The current situation in the West Bank and Gaza has been precipitated by several complex factors. Here is a quick primer on what you should know.
1. Background: The West Bank, including East Jerusalem, has been occupied by Israel since the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. The Israeli government encourages Jewish citizens to move into the region via settlements, which the Palestinian population, as well as many international governments and organizations, consider illegal.
2. Tensions Flaring: Tensions have been rising in the West Bank following many incidents, including attempted evictions of Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah, East Jerusalem, to make way for Jewish settlers. The situation was exacerbated by clashes at the Al-Aqsa Mosque during the last week of Ramadan, Islam’s holiest month.
3. Protests and Violence: The West Bank has seen a significant increase in protests and violence. Clashes between Palestinian protestors and Israeli forces are frequently reported. This violence includes stone-throwing, use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and sometimes live ammunition.
4. International Reaction: The ongoing situation has prompted concern from international governments and human rights organizations. Many have called for an end to violence, while others condemn Israel’s continued settlement expansion.
5. Hamas Involvement: In response to the unrest in Jerusalem, the Islamist group Hamas, which governs Gaza, launched rockets toward Israel. Israel responded with extensive airstrikes.
6. Potential for Escalation: There are significant concerns that ongoing violence in the West Bank
As the world focuses on Gaza, the West Bank has reached boiling point. Here’s what to know
The current situation in the West Bank and Gaza has been precipitated by several complex factors. Here is a quick primer on what you should know.
1. Background: The West Bank, including East Jerusalem, has been occupied by Israel since the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. The Israeli government encourages Jewish citizens to move into the region via settlements, which the Palestinian population, as well as many international governments and organizations, consider illegal.
2. Tensions Flaring: Tensions have been rising in the West Bank following many incidents, including attempted evictions of Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah, East Jerusalem, to make way for Jewish settlers. The situation was exacerbated by clashes at the Al-Aqsa Mosque during the last week of Ramadan, Islam’s holiest month.
3. Protests and Violence: The West Bank has seen a significant increase in protests and violence. Clashes between Palestinian protestors and Israeli forces are frequently reported. This violence includes stone-throwing, use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and sometimes live ammunition.
4. International Reaction: The ongoing situation has prompted concern from international governments and human rights organizations. Many have called for an end to violence, while others condemn Israel’s continued settlement expansion.
5. Hamas Involvement: In response to the unrest in Jerusalem, the Islamist group Hamas, which governs Gaza, launched rockets toward Israel. Israel responded with extensive airstrikes.
6. Potential for Escalation: There are significant concerns that ongoing violence in the West Bank
