Israeli Raids in Gaza Prompt Violent Exchange

The IDF has carried out dozens of airstrikes in Gaza since November 12. (Flickr)

Following an Israeli airstrike targeting a militant in the Gaza Strip, violence between the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), a militant group operating in Gaza, and Israel has erupted. PIJ responded to the assassination of its commander by launching rockets into Israel, provoking Israel to conduct further airstrikes and raids.

The attack that prompted the recent outbreak in violence was an Israeli Defense Force-led (IDF) airstrike on the house of PIJ field commander Baha Abu al-Ata. Al Jazeera reports that on the morning of November 12, an IDF missile hit his home, killing him, his wife, and injuring their children and neighbors. Though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the IDF claimed the attack was routine, it was the first targeted assassination carried out by the IDF in six months. Netanyahu’s security cabinet had been divided over the policy, according to the Jerusalem Post. Palestinian militants saw the attack as an overstep and proceeded to launch retaliatory rockets aimed at Israel.

Since this initial violent exchange, the IDF has carried out dozens of airstrikes and raids in Gaza, and PIJ militants have fired nearly 450 rockets toward Israel, according to the Associated Press. The Iron Dome, an air defense system used by Israel, has intercepted most rockets. BBC reports that this week’s death toll has reached 34, all Palestinian, including 16 civilians.

Both sides’ tactics have drawn harsh criticism, but especially those of the Israeli military, which claims to be targeting militants and weapons stashes but has increasingly focused on hitting the residences of suspected militants, according to the Associated Press. Israel has since begun investigating a strike that killed 8 civilians, including 5 children, now doubting that its intelligence on the location of the target was correct.

In response to growing international criticism, Israel and the PIJ agreed to UN-mediated talks in Egypt where they eventually drafted a ceasefire to take effect at 5:30 a.m. on November 14. According to BBC, PIJ spokespeople have claimed the truce comes with the agreement by Israel to stop “assassination operations” and the use of live fire on protesters in the Gaza Strip. In addition, both sides agreed to begin the process of ending the blockade of Gaza which has been in place for nearly 12 years since Hamas’ takeover of the territory.

BBC notes, however, that Israel has not confirmed the cease-fire and has chosen instead to declare, “quiet will be met with quiet.” Haaretz reports, however, that rocket fire and airstrikes have resumed from both sides despite the ceasefire. Hamas has stayed on the sidelines of the conflict. Although it denounced Israel’s actions, Hamas canceled its weekly border protests in an effort to preserve the ceasefire.

The New York Times reports that the timing of this attack was strategic for Netanyahu, who faces a difficult and uncertain bid for reelection. The targeted assassination refutes claims by Netanyahu’s opponents that he is soft on Gaza.