Since the start of the war between Hamas and Israel on May 10, 2021, both sides have continued trading attacks that have resulted in more than 230 Palestinians and 12 Israelis being killed.
The war began when Hamas fired rockets at Jerusalem after Israel imposed restrictions on Muslim worshippers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the city.
In response, Israel launched airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, taking out key targets of Hamas including tunnels, weapons caches and residential buildings believed to have been used by Hamas members.
Israel has also deployed tanks and troops along the Gaza Strip border in anticipation of a ground offensive should the airstrikes fail to deter further rocket attacks. Hamas has responded with a barrage of rockets and mortar fire into Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to take out Iran-backed Hamas targets as long as Palestinian militants continue to launch rockets at Israel. He said that Israel is ready to “act with great force” to protect its people.
The United States, United Nations, European Union and Egypt are among the countries attempting to negotiate a ceasefire. However, their efforts have not yet achieved a breakthrough and fighting continues.