GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — The streets of the Gaza Strip were completely deserted on the afternoon of Aug. 19, after life had returned to the city during the 12-day cease-fire. Israeli warplanes soared over the city, heavily bombarding neighborhoods and residential houses where people were still present.
The deterioration on the ground was also reflected in the political situation, when chief Palestinian negotiator, Azzam al-Ahmed, declared on Aug. 20, "A decision was reached overnight on the part of the Israeli side to derail the negotiations and end the truce."