Gaza militants fired rocket at Israel

Militants in Gaza Strip fired rocket at Israel on August 16, 2021.

Key Points

• The rocket was however intercepted by Iron Dome anti-missile system of Israel.
• It was the first such attack since 11-day war in May 2021.
• Israel has pledged to retaliate.

Gaza–Israel conflict

Gaza-Israel conflict is the part of localized Israeli–Palestinian conflict. It is also a scene of power struggle between regional powers like Iran, Egypt and Turkey. Qatar supports different sides of this conflict in the backdrop of regional standoff between Iran & Saudi Arabia and between Qatar & Saudi Arabia.

Background

This conflict was originated after the election of Islamist political party called Hamas in 2005 and 2006 in Gaza Strip. Conflict escalated following the split of Palestinian Authority Palestinian government into Fatah government in West Bank and Hamas government in Gaza.

Israel–Gaza barrier

This barrier was completed in 1996. It has helped in reducing the infiltration from Gaza Strip into Israel. With the start of Second Intifada, Gazans are not permitted to enter Israel for work purposes. Special permits for medical purposes to enter Israel were also reduced.

About Gaza Strip

It is a self-governing Palestinian territory situated on the eastern coast of Mediterranean Sea. It shares border with Egypt in southwest, Israel in east & north. Gaza and West Bank are claimed by sovereign State of Palestine.  Territories of Gaza and West Bank are separated from each other by Israeli territory and it is under the jurisdiction of Palestinian Authority.

Month: Current Affairs - August, 2021