Web Review
L’Osservatorio monitors the web and other information sources daily to provide in-depth news on the impact of contemporary armed conflicts on civilians.
14 November 2018
A ceasefire agreement has been reached between Israel and Gaza following a violent outbreak that killed and wounded multiple people.
On 13 November 2018, Palestinian militants and Israel entered into a ceasefire following a two day period of intense air fighting. This violence marks the fiercest conflict since the 2014 Gaza war.
The outbreak began on 11 November when an Israeli special forces team entered the city of Khan Younis, located in southern Gaza, disguised in a civilian vehicle. Seven Palestinians were killed during the raid and air attacks orchestrated by the Israeli commandos. Gunfire was exchanged during the operation, resulting in the death of one Israeli soldier. Amongst the seven Palestinians killed was Nour Baraka, a local commander of the al-Qassam Brigades, an armed wing of Hamas. Hamas is a militant Islamist group which currently controls the Gaza strip.
Following this attack, missiles from Gaza were fired into Israel by Palestinian factions. Al Jazeera reports that one man was killed in a building hit by rockets, while at least 27 individuals were wounded during the attacks. According to Reuters, the attacks forced residents of southern Israel to seek protection in shelters. Israel retaliated with air raids, killing five Palestinians. The air attacks destroyed buildings as well, including a Hamas television station.
The United States strongly condemned the rocket and missile attacks launched from Gaza, stating “we stand with Israel.” Since 13 November, following the Egyptian-brokered deal, Israel and Hamas have held their fire. However, Reuters notes that both sides have made it clear that this ceasefire is not a long-term agreement, rather it is an armed stand-off. Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian ambassador to the UN blamed the Security Council for not taking immediate action, and said they were “paralysed.”
The conflict in Gaza has been ongoing for years. BBC reports that in 2006, Israel and Egypt started a blockade of Gaza to stop militant attacks. Since 30 March 2018, Palestinians have organized weekly protests at the Israeli border. Protesters are pushing for the blockade to be eased. Similarly, they are also demanding to be given the right to return to the land which was lost during the 1948 war of Israel’s founding, according to Reuters. Over 220 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops during these protests. Israel claims soldiers have only opened fire as self-defense or on possible disguised attackers.
To know more, please read:
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/11/palestinians-sceptical-gaza-truce-hold-181114101544472.html
