Dubai, United Arab Emirates (AP) - The collapse of a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war on Friday has plunged the conflict back into open combat, casting a long shadow over the ongoing COP28 climate summit in Dubai. As world leaders gathered to discuss climate change, the resumption of hostilities in the Gaza Strip has heightened tensions and raised concerns about the impact on the peace process.

Israel's top diplomat for the Middle East engaged in discussions with leaders at the summit, while colleagues perused a book containing posters of those held hostage by Hamas. The diplomats placed yellow "released" stickers beside the names of some hostages, while others remained captive. In a nearby Palestinian pavilion, an official was horrified to learn that Israeli airstrikes and ground fighting in Gaza had recommenced, adding to the already dire situation.

The war was not initially on the agenda for Israel at this Conference of Parties (COP) event in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with whom they established diplomatic relations last year. However, Israeli officials maintain that the conflict has not ruptured their ties with the UAE and other countries in attendance.

Israeli Foreign Ministry's top diplomat for the Mideast, Oded Joseph, acknowledged the devastating loss of life during the conflict, particularly among Palestinian women and children. He attributed these casualties to the strategic decision by Hamas to use civilians as human shields. However, for Hadeel Ikhmais, a climate change expert from the Palestinian Authority, this explanation fails to address the immense suffering experienced by Palestinians in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

Israel's President Isaac Herzog, attending private meetings during the summit, did not deliver a speech as planned. Israel faced criticism from some leaders, including Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who referred to "the genocide and barbarism unleashed on the Palestinian people" on stage.

The war began with a deadly attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and the capture of around 240 individuals. Israel's subsequent bombardment and invasion of Gaza have claimed the lives of more than 13,300 Palestinians, with about two-thirds of them being women and minors.

During a week-long truce, Hamas and other militant groups released over 100 hostages, predominantly Israelis, in exchange for the freedom of 240 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. While the International Committee of the Red Cross expressed its readiness to resume escorting hostages out of Gaza, Hamas has continued to deny access to Red Cross officials. Additionally, Israel has restricted Red Cross access to Palestinian prisoners since the onset of hostilities.

As the Israeli military urges residents in the southern Gaza Strip to evacuate, adding to the displacement of those who had already fled the conflict in the north, the safety of individuals in the region remains uncertain.

The escalation of the Israel-Hamas war underscores the complex challenges that world leaders face as they convene at COP28 to address the urgent issue of climate change. The ongoing conflict not only deepens the humanitarian crisis in the region but also highlights the need for sustainable peace and stability for countries to effectively address global environmental concerns.