In the re-escalated conflict between Israel and the militant Palestinian organization Islamic Jihad, there are tentative signs of easing thanks to an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire. Despite reciprocal attacks more than an hour after it came into effect at 10pm local time (9pm BST) on Saturday, the five-day fighting calmed down early Sunday morning. Gradually, normalcy returned on both sides of the border.
Jihad leader Siyad al-Nachala stated that fighting with Israel was over after the ceasefire came into effect in the evening. “Our people stood their ground and were not crushed,” Al-Nachala said in a video message. “We endured what we endured to maintain our united, strong and steadfast stance.”
Israeli National Security Adviser Tzahi Hanegb warned that Israel would defend itself in the event of further attacks, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. However, according to him, “rest with peace” should be answered.
Large-scale military offensive
Since Tuesday, Israel has launched a large-scale military offensive against jihad in the Gaza Strip. According to the army, more than 420 positions were attacked and several senior members were killed. Jihad is the second most powerful military force in the Gaza Strip after Hamas and aims to destroy Israel. According to the military, militant Palestinians have fired more than 1,400 rockets and mortar shells at Israel in recent days, 1,100 of which have crossed the border.
According to the Ministry of Health, 33 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip, including six children. There are 190 injured. On the Israeli side, a woman and a Palestinian worker from the Gaza Strip were killed in rocket attacks. Paramedics say at least 32 people were injured and dozens more were treated for anxiety.
On Sunday, everyday life sometimes seemed to return. Shops that had been closed for five days for fear of attacks reopened in the Gaza Strip. The inhabitants of the narrow coastal strip celebrated the ceasefire or made up for their purchases of recent days. Traffic has also returned to normal.
Israel opened the Erez Border Crossing and the Kerem Shalom Goods Crossing into the Gaza Strip. According to media reports, the Israeli civil defense has partially relaxed its rules for residents near the border.
Shortly after the outbreak of violence on Tuesday, Egypt intervened as a mediator, as it had done so many times before. However, the ceasefire negotiations initially failed.
More than two million people live in the Gaza Strip in appalling conditions. Hamas violently seized power in the Palestinian territories in 2007. Israel then tightened a blockade of the coastal area, which is backed by Egypt. (sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
