Israel intercepts rocket from Gaza before end of temporary cease-fire, resumes war on Hamas

An Israeli air force attack helicopter releases flares while flying over the border with Gaza as battles resumed between Israel and Hamas terrorists on Dec. 1. (JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images)

The Israel Defense Forces said its war on Hamas terrorists is back on after a rocket launch from Gaza was intercepted about 40 minutes before the temporary cease-fire was set to end at 7 a.m. local time.

The interception by the IDF's Aerial Defense Army came after sirens were going off in the communities near Gaza, according to the IDF.

"Hamas violated the operational pause, and in addition, fired toward Israeli territory," the IDF wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "The IDF has resumed combat against the Hamas terrorist organization in Gaza."

In addition, the Israeli Air Force said it is now striking Hamas targets in Gaza.