Hamas Breaks Ceasefire With Israel, Launches Rockets

Hamas violated its extended ceasefire with Israel on Wednesday by firing at least 50 rockets toward Israeli cities. This signaled the end of the Egyptian-mediated negotiations for a permanent truce of the month-long Gaza war.

The rocket attacks began about eight hours before the ceasefire was set to expire. As a result, Israel withdrew its delegation from Cairo, Egypt, and launched retaliatory airstrikes.

Since the end of the temporary truce, Palestinians have fired at least 80 rockets and the Israeli military has responded with some 60 airstrikes on Gaza targets. The Israeli military released footage of its aircraft targeting Hamas rocket-launching sites.

About 2,000 reserve soldiers for the Israel Defense Forces were sent home two weeks ago when the ceasefire began. On Wednesday, the Israeli military called for those soldiers to return to duty.

The Trumpet expects the Gaza conflict to flare up, prompting Israel to look for a new mediator in the region. The Trumpet predicts that mediator role will eventually be filled by Germany, but this will lead to an even greater conflict.

For more information on Germany’s future role in the Middle East, read “We’re All Falling in Love With Germany.”