Palestinian Militants Fire Over 4,300 Rockets into Israel Before Ceasefire

Palestinian militants launched a barrage of over 4,300 rockets into Israel over the course of 11 days before a ceasefire took effect on May 21, according to the Israeli military. Israel's Iron Dome air defense system intercepted approximately 90% of the projectiles, significantly reducing the impact of the attacks.

The intense rocket fire from Gaza came amid heightened tensions and clashes in Jerusalem and the West Bank. Despite the heavy bombardment, the Israeli military reported relatively few casualties, largely due to the effectiveness of the Iron Dome system in intercepting the majority of the rockets.

Why this matters: The recent escalation in violence between Israel and Palestinian militants represents the worst fighting since the 2014 Gaza war. The conflict has drawn international attention and raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, as well as the prospects for a lasting peace in the region.

The ceasefire agreement, which came into effect on May 21, brought an end to the 11-day conflict. However, the underlying tensions and issues that led to the escalation remain unresolved, and the situation in the region continues to be fragile.

In the aftermath of the fighting, the United Nations has warned of a looming humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with the destruction of the territory's largest hospital, Al-Shifa, severely impacting the already strained health system. The UN has stated that the people of Gaza are facing the immediate prospect of a "shameful manmade famine."

The recent conflict has also seen an escalation in the long-running shadow war between Israel and Iran, with both sides carrying out attacks on each other's interests in the region. The United States has expressed hope that the cycle of retaliation will end, but the situation remains tense as both Israel and Iran appear poised for further action.

Key Takeaways

• Palestinian militants fired over 4,300 rockets into Israel over 11 days.
• Israel's Iron Dome intercepted 90% of the rockets, reducing casualties.
• The conflict represents the worst fighting since the 2014 Gaza war.
• The ceasefire brought an end to the 11-day conflict, but tensions remain.
• The UN warns of a looming humanitarian crisis in Gaza due to the fighting.