Israel and Palestine entered their second week of fighting Monday. Tensions had been on the rise for over a month when the fighting began May 10. Amid international efforts to broker a ceasefire, violence escalated throughout the week and into the weekend.
- Sunday became the deadliest day of the conflict so far with Israeli airstrikes killing 42 Palestinians.
- On Monday, Gaza health officials reported to The Associated Press that over 200 Palestinians, including 59 children and 35 women, have been killed by the airstrikes since the fighting began. More than 1,300 Palestinians have been injured, and health officials told CNN they expect the number to rise as search and rescue operations are still underway.
- Israeli forces have fired hundreds of airstrikes into Gaza, the AP reports.
- The Israeli military reported Monday that 10 Israelis, including one child, have been killed by the rocket fire. Palestinian forces have fired over 3,200 rockets into Israel.
Within Israel, the violence between Jewish and Arab Israelis continued throughout the weekend, the AP reports.
Israel draws controversy for airstrike targets amid further destruction in Gaza
On Saturday, Israeli airstrikes leveled a 12-story office building in Gaza City housing The Associated Press and Al Jazeera, international media outlets. The action has drawn criticism from both news outlets. Reporters Without Borders has called for an investigation by the International Criminal Court of Israel committing war crimes.
- Also on Saturday, airstrikes hit the al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza, killing 10 Palestinians and wounding at least 20 more in nearby houses, CNN reported.
- On Monday, the Israeli military targeted the homes of Hamas commanders, destroying nine, as well as targeting the tunnels used by Hamas forces, the AP reports.
Within Gaza, the destruction has led to power outages lasting between eight to 12 hours a day. The area’s electricity distribution company said Monday that its power supply will last only two to three more days. The tap water is no longer drinkable, according to the AP. The Gaza City mayor said the airstrikes have damaged roads and other key infrastructure.
Efforts for a ceasefire continue to stall
The Israeli prime minister continues to reiterate that Israel is prepared for further fighting, saying it will do “whatever it takes to restore order.” Hamas’ top leader said they will not accept a ceasefire “that is not up to the sacrifices of the Palestinian people.”
The U.N. Security Council met Sunday to discuss the violence but did not issue a statement condemning the violence and calling for a ceasefire due to the U.S. delegation blocking these efforts, CBS News reports.
- The U.S. has not signaled that it would press for a ceasefire with President Joe Biden reaffirming support for Israel’s right to defend itself.
Diplomats from the U.N., Egypt and Qatar continue to push for a ceasefire, but the violence shows no signs of stopping.
Protests worldwide show support for Palestine
On Saturday, hundreds of thousands of protesters around the world gathered to show support for Palestine and condemn the Israeli attacks, Buzzfeed News reports. The demonstrators waved Palestinian flags, chanted “Free Palestine” and held posters.
- In the U.S., thousands of pro-Palestine protesters rallied in New York City, Boston, Los Angles, Philadelphia and in front of the White House in Washington, D.C, according to Al Jazeera and BuzzFeed News.
- In France, the demonstration was deemed illegal, with police firing tear gas at peaceful protesters in Paris, NBC News reports.
- In London, BuzzFeed News reported that around 100,000 people came to show support for Palestine.
Large demonstrations also took place in Lebanon near the Lebanese-Israeli border as well as in Germany, Qatar, Belgium, Turkey, South Africa, Iraq, Turkey, Mexico, Canada, Japan and Spain, according to Al Jazeera.
Many protests took place on the Palestinian day of remembrance, Nakba Day, when Palestinians commemorate the 1948 displacement of thousands of Palestinians during the establishment of Israel, Al Jazeera reports.