Israeli Violence Spark Deadly 11 Day Conflict

The Unity Intifada, one of the deadliest escalations in years, erupted in May after weeks of growing tensions in Jerusalem. The conflict was triggered by protests against the forced eviction of Palestinian families in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood and violent Israeli police crackdowns at Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan. These confrontations, particularly on May 6 and 7, saw Israeli forces storming Al-Aqsa, firing tear gas, rubber bullets, and stun grenades at Palestinian worshippers. Hundreds were injured, intensifying public outrage. On May 10, Hamas issued an ultimatum demanding Israeli forces withdraw from Al-Aqsa and Sheikh Jarrah. When the demand was ignored, Hamas launched rockets towards Jerusalem, marking the beginning of an all-out war. Israel responded with intense airstrikes on Gaza, targeting what it claimed were Hamas military sites but also hitting residential areas, government buildings, and essential infrastructure. Throughout the conflict, Israeli airstrikes pounded Gaza, killing civilians and displacing thousands. Among the most controversial attacks was the May 15 bombing of the Al-Jalaa Tower, home to international media outlets like Al Jazeera and the Associated Press. Israel claimed Hamas operated within the building, but no concrete evidence was provided. The attack was widely condemned as an assault on press freedom. Other major buildings destroyed included the Hanadi Tower, Al-Shorouk Tower, and Al-Jawhara Tower, reducing much of Gaza’s skyline to rubble. Meanwhile, Hamas and other militant groups fired over 4,000 rockets at Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Ashkelon. While Israel’s Iron Dome intercepted many, some rockets caused casualties and destruction. By the time a ceasefire was brokered by Egypt on May 21, the toll was devastating: 256 Palestinians killed, including 66 children and 39 women 13 Israelis killed, including two children Over 2,000 Palestinians injured, and tens of thousands displaced Gaza’s infrastructure severely damaged, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis Though the violence stopped, the root causes remained unresolved, leaving the region in a fragile state. The 2021 conflict underscored the ongoing struggle of Palestinians under occupation and the cyclical nature of violence in the region. #IsraelPalestine #GazaUnderAttack #AlAqsa #SheikhJarrah #MiddleEastCrisis #AlJalaaTower #MomentOfLife #MoofLife