In the lead-up to the scheduled truce, Gaza experienced both sides exchanged fire and bombs until the last minute before the pause in hostilities took effect.
Israeli planes conducted bombing raids, resulting in billows of smoke engulfing the region. The tumultuous atmosphere was punctuated by the cacophony of gunfire and cannon blasts, creating a distressing backdrop.
In Israeli villages near Gaza, sporadic gunshots and sirens served as harbingers of incoming missiles or mortar fire, alerting residents to potential threats.
While the recent escalation is disconcerting, historical patterns indicate that this has been the trend preceding truces or longer ceasefires in past wars.