“Answer calm with calm” – according to this principle, the guns should be silent again between the militant Palestinian organization Islamic Jihad and Israel. Some normality will return on Sunday.
In the renewed escalation of the conflict between Israel and the militant Palestinian organization Islamic Jihad, there are signs of easing for the time being thanks to a ceasefire brokered by Egypt. Despite mutual attacks more than an hour after it went into effect at 10:00 p.m. local time (21:00 BST) Saturday, fighting that had lasted for five days calmed down early Sunday morning. Normalcy gradually returned on both sides of the border.
Jihadi leader Siyad al-Nachala declared fighting with Israel to be over after the ceasefire came into effect in the evening. “Our people stood firm and were not crushed,” Al-Nachala said in a video message. “We have endured what we have endured to maintain our united, strong and unwavering stance.”
Israeli National Security Advisor 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. According to him, however, “rest with rest” should be answered.
Army: More than 420 positions attacked
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 high-ranking members were killed. The jihad is the second most powerful military force in the Gaza Strip after Hamas and aims to destroy Israel. According to the military, the militant Palestinians have fired more than 1,400 rockets and mortar shells towards Israel in the past few days, 1,100 of which have crossed the border.
Ministry of Health: Six children killed
33 people were killed in the Gaza Strip, including 6 children, according to the Health Ministry. There are 190 injured. On the Israeli side, a woman and a Palestinian worker from the Gaza Strip were killed in rocket attacks. At least 32 people were injured, according to paramedics, and dozens more were treated for anxiety.
On Sunday, everyday life seemed to return at times. Shops that had been closed for five days amid fears of attacks reopened in the Gaza Strip. The residents of the narrow coastal strip celebrated the ceasefire or caught up on their purchases from the past few days. Traffic also resumed as normal.
Israel opened the Erez border crossing and the Kerem Shalom goods crossing to the Gaza Strip. According to media reports, the Israeli civil defense has partially relaxed its rules for residents near the border.
Shortly after the violence erupted on Tuesday, Egypt intervened as a mediator, as it had done many times before. However, negotiations on a ceasefire initially faltered.
More than two million people live in the Gaza Strip in very poor conditions. Hamas violently seized power in the Palestinian Territory in 2007. Israel then tightened a blockade of the coastal area, which is supported by Egypt.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
