On 6 May 2021, a conflict began between Palestinian protesters and the Israeli police over a planned Supreme Court of Israel decision about the evictions of Palestinians in Sheikh Jarrah, a neighborhood of East Jerusalem. It lead Hamas to launch rockets onto Israeli cities. The clashes injured more than 300 people, mostly Palestinian civilians.[1]
Conflict
Protests began on 6 May in Sheikh Jarrah. On 8 May, crowds threw rocks at Israeli police and chanted "Strike Tel Aviv" and "in blood, we will redeem al-Aqsa". On 9 May, Israeli police stormed the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in response to stone-throwing Palestinian crowds.[2][3] In response, on May 10, Hamas and the Islamic Jihad started firing rockets into Israel.[4] Israel responded with airstrikes into Gaza.
Victims
Since 10 May, 62 Palestinians were killed, including fourteen children, and 335 more were wounded.[5] According to the Israel Defense Forces, at least fifteen of Palestinian casualties were Hamas members, and some were killed by Palestinian rockets. Israel reported that Palestinian rockets hit homes and a school, killing four Israeli civilians and an Indian citizen who lived in the country[6] and injuring at least 70 Israeli civilians.[7][8]
Ceasefire
On 20 May 2021, Israel agreed a ceasefire agreement with Gaza militants after 250 deaths due to the conflict. The ceasefire came into effect the next day.[9]
References
- ↑ Israeli Court Delays Expulsion of Palestinian Families in East Jerusalem. The New York Times(2021-05-09). Retrieved 2021-05-10.
- ↑ After Raid on Aqsa Mosque, Rockets from Gaza and Israeli Airstrikes. The New York Times(10 May 2021). Retrieved 10 May 2021.
- ↑ TV: Palestinians stocked rocks for Temple Mount riots, police caught unawares. The Times of Israel(8 May 2021). Retrieved 2021-05-10.
- ↑ 33 killed in Israeli airstrikes, Hamas rocket attacks as unrest spreads beyond Jerusalem. NBC News(11 May 2021). Retrieved 12 May 2021.
- ↑ As Israelis and Palestinians Battle, Rockets and Airstrikes Intensify. The New York Times(2021-05-11). Retrieved 2021-05-11.
- ↑ 1 killed, 3 injured as Hamas fires anti-tank missile at Israeli jeep, Gross, Judah Ari. The Times of Israel. Retrieved 2021-05-12.
- ↑ Two Israelis ded, over 90 injured after rockets strike Ashkelon, Ashdod. The Jerusalem Post(11 May 2021). Retrieved 2021-05-11.
- ↑ 1 dead, 3 hurt as 'largest ever' Hamas barrage hits Ashdod, Ashkelon. Ynet(2021-05-11). Retrieved 2021-05-11.
- ↑ Israel approves Gaza ceasefire to halt 11-day conflict. The Guardian(2021-05-20). Retrieved 2021-05-20.