The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine has been triggered by previous attacks on the al-Aqsa mosque and Gaza refugee camp by Israel over recent years,Daily Trust reports.
As of Saturday, the escalating crisis has resulted in over 1,000 casualties on both sides, with Palestine reporting 421 deaths and Israel over 700. The number of injuries stands at 2,220 for Palestine and 2,156 for Israel.
Hamas’ armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, launched a large-scale operation in response to Israel’s continued aggression against Palestinians. This includes Israeli settlers’ attacks on Palestinian villages, violence at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and numerous Palestinian deaths this year.
The leader of Hamas’s military wing, Mohammed Deif, cited the 16-year blockade of Gaza, Israeli raids in the West Bank, violence at al-Aqsa, and settler attacks as reasons for the assault, named ‘Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.’ This marks the most serious escalation since the 11-day war in 2021 between Israel and Hamas.
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Hamas claimed to have fired 5,000 rockets, while Israel acknowledged that Hamas fighters entered its territory. Rockets reached as far north as Tel Aviv, and Hamas sent fighters into southern Israel. Israel responded with “Operation Iron Swords” in the Gaza Strip, declaring a “state of war” as confrontations continued in southern Israel.
In May 2021, tensions during Ramadan led to clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces at the al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem.
The disputed al-Aqsa Mosque compound, located in Jerusalem’s Old City, is the third holiest site in Islam and sacred to Jews as the Temple Mount. It has been a consistent flashpoint for clashes between Israeli police and Palestinians.
Hamas demanded the withdrawal of Israeli security forces from the compound, leading to a barrage of rockets from Gaza into Israel. Israel responded with air strikes, resulting in an 11-day conflict that claimed lives in both Gaza and Israel.
In August 2022, violence erupted when Israeli air strikes targeted a senior Islamic Jihad commander, resulting in casualties. In January 2023, the Islamic Jihad fired rockets into Israel after Israeli troops raided a refugee camp, resulting in further violence.
Experts suggest that Israel’s containment policy toward Palestinians has contributed to the conflict. They emphasize the need for a two-state solution to end the ongoing standoff.
The Palestinian envoy calls on the international community to compel Israel to abide by international laws and resolutions to address the conflict.
The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria blames Iran for sponsoring Hamas and disrupting peace initiatives in the Middle East.
Hezbollah, a Lebanese resistance group, has joined the fight against Israeli occupation, targeting Israeli military positions in the occupied Lebanese Shebaa Farms.
Several countries and organizations, including the African Union, China, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, have called for a ceasefire and peaceful resolution of the conflict. The US pledges military support for Israel in response to the crisis.
