Since Friday, Israel has carried out airstrikes against the terrorist organization Islamic Jihad operating in Gaza. Among other things, a 5-year-old child has died in the attacks. Islamic Jihad has responded by launching an estimated more than 200 rockets towards Israel.
16:52•Updated 17:07
Israel has continued its airstrikes on Gaza on Saturday, killing at least fifteen and wounding at least 125 people, the Gaza health authorities say. Among the dead is a five-year-old child.
The Israeli Armed Forces (IDF) estimates that they have killed around 10-20 fighters of the terrorist organization Islamic Jihad. In addition, it says that it arrested 20 people in the night raid on the West Bank, 19 of which are members of the Islamic Jihad.
Islamic Jihad has fired on the side of Israel, an online magazine According to the Times of Israel (you will be transferred to another service) more than 200 rockets after Israel launched its first airstrike on Friday afternoon. The effects of the rocket attacks have remained rather minor. There have been reports of some minor injuries from the Israeli side.
It is the most violent clash between Israel and Palestinian armed groups in Gaza since May last year, when 256 Palestinians and 13 Israelis were killed in the violence.
What kind of organization is Islamic Jihad?
Islamic Jihad is the second largest armed organization in Gaza. The better known Hamas controls the Gaza Strip. Both organizations oppose the existence of the state of Israel.
The main supporter of Islamic Jihad is Israel’s arch-enemy, Iran. Today, the organization has a rocket arsenal capable of hitting Israel’s largest city as far as Tel Aviv.
Islamic Jihad and Hamas often coordinate their attacks on Israel.
What ignited the spark?
Earlier this week, Israel arrested the leader of the Islamic Jihad, Bassem Saadi, in the city of Jenin on the West Bank. In addition, Israel increased its military presence and closed roads around Gaza in anticipation of retaliation.
On Friday, the Israeli armed forces killed the leader of the terrorist organization Islamic Jihad operating in Gaza by Taysir al-Jabar in an airstrike. According to Israel, al-Jabari was preparing an attack on Israel.
Tensions were further increased by the fact that Israel still closed all border crossings in Gaza, which is suffering from a humanitarian crisis, before Friday’s attacks. On Saturday, Gaza’s only power plant was shut down after running out of fuel.
Why is Israel striking right now?
Parliamentary elections will be held in Israel in November, which, according to several estimates, may be the motive behind the recent attacks.
The acting government is currently led by a centrist prime minister previously known as a television anchor Yair Lapid. In Israel, security is a key issue for voters, and Lapid has no background or merit in security issues.
Several experts evaluate, for example, a news channel to al-Jazeera (you will switch to another service), that the attacks are about Lapid’s show of force. The pressure on this is increased by the fact that in the November elections, the opponent is a long-term ex-prime minister, who is profiled in security issues Benjamin Netanyahu.
Will the situation get worse?
Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz has approved the call-up of 25,000 reservists and instructed the armed forces to continue the operation against Islamic Jihad.
The Israeli armed forces say they are preparing for week-long operations.
According to media reports, at least Egypt has tried to initiate peace mediation between the parties. The Israeli Armed Forces told news agency AFP on Saturday afternoon that no ceasefire negotiations are underway. Islamic Jihad also commented to AFP that a ceasefire is not in sight any time soon.
Iran has threatened that Israel will have to pay a “heavy price” for Friday’s airstrikes.
Hamas has announced its support (go to another service) Islamic Jihad in its countermeasures and that it also responds to Israel’s own attacks. However, according to several estimates, Hamas’ responsibility for managing the Gaza Strip may act as a deterrent – the region has still not recovered from last year’s bombings.