In the latest escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, Israel has carried out another deadly airstrike in Gaza, killing at least 26 Palestinians, including nine children. The strike targeted a building allegedly being used by Hamas, which Israel claims is a terrorist organization. Hamas, in turn, has been firing rockets into Israel, which have killed at least two people and injured many more.
The latest attack follows weeks of tension in the region, with clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police in Jerusalem’s Old City. The protests were sparked by Israel’s attempts to evict Palestinian families from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood. The eviction plans have been put on hold by the Israeli courts, but the tensions have continued.
The international community has called for an immediate ceasefire and for both sides to exercise restraint. The United Nations has warned that the situation is “escalating towards a full-scale war.” The US and other Western countries have expressed their support for Israel’s right to defend itself, but have also called for an end to the violence and for Israel to take steps to protect innocent civilians.
The current escalation of violence is the worst in years, and it is unclear how or when it will end. The conflict has deep roots in the history and politics of the region, and it is unlikely to be resolved quickly or easily.
