2021 Israel–Palestine crisis#Arab communities in Israel

{{Main|Arab–Israeli conflict|Israeli–Palestinian conflict}}

At the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in 2021, Jerusalem Islamic Waqf officials said that on the night of 13 April, the Israeli police entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and severed the loudspeaker cables used to broadcast the muezzin's ritual call to prayer so that the Memorial Day speech being delivered by President Reuven Rivlin below at the Western Wall would not be disturbed. Israeli police declined to comment. The incident was condemned by Jordan,{{Cite web|url=https://themedialine.org/headlines/jordan-condemns-israel-for-cutting-call-to-prayer-at-al-aqsa/|title=Jordan Condemns Israel for Cutting Call to Prayer at Al-Aqsa|date=15 April 2021|website=The Media Line|access-date=18 May 2021|archive-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518195840/https://themedialine.org/headlines/jordan-condemns-israel-for-cutting-call-to-prayer-at-al-aqsa/|url-status=live}} and the Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas called the incident "a racist hate crime",{{Cite web|url=https://english.wafa.ps/Pages/Details/124063|title=Presidency slams deactivation of Al-Aqsa Mosque loudspeakers during prayers|work=WAFA|date=14 April 2021|access-date=9 June 2021|language=en|archive-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518195840/https://english.wafa.ps/Pages/Details/124063|url-status=live}} but it did not draw other international attention.{{Cite news|last=Kingsley|first=Patrick|author-link=Patrick Kingsley (journalist)|date=15 May 2021|title=After Years of Quiet, Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Exploded. Why Now?|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/15/world/middleeast/israel-palestinian-gaza-war.html|access-date=25 May 2021|issn=0362-4331|url-access=limited|archive-date=27 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527214803/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/15/world/middleeast/israel-palestinian-gaza-war.html|url-status=live}} In the same month, Israeli police closed the staired plaza outside the Old City's Damascus Gate, a traditional holiday gathering spot for Palestinians. The closure triggered violent night clashes, the barricades were removed after several days.{{cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/hundreds-of-palestinians-clash-with-police-by-damascus-gate-3-arrested/|title=Hundreds of Palestinians clash with police by Jerusalem's Damascus Gate|last=Boxerman|first=Aaron|work=The Times of Israel|date=19 April 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422061319/https://www.timesofisrael.com/hundreds-of-palestinians-clash-with-police-by-damascus-gate-3-arrested/|archive-date=22 April 2021|access-date=12 May 2021}} On 15 April, a TikTok video of a Palestinian teen slapping an ultra-orthodox Jewish man went viral, leading to several copycat incidents. The next day, tens of thousands of Palestinian worshippers were turned away from al-Aqsa, on the first Friday of Ramadan when Israel imposed a 10,000-person limit on prayers at the mosque.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-jerusalem-violence-palestinians-wounded-2021-05-10/ |title=Israel strikes Gaza, Hamas fires rockets after hundreds of Palestinians wounded in clashes |date=10 May 2021 |last=Palmer |first=Elizabeth |work=CBS News |access-date=1 June 2021 |archive-date=10 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510141920/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-jerusalem-violence-palestinians-wounded-2021-05-10/ |url-status=live}} On the same day, a rabbi was beaten in Jaffa, causing two days of protests. On 22 April, the far-right Jewish supremacist

• {{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/23/world/middleeast/israelis-palestinians-clash-jerusalem-old-city.html |title=Israelis and Palestinians Clash Around Jerusalem's Old City |date=23 April 2021 |last=Kershner |first=Isabel |website=The New York Times |access-date=23 May 2021 |url-access=limited |archive-date=23 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523114302/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/23/world/middleeast/israelis-palestinians-clash-jerusalem-old-city.html |url-status=live }}
• {{cite journal |last1=Ben-Shitrit |first1=Lihi |last2=Elad-Strenger |first2=Julia |last3=Hirsch-Hoefler |first3=Sivan |title='Pinkwashing' the radical-right: Gender and the mainstreaming of radical-right policies and actions |journal=European Journal of Political Research |date=8 March 2021 |volume=61 |pages=86–110 |doi=10.1111/1475-6765.12442 |s2cid=233798255 |issn = 0304-4130 }}
• {{cite journal |id={{Project MUSE|760417}} |last1=Zreik |first1=Raef |last2=Dakwar |first2=Azar |title=What's in the Apartheid Analogy? Palestine/Israel Refracted |journal=Theory & Event |date=2020 |volume=23 |issue=3 |pages=664–705 |doi=10.1353/tae.2020.0039 |url=https://philarchive.org/rec/DAKWIT }}
• {{cite journal |last1=Pokrzywiński |first1=Paweł |last2=Jarosz |first2=Adam J. |title=Organizacja Lehawa – ekstremizm spod znaku Kahane |trans-title=Lehawa Organisation – Kahane extremism |language=pl |journal=Stosunki Międzynarodowe |date=2019 |volume=55 |issue=2 |pages=61–80 |doi=10.7366/020909621201904 |doi-broken-date=1 November 2024 |url=http://www.irjournal.pl/Organizacja-Lehawa-ekstremizm-spod-znaku-Kahane,123959,0,1.html }}
• {{cite web |first=Robert |last=Tait |title=Burning of Christian churches in Israel justified, far-Right Jewish leader says |date=6 August 2015 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/11786802/Burning-of-Christian-churches-in-Israel-justified-far-Right-Jewish-leader-says.html |access-date=23 May 2021 |archive-date=15 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515015637/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/11786802/Burning-of-Christian-churches-in-Israel-justified-far-Right-Jewish-leader-says.html |url-status=live }}
• {{cite web |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-as-anti-arab-attacks-spike-jewish-supremacist-group-plans-jerusalem-show-of-force-1.9733546 |title='Break Their Faces': As anti-Arab Attacks Spike, Jewish Supremacist Group Plans Jerusalem Show of Force |date=21 April 2021 |last=Hasson |first=Nir |website=Haaretz |access-date=24 May 2021 |url-access=limited |archive-date=25 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525130909/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-as-anti-arab-attacks-spike-jewish-supremacist-group-plans-jerusalem-show-of-force-1.9733546 |url-status=live }}
• {{cite web |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/05/06/israel-palestine-united-states-extremism-netanyahu-lehava-jerusalem-violence-sheikh-jarrah/ |title=Washington Has Enabled Israeli Extremism |date=6 May 2021 |last=Elgindy |first=Khaled |website=Foreign Policy |access-date=24 May 2021 |archive-date=24 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524213237/https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/05/06/israel-palestine-united-states-extremism-netanyahu-lehava-jerusalem-violence-sheikh-jarrah/ |url-status=live }}
• {{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/04/23/jerusalem-clashes-ramadan-palestinians-israelis/ |title=As coronavirus recedes in Israel, tensions rise in Jerusalem |date=23 April 2021 |last=Berger |first=Miriam |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=24 May 2021 |url-access=limited |archive-date=24 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424065620/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/04/23/jerusalem-clashes-ramadan-palestinians-israelis/ |url-status=live }}
• {{cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-jerusalem-palestinians-and-jews-see-a-night-of-rage-hate/ |title=In Jerusalem, Palestinians and Jews see a night of rage and hate |date=23 April 2021 |last=Boxerman |first=Aaron |website=The Times of Israel |access-date=24 May 2021 |archive-date=22 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522171603/https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-jerusalem-palestinians-and-jews-see-a-night-of-rage-hate/ |url-status=live }} group Lehava held a march through Jerusalem chanting "death to Arabs." On 23 April, after fringe military groups fired 36 rockets at southern Israel, the IDF launched missiles at Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip. The barrage of rocket fire came as hundreds of Palestinians clashed with Israeli police in East Jerusalem and on 25 April, the United Nations envoy Tor Wennesland condemned the violence and said, "The provocative acts across Jerusalem must cease. The indiscriminate launching of rockets towards Israeli population centers violates international law and must stop immediately."{{cite news |first1=Fares |last1=Akram |first2=Josef |last2=Federman |title=Jerusalem tension triggers Gaza-Israel fire exchange |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-strip-middle-east-religion-jerusalem-e37ec6fe6f28f254cd617e9b4a206d3e |work=AP News |date=24 April 2021 |access-date=8 June 2021 |archive-date=6 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506004630/https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-strip-middle-east-religion-jerusalem-e37ec6fe6f28f254cd617e9b4a206d3e |url-status=live }} On 26 April, after more than 40 rockets have been launched from the Gaza Strip into Israel while one projectile exploded inside the Gaza Strip over of the previous three days, the Security Cabinet of Israel voted in favor after an hours-long debate of an operational plan to strike Hamas if rocket fire from Gaza continues.{{cite news |first1=Lahav |last1=Harkov |first2=Udi |last2=Shaham |title=IDF to respond strongly if Gaza rockets continue – security cabinet |url=https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/israel-restricts-gaza-fishing-zone-in-response-to-palestinian-rockets-666334 |work=The Jerusalem Post |date=26 April 2021 |access-date=8 June 2021 |archive-date=7 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607234450/https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/israel-restricts-gaza-fishing-zone-in-response-to-palestinian-rockets-666334 |url-status=live }} In the following days, a Palestinian boy and a 19-year-old Israeli settler were killed. On 6 May, the Israel Police shot and killed a 16-year-old Palestinian during a raid of Nablus in the West Bank.{{cite web |title=Palestinian teen killed during Israeli raid on West Bank village |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/6/palestinian-teen-killed-in-clashes-with-israeli-armed-forces |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=18 May 2021 |date=6 May 2021 |archive-date=18 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518023225/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/6/palestinian-teen-killed-in-clashes-with-israeli-armed-forces |url-status=live }} According to Addameer, Israeli police arrested at least 61 children from mid-April during clashes in and about East Jerusalem, and 4 were shot dead in three weeks.{{cite news |first=Jessie |last=McDonald |url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/may/28/one-name-in-a-long-list-the-pointless-death-of-another-west-bank-teenager |title='One name in a long list': the pointless death of another West Bank teenager |work=The Guardian |date=28 May 2021 |access-date=8 June 2021 |archive-date=8 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608090617/https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/may/28/one-name-in-a-long-list-the-pointless-death-of-another-west-bank-teenager |url-status=live }}

Itamar Ben-Gvir visited Sheikh Jarrah shortly before the clashes began, where he said that the houses belonged to Jews and told police to "open fire" on protesters.{{cite news |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210509-silence-is-not-an-option-in-east-jerusalem-for-palestinians |title='Silence is not an option' in east Jerusalem for Palestinians |date=9 May 2021 |work=France 24 |agency=Agence France-Presse |access-date=10 May 2021 |archive-date=9 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509131610/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210509-silence-is-not-an-option-in-east-jerusalem-for-palestinians |url-status=live}} Agence France-Presse reported that Israeli settlers had been seen in Sheikh Jarrah openly carrying assault rifles and revolvers leading up to the clashes. According to author Ramzy Baroud, a video was posted of Ben-Gvir, in a joking exchange with the deputy mayor of Jerusalem, Arieh King, mocking a Palestinian resident shot by Israeli police during a protest.{{cite web |first=Ramzy |last=Baroud |url=https://www.jordantimes.com/opinion/ramzy-baroud/muna-palestine-yakub-israel-untold-story-sheikh-jarrah |title=Muna is Palestine, Yakub is Israel: The Untold Story of Sheikh Jarrah |work=The Jordan Times |date=12 May 2021 |access-date=21 October 2021}}

{{main|Sheikh Jarrah controversy}}{{further|Palestinian displacement in East Jerusalem}}

File:Jarrah22.jpg neighborhood]]

The Sheikh Jarrah district houses the descendants of refugees expelled or displaced from their homes in Jaffa and Haifa in the Nakba of 1948.{{cite news|first=Faiza|last=Saqib|date=14 May 2021|title=Israel-Gaza: What is the conflict about?|work=The Independent|location=London|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/what-israel-gaza-conflict-about-b1846838.html|url-status=live|access-date=9 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514000606/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/what-israel-gaza-conflict-about-b1846838.html|archive-date=14 May 2021}}{{Cite news|last=Rubin|first=Shira|date=9 May 2021|title=How a Jerusalem neighborhood reignited the Israeli-Palestinian conflict|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/jerusalem-sheikh-jarrah-occupation-aqsa/2021/05/09/822ce066-af68-11eb-82c1-896aca955bb9_story.html|url-status=live|url-access=limited|access-date=9 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512174755/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/jerusalem-sheikh-jarrah-occupation-aqsa/2021/05/09/822ce066-af68-11eb-82c1-896aca955bb9_story.html|archive-date=12 May 2021}} Today, around 75 Palestinian families live on this disputed land.{{Cite news|last=Lieber|first=Dov|date=2021-05-27|title=Israeli-Hamas Cease-Fire Threatened by Tensions Over Contested Jerusalem Neighborhood|language=en-US|work=The Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/israeli-hamas-cease-fire-threatened-by-tensions-over-contested-jerusalem-neighborhood-11622133465|access-date=2021-05-27|issn=0099-9660|archive-date=27 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527214803/https://www.wsj.com/articles/israeli-hamas-cease-fire-threatened-by-tensions-over-contested-jerusalem-neighborhood-11622133465|url-status=live|url-access=limited}} The long-running dispute over land ownership in Sheikh Jarrah is considered a microcosm of the Israeli–Palestinian disputes over land since 1948.{{cite web|first=Seth|last=Frantzman|date=9 May 2021|url=https://www.thejc.com/comment/analysis/why-the-sheikh-jarrah-dispute-has-captured-international-attention-1.516489|title=Why the Sheikh Jarrah dispute has captured international attention|work=The Jewish Chronicle|access-date=12 May 2021|archive-date=10 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510090929/https://www.thejc.com/comment/analysis/why-the-sheikh-jarrah-dispute-has-captured-international-attention-1.516489|url-status=dead}} Currently, more than 1,000 Palestinians living across East Jerusalem face possible eviction. Israeli law allows Israeli land owners to file claims over land in East Jerusalem which they have owned prior to 1948, except where expropriated by the Jordanian government,{{cite journal |last1=Benvenisti |first1=Eyal |last2=Zamir |first2=Eyal |title=Private Claims to Property Rights in the Future Israeli-Palestinian Settlement |journal=The American Journal of International Law |date=1995 |volume=89 |issue=2 |pages=295–340 |doi=10.2307/2204205 |jstor=2204205 |s2cid=145317224 }} but rejects Palestinian claims over land in Israel which they owned.{{cite news|title=What has caused Jerusalem's worst violence in years?|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/11/what-has-caused-jerusalem-worst-violence-in-years-israel-palestine|work=The Guardian|first=Oliver|last=Holmes|date=11 May 2021|access-date=11 May 2021|archive-date=12 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512014435/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/11/what-has-caused-jerusalem-worst-violence-in-years-israel-palestine|url-status=live}} The international community considers East Jerusalem to be Palestinian territory held under Israeli occupation and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has called on Israel to stop all forced evictions of Palestinians from Sheikh Jarrah, saying that if carried out the expulsions of the Palestinians would violate Israel's responsibilities under international law which prohibit the transfer of civilians in to or out of occupied territory by the occupying power. A spokesman for the OHCHR said that such transfers may constitute a "war crime". Human rights organizations have been critical of Israeli efforts to remove Palestinians from Sheikh Jarrah, with Human Rights Watch releasing a statement saying that the disparate rights between Palestinian and Jewish residents of East Jerusalem "underscores the reality of apartheid that Palestinians in East Jerusalem face."{{cite web | title=Jerusalem to Gaza, Israeli Authorities Reassert Domination | website=Human Rights Watch | date=2021-05-11 | url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/05/11/jerusalem-gaza-israeli-authorities-reassert-domination | ref={{sfnref | Human Rights Watch | 2021}} | access-date=2021-05-24 | archive-date=3 June 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603152403/https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/05/11/jerusalem-gaza-israeli-authorities-reassert-domination | url-status=live }} Israeli human rights group estimate that over 1,000 Palestinian families are at risk of eviction in East Jerusalem.{{cite web |first=Joseph |last=Krauss |title=Palestinians fear loss of family homes as evictions loom |work=AP News |date=10 May 2021 |url=https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-religion-2ba6f064df3964ceafb6e2ff02303d41 |access-date=8 June 2021 |archive-date=8 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608110004/https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-religion-2ba6f064df3964ceafb6e2ff02303d41 |url-status=live }}

A Jewish trust bought the land in Sheikh Jarrah from Arab landowners in the 1870s in Ottoman Palestine. However, the purchase is disputed by some Palestinians, who have produced Ottoman-era land titles for part of the land.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/07/world/middleeast/evictions-jerusalem-israeli-palestinian-conflict-protest.html|title=Evictions in Jerusalem Become Focus of Israeli-Palestinian Conflict|first=Patrick|last=Kingsley|newspaper=The New York Times|date=19 May 2021|url-access=limited|archive-date=9 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509010508/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/07/world/middleeast/evictions-jerusalem-israeli-palestinian-conflict-protest.html|url-status=live}} The land came under Jordanian control following the 1948 Arab–Israeli War. Following the war, Jewish residents were expelled from East Jerusalem, and Palestinians from Israel. In 1956, the Jordanian government, in cooperation with the United Nations' organization for refugees, housed 28 of these Palestinian families on land owned by Jewish trusts.{{cite report |title=Evictions and Settlement Plans in Sheikh Jarrah: The Case of Shimon HaTzadik |url=https://www.ir-amim.org.il/sites/default/files/SheikhJarrahEngnew.pdf |publisher=Ir Amim |date=25 June 2009 |access-date=18 May 2021 |archive-date=12 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512070700/https://www.ir-amim.org.il/sites/default/files/SheikhJarrahEngnew.pdf |url-status=live }} After the Six-Day War the area fell under Israeli occupation. In 1970, Israel passed a law that allowed previous owners to reclaim property in East Jerusalem that had been taken by Jordan without having ownership transferred. Under this law, in 1972, the Israeli Custodian General registered the properties under the Jewish trusts which claimed to be the rightful owners of the land. In 1982, an agreement was endorsed by the courts which the families later said had been made without their knowledge and disputed the original ownership claims by the Jewish trusts.{{efn|"In 1982, the two Jewish Committees filed a lawsuit against 23 of these Palestinian families. An Israeli attorney Toussia-Cohen, who represented 17 of the families, reached an agreement with the two Jewish Committees, that the families would stay in the properties as protected tenants, but in return would recognise the two Jewish Committees' ownership claims. As such, the families have been required to pay rent to the two Jewish Committees and comply with strict regulation on their ability to renovate or change the property. The Israeli lawyer concluded the agreement with the two Jewish Committees without the families' consent, and without challenging or scrutinising the validity of the ownership claims. The agreement was sanctioned by the Jerusalem District Court and formed the basis for eviction lawsuits of the 28 refugee families, who have refused to pay rent to the Jewish Committees, despite the fact that not all families are part of the Toussia-Cohen Agreement and the fact that the families who are part of the agreement dispute that their consent was given to the Israeli lawyer."{{cite report| title =Joint Urgent Appeal to the United Nations Special Procedures on Forced Evictions in East Jerusalem| publisher =The Palestinian Human Rights Organisation Council, The Civic Coalition for Palestinian Rights in Jerusalem, Community Action Center, Al-Quds University, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies|url = https://www.alhaq.org/cached_uploads/download/2021/03/10/joint-urgent-appeal-to-the-united-nations-special-procedures-on-forced-evictions-in-east-jerusalem-1615372889.pdf| date =10 March 2021}}

"Israeli courts have not ruled conclusively on the ownership of the land; the families were evicted on the grounds of non-compliance with a 1982 lease agreement which their Israeli lawyer concluded at the time with the settler groups without their consent."{{Cite web|url=https://www.ochaopt.org/sites/default/files/ocha_opt_sheikh_jarrah_factsheet_2010_10_11_english.pdf|title=UN OCHA The case of Sheikh Jarrah updated version October 2010}}}} These challenges were rejected by Israeli courts. The trusts then demanded that the tenants pay rent. Eviction orders began to be issued in the 1990s. Palestinian tenants say that Israeli courts have no jurisdiction in the area since the land is outside Israel's recognized borders;Tareq Baconi, [https://www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2021/may/sheikh-jarrah-and-after 'Sheikh Jarrah and After,'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517144216/https://www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2021/may/sheikh-jarrah-and-after |date=17 May 2021 }} London Review of Books 14 May 2021 this view is supported by the UN Human Rights Office.

File:OCHAoPT map of evictions in East Jerusalem as at 2016.pdf map of Palestinian communities under threat of eviction in East Jerusalem, as of 2016]]

In 2003, the Jewish trusts sold the homes to a right-wing settler organization, which then made repeated attempts to evict the Palestinian residents. The company has submitted plans to build more than 200 housing units, which have not yet{{When|date=June 2021}} been approved by the government. These groups succeeded in evicting 43 Palestinians from the area in 2002, and three more families since then. In 2010, the Supreme Court of Israel rejected an appeal by Palestinian families who had resided in 57 housing units in the area of Sheikh Jarrah, who had petitioned the court to have their ownership to the properties recognized.Yitzhak Reiter, Lior Lehrs, [https://jerusaleminstitute.org.il/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/PUB_sheikhjarrah_eng.pdf 'The Strategic Implications of Jewish Settlement in an Arab Neighborhood in East Jerusalem,'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502182253/https://jerusaleminstitute.org.il/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/PUB_sheikhjarrah_eng.pdf |date=2 May 2021}} The Jerusalem Institute for Israel Studies 2010 pp.1–96 p.6 An Israeli court had previously ruled that the Palestinians could remain on the properties under a legal status called "protected tenants", but had to pay rent. The move to evict them came after they refused to pay rent and carried out construction.{{cite web|last=Ostrovsky|first=Arsen|date=10 May 2021|title=Sheikh Jarrah: A legal background|url=https://www.jns.org/sheikh-jarrah-a-legal-background/|access-date=14 May 2021|website=JNS.org|language=en-US|archive-date=13 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513180907/https://www.jns.org/sheikh-jarrah-a-legal-background/|url-status=live}} In 2021 Israel's Supreme Court was expected to deliver a ruling on whether to uphold the eviction of six Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood on 10 May 2021, after a court ruled that 13 families comprising 58 people had to vacate the properties by 1 August. On 9 May 2021, the Israeli Supreme Court delayed the expected decision on evictions for 30 days, after an intervention from Attorney General of Israel Avichai Mandelblit. On 26 May 2021, the court ordered Mandelblit to submit his legal opinion on the matter within two weeks. In a related case, the Jerusalem District Court is holding a hearing on appeals filed on behalf of seven families subject of eviction orders from the Batan al-Hawa section of Silwan.{{Cite web|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-israel-s-top-court-gives-ag-2-weeks-to-submit-opinion-on-sheikh-jarrah-evictions-1.9843694|title=Sheikh Jarrah eviction case nears decision: Israel's top court gives attorney general two-week deadline|website=Haaretz|first=Nir|last=Hasson|date=26 May 2021|url-access=limited|access-date=29 May 2021|archive-date=26 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526141908/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-israel-s-top-court-gives-ag-2-weeks-to-submit-opinion-on-sheikh-jarrah-evictions-1.9843694|url-status=live}} According to Haaretz, Mandelblit notified the court on 7 June that he would decline to present a view on the case;{{Cite web|url=http://english.alaraby.co.uk/news/israeli-supreme-court-set-rule-sheikh-jarrah-expulsion|title=Israeli Supreme Court set to rule on Sheikh Jarrah case, opening door for expulsion of Palestinians|author=|work=The New Arab|date=7 June 2021|access-date=9 June 2021|archive-date=9 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609162153/https://english.alaraby.co.uk/news/israeli-supreme-court-set-rule-sheikh-jarrah-expulsion|url-status=live}} a new hearing date of 2 August was set.{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/roadblocks-upend-palestinian-familys-life-east-jerusalems-sheikh-jarrah-2021-06-17/|title=Roadblocks upend Palestinian family's life in East Jerusalem's Sheikh Jarrah|date=17 June 2021|website=Reuters}}

According to the Jerusalem Institute for Policy Research, this approach to property rights is unacceptable in international law. The Jerusalem-based non-profit organization B'Tselem and the international Human Rights Watch cited discriminatory policies in East Jerusalem in recent reports, alleging that Israel is guilty of the crime of apartheid. Israel rejected the allegations.{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/jerusalem-middle-east-lifestyle-government-and-politics-43d4cab031c28da0abf98d694dd169ac|title=What's behind the clashes in Jerusalem?|first1=Joseph|last1=Krauss|work=AP News|date=10 May 2021|access-date=25 May 2021|archive-date=25 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525033034/https://apnews.com/article/jerusalem-middle-east-lifestyle-government-and-politics-43d4cab031c28da0abf98d694dd169ac|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Israel Accused Of 'Apartheid' Crimes By Human Rights Watch|url=https://www.npr.org/2021/04/27/990993903/israel-accused-of-apartheid-crimes-by-human-rights-watch|first=Daniel|last=Estrin|date=27 April 2021|access-date=26 May 2021|website=NPR|language=en|archive-date=21 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521200907/https://www.npr.org/2021/04/27/990993903/israel-accused-of-apartheid-crimes-by-human-rights-watch|url-status=live}} East Jerusalem is effectively annexed by Israel, and Israel applies its laws there. According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the area is a part of the Palestinian territories that Israel currently occupies. United States secretary of state Antony Blinken warned Israel that evicting Palestinian families from their homes in East Jerusalem is among the actions by both sides that could lead to "conflict and war."{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/isreal-palestine-war-blinken-jerusalem-b1855676.html|title=US 'warns Israeli leaders evicting Palestinians could spark war'|date=28 May 2021|website=The Independent|location=London|access-date=1 June 2021|first=Zoe|last=Tidman|archive-date=30 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210530012515/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/isreal-palestine-war-blinken-jerusalem-b1855676.html|url-status=live}}

The 2021 Palestinian legislative election for the Palestinian Legislative Council, originally scheduled for 22 May 2021, was indefinitely postponed on 29 April by President Mahmoud Abbas.{{cite news|date=30 April 2021|title=Abbas delays Palestinian parliamentary polls, blaming Israel|work=Al Jazeera|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/30/palestinians-polls-hamas-plo|url-status=live|access-date=11 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430035502/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/30/palestinians-polls-hamas-plo|archive-date=30 April 2021}}{{Cite web|date=29 April 2021|title=Palestinian parliamentary elections delayed, says Abbas, blaming Israel|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/palestinian-elections-delayed-says-president-mahmoud-abbas-2021-04-29/|url-access=limited|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514142325/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/palestinian-elections-delayed-says-president-mahmoud-abbas-2021-04-29/|archive-date=14 May 2021|access-date=15 May 2021|website=Reuters}}{{Cite web|last=Krauss|first=Joseph|date=29 April 2021|title=Abbas delays Palestinian elections; Hamas slams 'coup'|url=https://apnews.com/article/hamas-middle-east-elections-religion-government-and-politics-e88636bc919f8aab455e01fbbd4b4391|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526001059/https://apnews.com/article/hamas-middle-east-elections-religion-government-and-politics-e88636bc919f8aab455e01fbbd4b4391|archive-date=26 May 2021|access-date=26 May 2021|website=AP News}} Hamas, which was expected to do well in the elections, called the move a "coup", and some Palestinians believed Abbas had delayed the election to avoid political defeat for his party Fatah.{{Cite web|title=What you need to know about Israeli-Palestinian crisis|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/explainer-how-did-latest-israeli-palestinian-crisis-emerge-n1267399|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515213311/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/explainer-how-did-latest-israeli-palestinian-crisis-emerge-n1267399|archive-date=15 May 2021|access-date=16 May 2021|website=NBC News|date=15 May 2021 |language=en}}{{cite news|last1=Boxerman|first1=Aaron|date=14 May 2021|title=With Israel and Gaza already beset by chaos, West Bank 'explosion' looms|work=The Times of Israel|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-chaos-strikes-israel-and-gaza-the-west-bank-stays-at-a-simmer-for-now/|url-status=live|access-date=15 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515003414/https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-chaos-strikes-israel-and-gaza-the-west-bank-stays-at-a-simmer-for-now|archive-date=15 May 2021}} Analysts say the postponement contributed towards the current crisis, and encouraged Hamas to resort to military confrontation rather than diplomatic tactics.{{cite news|last=Wallis Simons|first=Jake|date=14 May 2021|title=Revealed: How Israel tricked Hamas|language=en|work=The Spectator|url=https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/revealed-how-israel-tricked-hamas|url-status=live|url-access=limited|access-date=25 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514175737/https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/revealed-how-israel-tricked-hamas|archive-date=14 May 2021}}{{cite news|last1=Norman|first1=Julie M.|date=12 May 2021|title=Israel-Palestine conflict: the role of Hamas and Fatah rivalry in latest violence|language=en|work=The Conversation|url=https://theconversation.com/israel-palestine-conflict-the-role-of-hamas-and-fatah-rivalry-in-latest-violence-160814|url-status=live|access-date=26 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524214950/https://theconversation.com/israel-palestine-conflict-the-role-of-hamas-and-fatah-rivalry-in-latest-violence-160814|archive-date=24 May 2021}}{{Cite web|date=14 May 2021|title=What is the current Israel-Gaza crisis about and where is it heading?|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/14/what-is-the-current-israel-gaza-crisis-about-and-where-is-it-heading|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516000311/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/14/what-is-the-current-israel-gaza-crisis-about-and-where-is-it-heading|archive-date=16 May 2021|access-date=16 May 2021|website=The Guardian|language=en}}{{Cite news|date=13 May 2021|title=Israel and Hamas move closer to war|newspaper=The Economist|url=https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2021/05/13/israel-and-hamas-move-closer-to-war|url-status=live|url-access=registration|access-date=16 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515234600/https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2021/05/13/israel-and-hamas-move-closer-to-war|archive-date=15 May 2021|issn=0013-0613}} Opinion pieces in NBC News, The Wall Street Journal and Foreign Policy argued that by taking responsibility for the rocket fire, Hamas had improved its standing among Palestinians wary of the delayed elections.{{cite news|last=Shimoni-Stoil|first=Rebecca|date=11 May 2021|title=Israel violence, from Al-Aqsa protests to Palestinian rockets, helps Netanyahu and Hamas|language=en|work=NBC News|department=Think|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/israel-violence-al-aqsa-protests-palestinian-rockets-helps-netanyahu-hamas-ncna1266890|url-status=live|access-date=26 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514081447/https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/israel-violence-al-aqsa-protests-palestinian-rockets-helps-netanyahu-hamas-ncna1266890|archive-date=14 May 2021}}{{cite news|date=11 May 2021|title=Hamas Tests Israel—and Biden|work=The Wall Street Journal|department=Opinion|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/hamas-tests-israeland-biden-11620772433|url-status=live|url-access=limited|access-date=26 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515083459/https://www.wsj.com/articles/hamas-tests-israeland-biden-11620772433|archive-date=15 May 2021}}{{cite news|last1=Quinn|first1=Colm|date=12 May 2021|title=Israel and Hamas Enter Third Day of Conflict|work=Foreign Policy|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/05/12/israel-hamas-gaza-palestinian-jerusalem-attacks/|url-status=live|access-date=15 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513002124/https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/05/12/israel-hamas-gaza-palestinian-jerusalem-attacks/|archive-date=13 May 2021}}

In Israel, a political crisis saw four inconclusive elections since 2019, which left Israel functioning under a caretaker government. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was trying to persuade several extreme-right politicians to form a coalition.{{Cite web|last1=Greene|first1=Richard Allen|last2=Liebermann|first2=Oren|title=Tensions between Israel and Palestinians are sky-high. Here's what you need to know|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/12/middleeast/israel-palestinian-explainer-intl-cmd/|website=CNN|date=12 May 2021 |access-date=16 May 2021|archive-date=16 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516043843/https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/12/middleeast/israel-palestinian-explainer-intl-cmd/|url-status=live}} The presence of right-wing Israeli politicians Ben-Gvir and King contributed to the crisis. The New York Times said Netanyahu was trying to instigate a crisis to build support for his leadership, and thus allowed tensions to rise in Jerusalem.{{Cite news|last=Friedman|first=Thomas L.|date=16 May 2021|title=For Trump, Hamas and Bibi, It Is Always Jan. 6|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|department=Opinion|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/16/opinion/israel-netanyahu-hamas.html|access-date=23 May 2021|issn=0362-4331|url-access=limited|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522172029/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/16/opinion/israel-netanyahu-hamas.html|url-status=live}} An article in The Conversation dismissed this as "conspiratorial", arguing that although the crisis has given Netanyahu a political opportunity, he "was not looking or hoping for a major conflict with the Palestinians to help him hold onto power".{{Cite web|last=Porat|first=Ran|title=Benjamin Netanyahu was on the brink of political defeat. Then, another conflict broke out in Gaza|url=https://theconversation.com/benjamin-netanyahu-was-on-the-brink-of-political-defeat-then-another-conflict-broke-out-in-gaza-161087|date=21 May 2021|access-date=23 May 2021|website=The Conversation|language=en|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522002642/https://theconversation.com/benjamin-netanyahu-was-on-the-brink-of-political-defeat-then-another-conflict-broke-out-in-gaza-161087|url-status=live}}

{{see also|Timeline of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict in 2021#May}}

Palestinian protests began on 6 May in Sheikh Jarrah, but clashes soon spread to the al-Aqsa Mosque, Lod, other Arab localities in Israel, and the West Bank. Between 10 and 14 May Israeli security inflicted injuries on approximately 1,000 Palestinian protesters in East Jerusalem.

Palestinians and Israeli settlers first clashed on 6 May in Sheikh Jarrah, where Palestinian families are at risk of being evicted. Palestinian protesters had been holding nightly outdoor iftars. On 6 May, Israeli settlers and members of the far-right political party Otzma Yehudit set up a table across the street from Palestinians. Social media videos showed both sides hurling rocks and chairs at each other. Israeli police intervened and arrested at least 7 people.{{cite news|date=6 May 2021|title=Palestinians, Israeli settlers scuffle in east Jerusalem|work=AP News|location=Jerusalem|url=https://apnews.com/article/jerusalem-middle-east-israel-lifestyle-religion-f4c2594aab82ca8117c39b577a42ff01|access-date=26 May 2021|archive-date=8 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508144011/https://apnews.com/article/jerusalem-middle-east-israel-lifestyle-religion-f4c2594aab82ca8117c39b577a42ff01|url-status=live}} Israeli police subsequently engaged in extensive spraying of Sheikh Jarrah's Palestinian homes, shops, restaurants, public spaces and cultural institutions with Skunk, a lasting stench used to contain protests.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/17/palestinians-sheikh-jarrah-jerusalem-city-identity|title='I live in Sheikh Jarrah. For Palestinians, this is not a 'real estate dispute'|first=Lucy|last=Garbett|work=The Guardian|department=Opinion|date=17 May 2021|access-date=26 May 2021|archive-date=25 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525192334/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/17/palestinians-sheikh-jarrah-jerusalem-city-identity|url-status=live}}

File:Jerusalem-2013(2)-Aerial-Temple Mount-(south exposure).jpg, the site of some of the clashes]]

On 7 May, large numbers of police were deployed on the Temple Mount as around 70,000 worshippers attended the final Friday prayers of Ramadan at al-Aqsa. After the evening prayers, some Palestinian worshippers began throwing previously stockpiled rocks and other objects at Israeli police officers. Police officers fired stun grenades into the mosque compound, and into a field clinic.{{cite news |url = https://forward.com/news/469256/from-tiktok-to-temple-mount-clashes-28-days-of-violence-in-jerusalem/ |title = From TikTok to Temple Mount clashes: 28 Days of Violence in Jerusalem |work=Forward |agency = Haaretz |date = 10 May 2021 |access-date = 12 May 2021 |archive-date = 12 May 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210512174818/https://forward.com/news/469256/from-tiktok-to-temple-mount-clashes-28-days-of-violence-in-jerusalem/ |url-status = live}}{{cite news|last=Krauss|first=Joseph|date=7 May 2021|title=Palestinians, Israel police clash at Al-Aqsa mosque; 53 hurt|work=AP News|url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-middle-east-west-bank-shootings-d5c6b1ed602844be69318bd1d1a334cf|access-date=26 May 2021|archive-date=8 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508224030/https://apnews.com/article/israel-middle-east-west-bank-shootings-d5c6b1ed602844be69318bd1d1a334cf|url-status=live}} A mosque spokesman stated the clashes broke out after Israeli police attempted to evacuate the compound, where many Palestinians sleep over in Ramadan, adding that the evacuation was intended to allow access to Israelis. More than 300 Palestinians were wounded as Israeli police stormed the mosque compound.{{cite web |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/10/israeli-forces-raid-al-aqsa-compound-live |title=Dozens wounded as Israeli forces raid Al-Aqsa compound: Live |date=10 May 2021 |last=Alsaafin |first=Linah |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=10 May 2021 |archive-date=10 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510064341/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/10/israeli-forces-raid-al-aqsa-compound-live |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-05-10/violence-spreads-on-day-israel-marks-its-control-of-jerusalem |title=Violence Spreads on Day Israel Marks Its Control of Jerusalem |date=10 May 2021 |last=Odenheimer |first=Alisa |work=Bloomberg |access-date=10 May 2021 |archive-date=10 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510080315/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-05-10/violence-spreads-on-day-israel-marks-its-control-of-jerusalem |url-status=live |url-access=limited}} Palestinians threw rocks, firecrackers, and heavy objects, while Israeli police fired stun grenades, tear gas, and rubber bullets at worshippers.{{cite news |last1=Chabin |first1=Michele |title=Violence at Al-Aqsa Mosque leads to rocket fire, air strikes between Hamas and Israel |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/violence-at-al-aqsa-mosque-leads-to-rocket-fire-air-strikes-between-hamas-and-israel/2021/05/10/6e548b56-b1d0-11eb-bc96-fdf55de43bef_story.html |access-date=11 May 2021 |newspaper=The Washington Post |agency=Religion News Service |date=10 May 2021 |archive-date=12 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512174806/https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/violence-at-al-aqsa-mosque-leads-to-rocket-fire-air-strikes-between-hamas-and-israel/2021/05/10/6e548b56-b1d0-11eb-bc96-fdf55de43bef_story.html |url-status=dead }} The storming came ahead of a Jerusalem Day flag march by Jewish nationalists through the Old City.{{cite web |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/jerusalem-day-dozens-palestinians-wounded-clashes-temple-mount-gaza-sheikh-jarrah-1.9789351 |title=Jerusalem Day Violence: Dozens of Palestinians Wounded in Clashes on Temple Mount |date=10 May 2021 |website=Haaretz |access-date=10 May 2021 |url-access=limited |archive-date=10 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510081842/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/jerusalem-day-dozens-palestinians-wounded-clashes-temple-mount-gaza-sheikh-jarrah-1.9789351 |url-status=live }} More than 600 Palestinians were injured, more than 400 of whom were hospitalised.{{cite web |url=https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-israel-jerusalem-076a9ec7e2bd9c065882c64a4ab820a1 |title=Gaza militants, Israel trade new rocket fire and airstrikes |date=11 May 2021 |first1=Josef |last1=Federman |first2=Fares |last2=Akram |website=AP News |access-date=27 May 2021 |archive-date=10 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510061642/https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-israel-jerusalem-076a9ec7e2bd9c065882c64a4ab820a1 |url-status=live }} Militants in Gaza fired rockets into Israel the following night.

More clashes occurred on 8 May, the date of the Islamic holy night of Laylat al-Qadr.{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-boosts-security-forces-ahead-tense-night-jerusalem-2021-05-08/ |title=Clashes, prayers in Jerusalem on Muslim Laylat al-Qadr |date=9 May 2021 |last1=Farrell |first1=Stephen |last2=Lubell |first2=Maayan |website=Reuters |access-date=10 May 2021 |archive-date=9 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509220018/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-boosts-security-forces-ahead-tense-night-jerusalem-2021-05-08/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited}} Palestinian crowds threw stones, lit fires, and chanted "Strike Tel Aviv" and "In spirit and in blood, we will redeem al-Aqsa", which The Times of Israel described as in support of Hamas.{{cite web|last=Boxerman|first=Aaron|title='Strike Tel Aviv': Palestinians at Temple Mount chant in support of Hamas|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/strike-tel-aviv-palestinians-at-temple-mount-chant-in-support-of-hamas/|url-status=live|access-date=10 May 2021|website=The Times of Israel|language=en-US|archive-date=9 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509140923/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/strike-tel-aviv-palestinians-at-temple-mount-chant-in-support-of-hamas/}} The Israel Police, wearing riot gear and some on horseback, used stun grenades and water cannons. At least 80 people were injured.

On 10 May, Israeli police stormed al-Aqsa for the second time, injuring 300 Palestinians and 21 Israeli police. According to the Red Crescent, 250 Palestinians were hospitalized for injuries and seven were in critical condition.{{cite web|title=Israel/ OPT: End brutal repression of Palestinians protesting forced displacement in occupied East Jerusalem|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/05/israel-opt-end-brutal-repression-of-palestinians-protesting-forced-displacement-in-occupied-east-jerusalem/|website=Amnesty International|date=10 May 2021|access-date=18 May 2021|archive-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518075324/https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/05/israel-opt-end-brutal-repression-of-palestinians-protesting-forced-displacement-in-occupied-east-jerusalem/|url-status=live}}

Also on 10 May, a video showing a tree burning near al-Aqsa began to circulate on social media. Below in the Western plaza, a crowd of Jewish Israelis was singing and dancing in celebration of Jerusalem Day. Yair Wallach accused them of singing "genocidal songs of vengeance." The crowd cheered the flames with words from a song from Judges 16:28 in which Samson cries out before he tears down the pillars in Gaza, "O God, that I may with one blow take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes!"{{cite news |first=Yair |last=Wallach |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/13/violence-jerusalem-holy-sites-israeli-right-temple-mount |title=The violence that began at Jerusalem's ancient holy sites is driven by a distinctly modern zeal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514120005/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/13/violence-jerusalem-holy-sites-israeli-right-temple-mount |archive-date=14 May 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=13 May 2021 |department=Opinion}} Witnesses differed as to whether the fire was caused by an Israeli police stun grenade or by fireworks thrown by Palestinian protesters.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/tree-catches-fire-outside-jerusalems-al-aqsa-mosque-no-damage-mosque-2021-05-10/|title=Tree catches fire outside Jerusalem's al Aqsa mosque, no damage to mosque|date=10 May 2021|access-date=30 May 2021|archive-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518065049/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/tree-catches-fire-outside-jerusalems-al-aqsa-mosque-no-damage-mosque-2021-05-10/|url-status=live|work=Reuters|url-access=limited}} Although the fire happened just 10 meters away from al-Aqsa, there was no damage to the mosque.

File:Situation in the West Bank (May 2021).svg, May 2021, showing Palestinian (green) and Israeli control.]]

After Friday prayers on 14 May, Palestinians protested in more than 200 locations in the West Bank. Protesters hurled stones and Israeli soldiers responded with live fire and tear gas.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2021/5/15/in-pictures-11-palestinians-killed-in-west-bank|title=In Pictures: 11 Palestinians killed in the occupied West Bank|work=Al Jazeera|date=15 May 2021|access-date=26 May 2021|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522185953/https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2021/5/15/in-pictures-11-palestinians-killed-in-west-bank|url-status=live}} As a result, 11 Palestinians were killed in the clashes.{{cite web |title=Gaza conflict rages as Israeli PM says air strikes will continue |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/death-toll-rises-violence-rocks-gaza-israel-west-bank-2021-05-14/ |website=Reuters |access-date=16 May 2021 |date=14 May 2021 |archive-date=16 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516015730/https://www.reuters.com/world/death-toll-rises-violence-rocks-gaza-israel-west-bank-2021-05-14/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited}} A Palestinian man who attempted to stab a soldier was shot, but survived; no Israeli soldiers were wounded in the incident. More than 100 Palestinians were injured.{{cite news |title=Palestinian man tries to stab Israeli soldiers in Hebron, is shot — IDF |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/palestinian-man-tries-to-stab-israeli-soldiers-in-hebron-is-shot-idf/ |work=The Times of Israel |date=12 May 2021 |access-date=14 May 2021 |archive-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514172131/https://www.timesofisrael.com/palestinian-man-tries-to-stab-israeli-soldiers-in-hebron-is-shot-idf/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Israel renews airstrikes on Gaza, and Hamas fires rockets back, as violence continues for fifth night |url=https://news.sky.com/story/israel-gaza-violence-six-palestinians-killed-by-israeli-army-in-the-west-bank-amid-protests-over-violence-12306410 |website=Sky News |language=en |access-date=15 May 2021 |archive-date=15 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515022507/https://news.sky.com/story/israel-gaza-violence-six-palestinians-killed-by-israeli-army-in-the-west-bank-amid-protests-over-violence-12306410 |url-status=live }} There have been daily demonstrations since the escalation in Gaza.{{cite news|title=Four Palestinians killed by Israeli fire in West Bank, over 100 injured|url=https://english.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2021/5/14/four-palestinians-killed-by-israeli-fire-in-west-bank|work=The New Arab|date=14 May 2021|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=14 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514173506/https://english.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2021/5/14/four-palestinians-killed-by-israeli-fire-in-west-bank|url-status=live}} As of 16 May, a total of 13 Palestinians had been killed in the West Bank in clashes with Israeli troops by 14 May.{{cite web|first=Mel|last=Frykberg|date=14 May 2021|title=Several Palestinians killed by Israeli fire in West Bank protests|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/14/several-palestinians-killed-by-israeli-fire-in-west-bank-protests|url-status=live|website=Al Jazeera|archive-date=14 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514180723/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/14/several-palestinians-killed-by-israeli-fire-in-west-bank-protests}} On 17 May, three Palestinian demonstrators were killed in clashes with the IDF.{{Cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/2-soldiers-shot-in-west-bank-palestinian-killed-by-gunfire-amid-unrest/|title=2 soldiers shot in West Bank, 3 Palestinians killed by gunfire amid unrest|work=The Times of Israel|first1=Judah Ari|last1=Gross|first2=Aaron|last2=Boxerman|date=18 May 2021|access-date=26 May 2021|archive-date=19 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519162322/https://www.timesofisrael.com/2-soldiers-shot-in-west-bank-palestinian-killed-by-gunfire-amid-unrest/|url-status=live}}

According to Al Arabiya, Fatah has backed a call for a general strike on 18 May in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Palestinians in Israel have been asked to take part.{{Cite web|url=https://english.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2021/5/17/palestinians-in-west-bank-israel-declare-general-strike|title=Palestinians in West Bank, Israel declare general strike in unprecedented show of unity|work=The New Arab|date=17 May 2021|access-date=26 May 2021|archive-date=17 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517124444/https://english.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2021/5/17/palestinians-in-west-bank-israel-declare-general-strike|url-status=live}} In an unusual display of unity by "Palestinian citizens of Israel, who make up 20% of its population, and those in the territories Israel seized in 1967"{{efn|Pro-Palestinian activists have dubbed the May 2021 Palestinian reaction to Israeli policies in Sheikh Jarrah and the Al-Aqsa compound as the "Unity Intifada." The term denotes the national solidarity and religious duty shared by the resisting Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Eastern Jerusalem, and Israel.{{Cite web|url=https://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/responses/a-second-look-at-the-political-mobilization-of-the-palestinian-citizens-of-israel|title=A Second Look at the Political Mobilization of the Palestinian Citizens of Israel|first=Berkley Center for Religion, Peace and World|last=Affairs|website=berkleycenter.georgetown.edu}}}}{{Cite news|last1=Akram|first1=Fares|last2=Nessman|first2=Ravi|title=Palestinians go on strike as Israel-Hamas fighting rages|language=en-US|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/israel-hamas-trade-fire-in-gaza-as-war-enters-2nd-week/2021/05/18/d0ffae66-b7a2-11eb-bc4a-62849cf6cca9_story.html|access-date=23 May 2021|issn=0190-8286|url-access=limited|archive-date=27 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527214817/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/israel-hamas-trade-fire-in-gaza-as-war-enters-2nd-week/2021/05/18/d0ffae66-b7a2-11eb-bc4a-62849cf6cca9_story.html|url-status=live}} the strike went ahead and "shops were shuttered across cities in Gaza, the occupied West Bank and in villages and towns inside Israel".{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2021/5/18/in-pictures-palestinians-unite-with-a-general-strike|title=In Pictures: In show of unity, Palestinians go on strike|work=Al Jazeera|date=18 May 2021|access-date=26 May 2021|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522185940/https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2021/5/18/in-pictures-palestinians-unite-with-a-general-strike|url-status=live}} During the day of protests and strikes, a Palestinian man was killed and more than 70 wounded in clashes near Ramallah and two Israeli soldiers were injured in a shooting attack. Large crowds also gathered in Nablus, Bethlehem and Hebron while police deployed water cannons in Sheikh Jarrah.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/18/clashes-in-jerusalem-and-west-bank-amid-protests-and-strikes|first=Harriet|last=Sherwood|title=Clashes in Jerusalem and West Bank amid protests and strikes|date=18 May 2021|website=The Guardian|access-date=26 May 2021|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522172022/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/18/clashes-in-jerusalem-and-west-bank-amid-protests-and-strikes|url-status=live}}

During the evening and night of 10 May, Arab rioters in Lod threw stones and firebombs at Jewish homes, a school, and a synagogue, later attacking a hospital. Shots were fired at the rioters, killing one and wounding two; a Jewish suspect in the shooting was arrested.{{cite web|date=11 May 2021|title=Arab Israeli killed amid violent riots by Arab mob in Lod; Jewish suspect held|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/arab-israeli-man-killed-two-wounded-during-violent-protests-in-ramle/|url-status=live|access-date=26 May 2021|website=Times of Israel|language=en-US|author=|archive-date=27 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527214807/https://www.timesofisrael.com/arab-israeli-man-killed-two-wounded-during-violent-protests-in-ramle/}}

Widespread protests and riots intensified across Israel, particularly in cities with large Arab populations. In Lod, rocks were thrown at Jewish apartments and some Jewish residents were evacuated from their homes by the police. Synagogues and a Muslim cemetery were vandalized.{{Cite web|first1=Bar|last1=Peleg|first2=Hagar|last2=Shezaf|first3=Jack|last3=Khoury|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-muslim-headstones-synagogues-vandalized-in-israeli-city-as-ethnic-violence-persists-1.9809076|title=Muslim headstones, synagogues vandalized in Israeli city as Jewish-Arab violence persists|date=14 May 2021|access-date=26 May 2021|website=Haaretz|url-access=limited|archive-date=23 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523153534/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-muslim-headstones-synagogues-vandalized-in-israeli-city-as-ethnic-violence-persists-1.9809076|url-status=live}} A Jewish man was critically wounded after being struck in the head by a brick, and died six days later.{{cite web|title=Jewish man seriously hurt by Arab mob in Lod dies of wounds|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-seriously-hurt-in-lod-violence-dies-of-wounds/|work=The Times of Israel|date=17 May 2021|access-date=26 May 2021|author=|archive-date=27 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527004405/https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-seriously-hurt-in-lod-violence-dies-of-wounds/|url-status=live}} In Acre, the Effendi hotel was torched by Arab rioters, injuring several guests. One of them, Avi Har-Even, a former head of the Israel Space Agency, suffered burns and smoke inhalation, and died on 6 June.{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-israel-health-injuries-7e4ccec26efcd6a026844ceab30d896b |title=Israeli space scientist hurt in riot dies of injuries |work=AP News |date=6 June 2021 |access-date=8 June 2021 |archive-date=7 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607194024/https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-israel-health-injuries-7e4ccec26efcd6a026844ceab30d896b |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/ex-head-of-israel-space-program-dies-weeks-after-injured-in-acre-hotel-attack/ |title=Ex-head of Israel space program dies weeks after injured in Acre hotel attack |work=The Times of Israel |date=6 June 2021 |access-date=8 June 2021 |archive-date=6 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606181324/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/ex-head-of-israel-space-program-dies-weeks-after-injured-in-acre-hotel-attack/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Avi Har-Even, Defense Min. Prize winner, dies of Acre riots injuries |url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/avi-har-even-defense-min-prize-winner-dies-of-acre-riots-injuries-670274 |date=6 June 2021 |access-date=8 June 2021 |website=The Jerusalem Post |language=en-US |archive-date=15 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615120708/https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/avi-har-even-defense-min-prize-winner-dies-of-acre-riots-injuries-670274 |url-status=live }} In the nearby city of Ramle, Jewish rioters threw rocks at passing vehicles.{{Cite web |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/border-police-officers-diverted-to-lod-amid-violent-protests-667894 |title=Closure, curfew declared over Lod following severe riots |work=The Jerusalem Post |date=13 May 2021 |first=Jeremy |last=Sharon |access-date=26 May 2021|language=en-US|archive-date=13 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513013958/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/border-police-officers-diverted-to-lod-amid-violent-protests-667894|url-status=live}} On 11 May, Mayor of Lod Yair Revivio urged Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu to deploy the Israel Border Police to the city, stating that the municipality had "completely lost control" and warning that the country was on the brink of "civil war".{{cite web|title=Amid Gaza barrages, major rioting and chaos erupt in Lod; Mayor: It's civil war|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-may-11-2021/|work=The Times of Israel|access-date=12 May 2021|archive-date=11 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511230326/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-may-11-2021/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Arab politician warns Israel is 'on the brink of a civil war'|url=https://theweek.com/speedreads/982417/arab-politician-warns-israel-brink-civil-war|first=Catherine|last=Garcia|date=13 May 2021|access-date=26 May 2021|website=The Week|language=en|url-status=live|archive-date=15 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515181817/https://theweek.com/speedreads/982417/arab-politician-warns-israel-brink-civil-war}} Netanyahu declared a state of emergency in Lod on 11 May, marking the first time since 1966 that Israel has used emergency powers over an Arab community. Border Police forces were deployed to the city. A nighttime curfew was declared and entry to the city was prohibited for non-resident civilians.{{cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/netanyahu-declares-state-of-emergency-in-lod/ |title=Netanyahu declares state of emergency in Lod |date=11 May 2021 |last=Schneider |first=Tal |website=The Times of Israel |access-date=12 May 2021 |archive-date=13 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513014006/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/netanyahu-declares-state-of-emergency-in-lod/ |url-status=live }} Minister of Public Security Amir Ohana announced the implementation of emergency orders.

File:Shooting and stabbing attack on bus in Jerusalem, May 2021.webm

Unrest continued on 12 May. In Acre, a Jewish man was attacked and seriously injured by an Arab mob armed with sticks and stones while driving his car. In Bat Yam, Jewish extremists attacked Arab stores and beat pedestrians. An Arab motorist was pulled from his car and severely beaten in the street. The incident was caught live by an Israeli news crew.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/arab-man-beaten-by-bat-yam-jewish-mob-calls-for-calm-were-all-human-beings/|title=Arab man beaten by Bat Yam Jewish mob calls for calm: 'We're all human beings'|work=The Times of Israel|date=15 May 2021|accessdate=17 May 2021|archive-date=16 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516195851/https://www.timesofisrael.com/arab-man-beaten-by-bat-yam-jewish-mob-calls-for-calm-were-all-human-beings/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Israel in chaos: 10 Border Police units called up to quell Arab-Jewish violence|first=Idan|last=Zonshine|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/right-wing-rioters-smash-windows-of-arab-owned-businesses-in-bat-yam-667993|access-date=12 May 2021|website=The Jerusalem Post|language=en-US|archive-date=12 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512212829/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/right-wing-rioters-smash-windows-of-arab-owned-businesses-in-bat-yam-667993|url-status=live}}

As of 13 May, communal violence including "riots, stabbings, arson, attempted home invasions and shootings" was reported from Beersheba, Rahat, Ramla, Lod, Nasiriyah, Tiberias, Jerusalem, Haifa and Acre.{{cite news|title='This is more than a reaction to rockets': communal violence spreads in Israel|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/13/this-is-more-than-a-reaction-to-rockets-communal-violence-spreads-in-israel|work=The Guardian|date=13 May 2021|access-date=9 June 2021|archive-date=13 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513170744/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/13/this-is-more-than-a-reaction-to-rockets-communal-violence-spreads-in-israel|url-status=live|first1=Peter|last1=Beaumont|first2=Quique|last2=Kierszenbaum|first3=Sufian|last3=Taha}} An Israeli soldier was severely beaten in Jaffa and hospitalized for a skull fracture and cerebral hemorrhage, a Jewish paramedic and another Jewish man were shot in separate incidents in Lod, a police officer was shot in Ramla, Israeli journalists were attacked by far-right rioters in Tel Aviv, and a Jewish family that mistakenly drove into Umm al-Fahm was attacked by an Arab mob before being rescued by other local residents and police.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/soldier-viciously-beaten-in-jaffa-synagogue-burned-in-lod-as-rioting-renews/|title=Soldier viciously beaten in Jaffa, synagogue burned in Lod, as rioting deepens|author=|work=The Times of Israel|date=13 May 2021|access-date=26 May 2021|archive-date=23 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523033516/https://www.timesofisrael.com/soldier-viciously-beaten-in-jaffa-synagogue-burned-in-lod-as-rioting-renews/|url-status=live}} Israel Border Police forces were deployed throughout the country to quell the unrest, and 10 Border Police reserve companies were called up.{{Cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/right-wing-rioters-smash-windows-of-arab-owned-businesses-in-bat-yam-667993|title=Israel in chaos: 10 Border Police units called up to quell Arab-Jewish violence|website=The Jerusalem Post|date=13 May 2021|first=Idan|last=Zonshine|access-date=26 May 2021|archive-date=12 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512212829/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/right-wing-rioters-smash-windows-of-arab-owned-businesses-in-bat-yam-667993|url-status=live}} In an address to police in Lod, Prime Minister Netanyahu told them not to worry about future commissions of inquiry and investigations into their enforcement during the riots, reminding them of the way the police had suppressed the Palestinian Land Day riots of 1976.{{cite news|last=Stuart|first=Winer|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-calls-for-administrative-detentions-to-quell-arab-jewish-violence/|title='Netanyahu calls for administrative detentions to quell Arab-Jewish violence|work=The Times of Israel|date=13 May 2021|access-date=19 May 2021|archive-date=19 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519130558/https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-calls-for-administrative-detentions-to-quell-arab-jewish-violence/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Sultany|first=Nimer|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/19/peaceful-coexistence-israel-myth-palestinian-denied-rights|title=Peaceful coexistence in Israel hasn't been shattered – it's always been a myth|quote=Benjamin Netanyahu publicly assured the police not to worry about investigations and commissions of inquiry.|work=The Guardian|date=18 May 2021|access-date=19 May 2021|archive-date=19 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519215800/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/19/peaceful-coexistence-israel-myth-palestinian-denied-rights|url-status=live}}

By 17 May, the rioting had mostly died down. However, on 18 May, Israeli-Arabs, together with Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, held a general strike in protest against Israeli policies toward Palestinians.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/arabs-strike-across-israel-as-palestinians-declare-day-of-rage/|title=Arabs hold general strike across Israel as Palestinians declare 'day of rage'|first=Aaron|last=Boxerman|work=The Times of Israel|date=18 May 2021|access-date=26 May 2021|archive-date=21 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521153933/https://www.timesofisrael.com/arabs-strike-across-israel-as-palestinians-declare-day-of-rage/|url-status=live}} Numerous employers threatened to fire Arab workers who participated in the strike. The management of Rambam Hospital in Haifa sent letters to their Arab employees warning against participating in the strike, and the Ministry of Education came under heavy criticism from teachers throughout Israel after it sent requests to the principals of schools in Arab towns asking for a list of teachers who participated in the strike. There were some instances of employees who participated in the strike being unlawfully dismissed without a prior hearing as required under Israeli law.{{Cite news|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/BJt9jrWY00|title=Employers threaten to fire Arab workers participating in general strike|date=18 May 2021|website=Ynetnews|first=Hassan|last=Shaalan|access-date=26 May 2021|archive-date=19 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519085229/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/BJt9jrWY00|url-status=live}} The Israeli telecommunications company Cellcom paused work for an hour as an act in support of coexistence. The move led to calls for a boycott of Cellcom among Israeli right-wingers who accused it of showing solidarity with the strike, and several Jewish settlement councils and right-wing organizations cut ties with it. Cellcom's stock subsequently dropped by two percent.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/settlers-pull-plug-on-telecom-firm-over-its-act-for-jewish-arab-coexistence/|title=Settlers pull plug on telecom firm over its act for Jewish-Arab coexistence|author=|website=Times of Israel|date=18 May 2021|access-date=26 May 2021|archive-date=20 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520072150/https://www.timesofisrael.com/settlers-pull-plug-on-telecom-firm-over-its-act-for-jewish-arab-coexistence/|url-status=live}}

File:Extensive arrests of rioters in the Negev, May 2021.webm arrest accused rioters in the Negev]]

Throughout the riots, Arab rioters set 10 synagogues and 112 Jewish homes on fire, looted 386 Jewish homes and damaged another 673, and set 849 Jewish cars on fire. There were also 5,018 recorded instances of stone-throwing against Jews. By contrast, Jewish rioters damaged 13 Arab homes and set 13 Arab cars on fire, and there were 41 recorded instances of stone-throwing against Arabs. One Arab home was set on fire by Arab rioters who mistook it for a Jewish home.{{Cite web|url=https://news.walla.co.il/item/3435868|title=10 בתי כנסת שרופים ועבירות רכוש: נזקי המהומות – וואלה! חדשות|date=16 May 2021|website=וואלה!|access-date=18 May 2021|archive-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518223345/https://news.walla.co.il/item/3435868|url-status=live}} No mosques were set on fire and no Arab homes were reported looted during the unrest.{{Cite web |url=https://tps.co.il/articles/the-muslim-riots-in-data-10-synagogues-112-jewish-homes-burned/ |title=The Muslim Riots in Data: 10 Synagogues, 112 Jewish Homes Burned |work=Tazpit Press Service |date=18 May 2021 |access-date=9 June 2021 |archive-date=4 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604091426/https://tps.co.il/articles/the-muslim-riots-in-data-10-synagogues-112-jewish-homes-burned/ |url-status=live }} By 19 May, 1,319 people had been arrested for participating in the riots, of whom 159 were Jewish, and 170 people had been criminally charged over the riots, of whom 155 were Arab and 15 Jewish.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/prosecutors-said-to-indict-170-people-so-far-for-riots-15-of-them-jewish/|title=Prosecutors said to indict 170 people so far for riots, 15 of them Jewish|work=The Times of Israel|date=19 May 2021|access-date=29 May 2021|archive-date=19 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519194927/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/prosecutors-said-to-indict-170-people-so-far-for-riots-15-of-them-jewish/|url-status=live}} On 23 May, it was reported that 10% of those arrested over the riots were Jews, with the vast majority of those arrested being Arabs.{{Cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/just-10-of-those-arrested-over-riots-in-jewish-arab-cities-are-jews-report/ |title=Just 10% of those arrested over riots in Jewish-Arab cities are Jews — report |work=The Times of Israel |date=23 May 2021 |access-date=9 June 2021 |author= |archive-date=5 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605133819/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/just-10-of-those-arrested-over-riots-in-jewish-arab-cities-are-jews-report/ |url-status=live }} On 24 May, the police launched a sweeping operation to arrest rioters called Operation Law and Order, deploying thousands of police officers to carry out mass arrests of suspected rioters. By 25 May, over 1,550 people had been arrested.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/over-1550-suspects-arrested-in-jewish-arab-rioting/|title=Over 1,550 suspects arrested in Jewish-Arab rioting|author=|date=25 May 2021|work=The Times of Israel|access-date=29 May 2021|archive-date=25 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525100134/https://www.timesofisrael.com/over-1550-suspects-arrested-in-jewish-arab-rioting/|url-status=live}} On 3 June, the police announced the completion of arrests, of 2,142 arrested, 91% were Arab.{{Cite web |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-israel-police-arrested-over-2-000-people-since-mixed-city-riots-91-percent-of-them-are-arab-1.9872019 |title=Israel Police arrested over 2,000 people since Gaza op – 91 percent of them Arab |work=Haaretz |first=Josh |last=Breiner |date=3 June 2021 |access-date=9 June 2021 |url-access=limited |archive-date=9 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609043245/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-israel-police-arrested-over-2-000-people-since-mixed-city-riots-91-percent-of-them-are-arab-1.9872019 |url-status=live }} As of May 2022, around 90% of 600 people indicted are Arabs.{{cite news | url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-israeli-arabs-make-up-90-of-indictments-over-may-2021-riots-1.10808641 | title=Israeli Arabs Make up 90% of Indictments over May 2021 Riots | newspaper=Haaretz }}

According to Amnesty International, most of the arrests of Israeli-Arabs were for "insulting or assaulting a police officer" or "taking part in an illegal gathering" while right-wing Jewish extremists were mainly able to organize freely. The organization claimed that a "catalogue of violations" was committed by Israeli police against Palestinians in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem. "On at least two occasions in Haifa and Nazareth, witness accounts and verified videos showed police attacking groups of unarmed protesters without provocation", Amnesty reported.{{Cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jun/24/amnesty-catalogue-of-violations-by-israeli-police-against-palestinians|title=Amnesty: 'catalogue of violations' by Israeli police against Palestinians|date=24 June 2021|website=the Guardian}}

{{further|List of Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel in 2021|Casualties of Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip}}

Hamas delivered an ultimatum to Israel to remove all its police and military personnel from both the Haram al Sharif mosque site and Sheikh Jarrah by 10 May 6 p.m. If it failed to do so, they announced that the combined militias of the Gaza Strip ("joint operations room") would strike Israel.{{cite news|title=Hamas rocket attacks provoke Israeli retaliation in Gaza|work=Financial Times|url=https://www.ft.com/content/887f0b34-1e08-428c-92c0-603e7830ba5b|access-date=11 May 2021|archive-date=13 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513013959/https://www.ft.com/content/887f0b34-1e08-428c-92c0-603e7830ba5b|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Jerusalem violence leads to rockets, air strikes|work=Reuters|first1=Nidal|last1=Al-mughrabi|first2=Jeffrey|last2=Heller|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/violence-erupts-al-aqsa-mosque-israel-marks-jerusalem-day-2021-05-10/|access-date=10 May 2021|archive-date=10 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510142759/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/violence-erupts-al-aqsa-mosque-israel-marks-jerusalem-day-2021-05-10/|url-status=live|url-access=limited}} Minutes after the deadline passed,{{cite news|title=Israel, Hamas Trade Deadly Rocket Strikes as Tensions Mount Over Jerusalem|work=VOA News|date=11 May 2021|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/middle-east_israel-hamas-trade-deadly-rocket-strikes-tensions-mount-over-jerusalem/6205669.html|access-date=11 May 2021|archive-date=13 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513013959/https://www.voanews.com/middle-east/israel-hamas-trade-deadly-rocket-strikes-tensions-mount-over-jerusalem|url-status=live}} Hamas fired more than 150 rockets into Israel from Gaza.{{Cite news|last1=Schwartz|first1=Felicia|last2=Lieber|first2=Dov|date=10 May 2021|title=Israel Strikes Hamas Targets After Rockets Fired at Jerusalem|language=en-US|work=The Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/israeli-military-says-rockets-fired-from-gaza-toward-jerusalem-11620646448|access-date=10 May 2021|issn=0099-9660|archive-date=13 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513014000/https://www.wsj.com/articles/israeli-military-says-rockets-fired-from-gaza-toward-jerusalem-11620646448|url-status=live|url-access=limited}} The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that seven rockets were fired toward Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh and that one was intercepted.{{Cite news|last1=Schwartz|first1=Felicia|last2=Lieber|first2=Dov|date=10 May 2021|title=Israeli Military Says Rockets Fired From Gaza Toward Jerusalem|work=The Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/israeli-military-says-rockets-fired-from-gaza-toward-jerusalem-11620646448|access-date=10 May 2021|archive-date=13 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513014000/https://www.wsj.com/articles/israeli-military-says-rockets-fired-from-gaza-toward-jerusalem-11620646448|url-status=live|url-access=limited}} An anti-tank missile was also fired at an Israeli civilian vehicle, injuring the driver.{{cite web|last1=Ahronheim|first1=Anna|last2=Joffre|first2=Tzvi|last3=Zonshine|first3=Idan|date=11 May 2021|title=Massive barrage of 60 rockets fired at Ashkelon, Ashdod; buildings hit|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/cogat-announces-closure-of-gaza-border-crossing-over-rocket-fire-667730|url-status=live|access-date=11 May 2021|website=The Jerusalem Post|language=en-US|archive-date=10 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510145207/https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/cogat-announces-closure-of-gaza-border-crossing-over-rocket-fire-667730}} Israel launched air strikes in the Gaza Strip on the same day.{{cite web|url=https://www.algemeiner.com/2021/05/10/hamas-fires-rocket-barrage-at-jerusalem-as-idf-green-lights-gaza-strikes/|title=Hamas Fires Rocket Barrage at Jerusalem as IDF Green Lights Gaza Strikes|first=Sharon|last=Wrobel|date=10 May 2021|work=The Algemeiner|access-date=25 May 2021|archive-date=11 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511002154/https://www.algemeiner.com/2021/05/10/hamas-fires-rocket-barrage-at-jerusalem-as-idf-green-lights-gaza-strikes/|url-status=live}} Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad called the ensuing conflict the "Sword of Jerusalem Battle" ({{Langx|ar|معركة سيف القدس}}).{{cite news |first1=Adam |last1=Rasgon |first2=Iyad |last2=Abuheweila |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/30/world/middleeast/gaza.html |title=Gaza Militant Group Says 17-Year-Old Killed by Airstrike Was a Member |work=The New York Times |date=30 May 2021 |access-date=18 June 2021 |url-access=limited}} The following day, the IDF officially dubbed the campaign in the Gaza Strip "Operation Guardian of the Walls."{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-efforts-against-hamas-to-be-known-as-operation-guardian-of-the-walls/|title=IDF: Efforts against Hamas to be known as 'Operation Guardian of the Walls'|work=The Times of Israel|date=11 May 2021|access-date=25 May 2021|first=Judah Ari|last=Gross|archive-date=19 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519105104/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-efforts-against-hamas-to-be-known-as-operation-guardian-of-the-walls/|url-status=live}}

{{Anchor|Ashkelon and Ashdod}}On 11 May, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad launched hundreds of rockets at Ashdod and Ashkelon, killing two people and wounding more than 90 others.{{cite news|date=11 May 2021|title=1 dead, 3 hurt as 'largest ever' Hamas barrage hits Ashdod, Ashkelon|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ULALGRFGI|url-status=live|access-date=11 May 2021|website=Ynet|language=en|archive-date=12 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512031923/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ULALGRFGI}}{{cite web|date=11 May 2021|title=Two Israelis dead, over 90 injured after rockets strike Ashkelon, Ashdod|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/four-people-injured-after-rocket-strikes-house-in-ashkelon-667825|url-status=live|access-date=11 May 2021|website=The Jerusalem Post|language=en-US|archive-date=12 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512174734/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/four-people-injured-after-rocket-strikes-house-in-ashkelon-667825}} A third Israeli woman from Rishon LeZion was also killed,{{cite web|last=Gross|first=Judah Ari|title=Woman killed in rocket strike in Rishon Lezion|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/rockets-strike-cities-and-towns-throughout-central-israel/|date=11 May 2021|work=The Times of Israel|access-date=26 May 2021|language=en-US|archive-date=13 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513014014/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/rockets-strike-cities-and-towns-throughout-central-israel/|url-status=live}} while two more civilians from Dahmash were killed by a rocket attack.{{cite news|date=11 May 2021|title=מטח לילי כבד למרכז ולדרום, אב ובתו נהרגו ליד לוד|url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/SytJKcudd|access-date=12 May 2021|website=ynet|language=he|archive-date=13 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513014014/https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/SytJKcudd|url-status=live|last1=Ynet|first1=כתבי}}

On 11 May, the 13-story residential Hanadi Tower in Gaza collapsed after being hit by an Israeli airstrike.{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-residential-tower-collapses-israeli-airstrike-witnesses-say-2021-05-11/ |title=Gaza residential tower collapses in Israeli airstrike, witnesses say |date=11 May 2021 |website=Reuters |access-date=11 May 2021 |archive-date=12 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512010933/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-residential-tower-collapses-israeli-airstrike-witnesses-say-2021-05-11/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/11/middleeast/israel-gaza-airstrikes-rockets-intl/ |title=At least 35 killed in Gaza as Israel ramps up airstrikes in response to rocket attacks |last1=Carey |first1=Andrew |last2=Gold |first2=Hadas |last3=Kadder |first3=Kareem |last4=Salman |first4=Abeer |last5=Eshel |first5=Ofri |last6=Dahman |first6=Ibrahim |work=CNN |access-date=11 May 2021 |archive-date=12 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512080223/https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/11/middleeast/israel-gaza-airstrikes-rockets-intl/index.html |url-status=live }} The tower housed a mix of residential apartments and commercial offices.{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/13/lost-in-blink-of-an-eye-gaza-high-rise-towers-targeted-by-israel|title='Everything lost in an eye blink': Gaza towers targeted by Israel|first1=Linah|last1=Alsaafin|first2=Maram|last2=Humaid|work=Al Jazeera|date=13 May 2021|access-date=25 May 2021|archive-date=13 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513205206/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/13/lost-in-blink-of-an-eye-gaza-high-rise-towers-targeted-by-israel|url-status=live}} IDF said the building contained offices used by Hamas, and said it gave "advance warning to civilians in the building and provided sufficient time for them to evacuate the site"; Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad fired 137 rockets at Tel Aviv in five minutes. Hamas stated that they fired their "largest ever barrage."{{cite web |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2021/05/11/Islamic-Jihad-group-vows-rockets-on-Tel-Aviv-after-Israeli-strike-on-Gaza-tower-block |title=Gaza tower block destroyed by Israel strike, Hamas fires back 130 rockets at Tel Aviv |date=11 May 2021 |website=Al Arabiya |access-date=11 May 2021 |archive-date=13 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513014001/https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2021/05/11/Islamic-Jihad-group-vows-rockets-on-Tel-Aviv-after-Israeli-strike-on-Gaza-tower-block |url-status=live }} In addition, an Israeli state-owned oil pipeline was hit by a rocket.{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-energy-pipeline-hit-gaza-rocket-attack-israels-channel-12-tv-2021-05-11/ |title=Israeli energy pipeline hit in Gaza rocket attack, sources say |date=11 May 2021 |website=Reuters |access-date=11 May 2021 |archive-date=13 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513014012/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-energy-pipeline-hit-gaza-rocket-attack-israels-channel-12-tv-2021-05-11/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}

File:Operation Guardian of the Walls, May 2021. XXIII.webm, 12 May]]

On 12 May, the Israeli Air Force destroyed dozens of police and security installations along the Gaza Strip; Hamas said its police headquarters were among the targets destroyed.{{cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/in-widescale-airstrikes-israel-hits-gaza-police-stations-security-sites/ |title=In widescale airstrikes, Israel hits Gaza police stations, security sites |date=12 May 2021 |website=The Times of Israel |access-date=12 May 2021 |archive-date=13 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513014004/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/in-widescale-airstrikes-israel-hits-gaza-police-stations-security-sites/ |url-status=live }} Over 850 rockets were launched from Gaza into Israel on 12 May.{{cite web |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/four-dead-from-latest-wave-of-rockets-aimed-at-central-israel-667902 |title=2 killed in overnight rocket barrages, IDF retaliating in Gaza |date=12 May 2021 |last1=Ahronheim |first1=Anna |last2=Ben-Nun |first2=Sarah |website=The Jerusalem Post |access-date=12 May 2021 |archive-date=12 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512093919/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/four-dead-from-latest-wave-of-rockets-aimed-at-central-israel-667902 |url-status=live }} According to the IDF, at least 200 rockets launched by Hamas failed to reach Israel, and fell inside the Gaza Strip. Hamas also struck an Israeli military jeep near the Gaza border with an anti-tank missile. An Israeli soldier was killed and three others were wounded in the attack.{{cite web|last=Gross|first=Judah Ari|title=1 killed, 3 injured as Hamas fires anti-tank missile at Israeli jeep|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/1-killed-3-injured-as-hamas-fires-anti-tank-missile-at-israeli-jeep/|url-status=live|access-date=12 May 2021|work=The Times of Israel|language=en-US|archive-date=12 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512174739/https://www.timesofisrael.com/1-killed-3-injured-as-hamas-fires-anti-tank-missile-at-israeli-jeep/}}{{cite news|date=12 May 2021|title=הרוג ושני פצועים קשה מירי נ"ט מרצועת עזה|url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/H1C0YxF00O|access-date=12 May 2021|website=ynet|language=he|archive-date=12 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512084112/https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/H1C0YxF00O|url-status=live|last1=Ynet|first1=כתבי}}{{cite web|title=לוחם נח"ל נהרג מירי נ"ט במהלך פעילות מבצעית|url=https://www.idf.il/%D7%9E%D7%90%D7%9E%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%9D/2021/%D7%99%D7%A8%D7%99-%D7%A0%D7%98-%D7%9E%D7%91%D7%A6%D7%A2-%D7%A9%D7%95%D7%9E%D7%A8-%D7%94%D7%97%D7%95%D7%9E%D7%95%D7%AA//|url-status=live|access-date=12 May 2021|website=www.idf.il|language=he|archive-date=13 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513014004/https://www.idf.il/%D7%9E%D7%90%D7%9E%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%9D/2021/%D7%99%D7%A8%D7%99-%D7%A0%D7%98-%D7%9E%D7%91%D7%A6%D7%A2-%D7%A9%D7%95%D7%9E%D7%A8-%D7%94%D7%97%D7%95%D7%9E%D7%95%D7%AA//}}

File:Operation Guardian of the Walls, May 2021. XXVII.webm

On 13 May, Israeli forces and militant groups in Gaza continued to exchange artillery fire and airstrikes. Hamas attempted to deploy suicide drones against Israeli targets, with an Israeli F-16 engaging and shooting down one such drone.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/footage-shows-idf-fighter-jet-shooting-down-suicide-drone-launched-from-gaza/|title=Footage shows IDF fighter jet shooting down 'suicide drone' launched from Gaza|first=Judah Ari|last=Gross|work=The Times of Israel|date=13 May 2021|access-date=25 May 2021|archive-date=16 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516225410/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/footage-shows-idf-fighter-jet-shooting-down-suicide-drone-launched-from-gaza/|url-status=live}} The Iron Dome intercepted many of the rockets fired at Israel.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/israels-iron-dome-proves-successful-against-gaza-rockets/a-57513596|title=Israel's Iron Dome proves successful against Gaza rockets|work=Deutsche Welle|date=12 May 2021|access-date=25 May 2021|archive-date=15 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515125814/https://www.dw.com/en/israels-iron-dome-proves-successful-against-gaza-rockets/a-57513596|url-status=live}} A series of Israeli strikes targeted the headquarters of Hamas' internal security forces, its central bank, and the home of a senior Hamas commander.{{Cite web|url=https://tass.com/world/1289159|title=Israeli forces destroy Hamas internal security headquarters — report|website=TASS|access-date=23 May 2021|archive-date=23 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523214833/https://tass.com/world/1289159|url-status=live}} On 14 May, Israel Defense Forces claimed to have troops on the ground and in the air attacking the Gaza Strip,{{cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20210513-israeli-air-and-ground-troops-launch-offensive-on-gaza-strip-army-says|title=Israeli 'air and ground troops' launch offensive on Gaza Strip, army says|date=13 May 2021|work=France 24|access-date=23 May 2021|language=en|archive-date=13 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513223021/https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20210513-israeli-air-and-ground-troops-launch-offensive-on-gaza-strip-army-says|url-status=live}} although this claim was later retracted and followed with an apology for misleading the press. Israeli troops were reportedly told that they would be sent into Gaza and ground forces were reportedly positioned along the border as though they were preparing to launch an invasion.{{cite news |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-intel-hails-tactical-win-over-hamas-but-cant-say-how-long-calm-will-last/ |title=IDF Intelligence hails tactical win in Gaza, can't say how long calm will last |date=27 May 2021 |first=Judah Ari |last=Gross |work=The Times of Israel |access-date=27 May 2021 |archive-date=27 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527214752/https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-intel-hails-tactical-win-over-hamas-but-cant-say-how-long-calm-will-last/ |url-status=live }} That same day, the Israeli Air Force launched a massive bombardment of Hamas' extensive underground tunnel network, which was known as "the metro", as well as above-ground positions, reportedly inflicting heavy casualties. It was suspected that the reports of an Israeli ground invasion had been a deliberate ruse to lure Hamas operatives into the tunnels and prepared positions above ground to confront Israeli ground forces so that large numbers could then be killed by airstrikes. According to an Israeli official, the attacks killed hundreds of Hamas personnel, and in addition, 20 Hamas commanders were assassinated and most of its rocket production capabilities were destroyed. However, the estimated Hamas death toll was revised to dozens, as information came out that senior Hamas commanders had doubted that the ruse was genuine and only a few dozen Hamas fighters took positions in the tunnels.{{Cite web|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2021/05/no-victory-picture-israel-gaza|title=No victory picture for Israel in Gaza|website=Al-Monitor|first=Ben|last=Caspit|date=18 May 2021|access-date=27 May 2021|archive-date=25 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525130917/https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2021/05/no-victory-picture-israel-gaza|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=14 May 2021|title=N12 – התחבולה של צה"ל: כך הותקפו מאות לוחמי חמאס במבצע לילי|url=https://www.mako.co.il/news-military/2021_q2/Article-178966fb8e96971026.htm|access-date=15 May 2021|website=N12|archive-date=14 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514152040/https://www.mako.co.il/news-military/2021_q2/Article-178966fb8e96971026.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Gross|first=Judah Ari|title=With invasion that wasn't, IDF suspected of duping foreign press to trick Hamas|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/with-invasion-that-wasnt-idf-suspected-of-misleading-press-to-trick-hamas/|date=14 May 2021|work=The Times of Israel|language=en-US|access-date=25 May 2021|archive-date=14 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514172130/https://www.timesofisrael.com/with-invasion-that-wasnt-idf-suspected-of-misleading-press-to-trick-hamas/|url-status=live}} In total, 160 Israeli Air Force aircraft fired 450 missiles at 150 targets, with the attacks lasting about 40 minutes.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-says-160-aircraft-dropped-450-missiles-on-gaza-tunnel-network/|title=IDF says 160 aircraft dropped 450 missiles on Gaza tunnel network|first=Judah Ari|last=Gross|website=Times of Israel|date=14 May 2021|access-date=19 May 2021|archive-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518211938/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-says-160-aircraft-dropped-450-missiles-on-gaza-tunnel-network/|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Israel pounds Gaza to curb Palestinian militants but rockets still fly |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-fires-artillery-into-gaza-amid-persistent-palestinian-rocket-attacks-2021-05-13/ |work=Reuters |date=13 May 2021 |first1=Nidal |last1=Al-mughrabi |first2=Stephen |last2=Farrell |url-access=limited |access-date=16 May 2021 |archive-date=16 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516201805/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-fires-artillery-into-gaza-amid-persistent-palestinian-rocket-attacks-2021-05-13/ |url-status=live }} Also on 14 May, a Hamas drone was downed by Israeli air defense forces.{{Cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-shoots-down-hamas-drone-2/|title=IDF shoots down Hamas drone|website=Times of Israel|date=14 May 2021|access-date=19 May 2021|archive-date=16 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516164001/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-shoots-down-hamas-drone-2/|url-status=live}}

File:The Israeli Air Force bombed the press offices in Gaza 2021.jpg, 15 May]]

On 15 May the IDF destroyed the al-Jalaa Building in Gaza, which housed the Al Jazeera Media Network and Associated Press journalists, and a number of other press offices and apartments.{{Cite web|title=Gaza tower housing Al Jazeera office destroyed by Israeli attack|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/15/building-housing-al-jazeeera-office-in-gaza-hit-by-israeli-strike|date=15 May 2021|work=Al Jazeera|language=en|archive-date=15 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515122832/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/15/building-housing-al-jazeeera-office-in-gaza-hit-by-israeli-strike|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/world/arid-40290143.html|title=Israeli forces demolish media building in Gaza|website=Irish Examiner|date=15 May 2021|archive-date=15 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515124827/https://www.irishexaminer.com/world/arid-40290143.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-west-bank-gaza-middle-east-israel-palestinian-conflict-7974cc0c03897b8b21e5fc2f8c7d8a79|title=Israel strikes Gaza home of Hamas leader, destroys AP office|website=AP News|date=15 May 2021|first1=Fares|last1=Akram|first2=Lee|last2=Keath|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525135807/https://apnews.com/article/israel-west-bank-gaza-middle-east-israel-palestinian-conflict-7974cc0c03897b8b21e5fc2f8c7d8a79|archive-date=25 May 2021|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|author=|title='Give us 10 minutes': How Israel bombed a Gaza media tower|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/15/give-us-10-minutes-how-israel-bombed-gaza-media-tower|date=16 May 2021|access-date=26 May 2021|work=Al Jazeera|language=en|archive-date=26 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526073402/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/15/give-us-10-minutes-how-israel-bombed-gaza-media-tower|url-status=live}} The building was hit by three missiles, approximately an hour after Israeli forces called the building's owner, warning of the attack and advising all occupants to evacuate.{{Cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/2021/5/15/22437688/ap-al-jazeera-gaza-news-bureau-destroyed-live-israel-airstrike|title="Shocked and horrified": Gaza news bureau is destroyed on live TV|first=Cameron|last=Peters|date=15 May 2021|website=Vox|access-date=26 May 2021|archive-date=19 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519203822/https://www.vox.com/2021/5/15/22437688/ap-al-jazeera-gaza-news-bureau-destroyed-live-israel-airstrike|url-status=live}} The press agencies demanded an explanation; the IDF said at the time that the building housed assets of Hamas military intelligence.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/israel-gaza-palestine-ap-jazeera-b1848095.html|title=Israel strikes destroy Gaza tower housing Al-Jazeera and other media|website=Independent|location=London|first=Ian|last=Johnston|date=15 May 2021|archive-date=15 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515154231/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/israel-gaza-palestine-ap-jazeera-b1848095.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=15 May 2021|title=Israel-Gaza conflict rages as US envoy visits|language=en-GB|website=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-57125479|archive-date=15 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515035221/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-57125479|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Israel destroys Gaza tower housing AP and Al Jazeera offices |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-tower-housing-ap-al-jazeera-collapses-after-missile-strike-witness-2021-05-15/ |website=Reuters |access-date=26 May 2021 |date=15 May 2021 |archive-date=15 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515132321/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-tower-housing-ap-al-jazeera-collapses-after-missile-strike-witness-2021-05-15/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited}} On 8 June, Israel stated that a Hamas electronic warfare unit developing a system to jam the Iron Dome was based in the building. AP demanded proof of this; Hamas did not immediately make any comment. Israel said that it did not suspect that AP personnel knew of Hamas's use of the building, and offered to assist AP in rebuilding its offices and operations in Gaza.{{Cite news |title=Israel says Gaza tower it destroyed was used by Hamas to try to jam Iron Dome |author= |website=BBC News |date=9 June 2021 |access-date=10 June 2021 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-57404516 |archive-date=9 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609232945/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-57404516 |url-status=live }} Israel stated that it provided the US government intelligence on the strike but would not make the information public. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that Israel had sent the US information and said "It's my understanding that we've received some further information through intelligence channels, and it's not something I can comment on.""[https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-has-received-more-information-israels-destruction-gaza-high-rise-blinken-2021-05-18/ Blinken says U.S. received more information on Gaza high-rise bombing]". Reuters. 18 May 2021.Federman, Josef (1 June 2021). "[https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-israel-israel-palestinian-conflict-army-1c7a168d5f4b18bd1ae2fce4d1906a0d Israeli official rolls back army chief comments on AP Gaza]". AP News.

On the same day — the 73rd anniversary of the nakba, in the first of several attacks on Gaza's industrial infrastructure, Israel fired an estimated six canisters of M150 Smoke HC 155mm shells between 5:46 and 5:48 pm into the Khudair Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Tools warehouse in Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza. Such munitions are designed to create smoke screens to cover troop movements, though no Israeli forces were present in the area. The Khudair Warehouse stores roughly 50% of all vital agricultural chemicals used in the besieged strip. The strike caused hundreds of tons of pesticides, fertilisers, plastics and nylons to go up in flames, with a toxic plume spreading 5.7 km². A year later the forensic architectural unit of the Palestinian NGO Al-Haq concluded a study claiming that the strike amounted to the deployment by Israel of 'indirect ... chemical weapons'. Israel had foreknowledge of the contents of the warehouse, the materials all having been imported from Israel. According to legal experts, the incident may be prosecutable under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.Bethan McKernan, Hazem Balousha, [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/30/impact-of-israeli-strike-in-gaza-akin-to-chemical-weapons-ngo-report-finds 'Impact of Israeli strike in Gaza akin to chemical weapons, NGO report finds,'] The Guardian 30 May 2022.[https://www.alhaq.org/cached_uploads/download/2022/05/30/khudair-warehouse-final-1653897485.pdf 'Khudair Warehouse: Israel's chemical attack on the Gaza Strip,'] Al-Haq 28 May 2022 pp.10-12

The single deadliest incident of the campaign occurred on 16 May, when Israeli warplanes fired 11 missiles along a {{convert|200|yd|m|adj=on}} stretch of Wehda Street, in the upscale Rimal neighborhood. According to the IDF, a Hamas tunnel and underground command center were the targets of the attack which destroyed two residential buildings, killing 44 civilians. According to the IDF, the extent to which the underground military infrastructure had extended under civilian buildings in the area had not been known, and when the missiles exploded underground and destroyed the facilities targeted, they unexpectedly dislodged the foundations of civilian buildings above them, causing them to collapse. The IDF said that it had not expected the extent of the civilian casualties which occurred.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/17/world/middleeast/gaza-israel-airstrike-tunnel.html|title=Dreams in the Rubble: An Israeli Airstrike and the 22 Lives Lost|first1=Patrick|last1=Kingsley|author1-link=Patrick Kingsley (journalist)|first2=Iyad|last2=Abuheweila|first3=Evan|last3=Hill|date=17 June 2021|work=The New York Times|url-access=limited}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/gaza-doctor-family-airstrike-israel-b1851894.html|title=Israeli airstrikes wiped out the family of Gaza's leading doctor. Only his teenage son survived|date=24 May 2021|website=The Independent|location=London}} Speaking to The Independent, a senior Israeli military official said that the civilian death toll was unexpected and that the attack had been aimed at the center of the road to minimize collateral damage, but that the IDF's calculations had failed to anticipate the collapse of nearby buildings. The official said that the Israeli Air Force suspected that there may have been explosives or munitions stored in the underground infrastructure targeted which ultimately caused the buildings to collapse. Another senior Israeli official later said that the estimated 1/1 ratio between militants and civilians in the strike was 'phenomenal' given how deeply military infrastructure was embedded in civilian areas of the neighborhood.{{cite news |first=Bel |last=Trew |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/gaza-israel-bombing-wehda-street-b1864227.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612044944/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/gaza-israel-bombing-wehda-street-b1864227.html |archive-date=2021-06-12 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |title='Your worst nightmare': Inside the deadliest night of Israel's attacks on Gaza |work=The Independent |location=London |date=11 June 2021 |access-date=21 June 2021}} On May 26, Yahya Sinwar, leader of the Hamas political wing in Gaza, denied that any of their tunnels were under civilian areas and dismissed the accusation as "baseless". On June 5, Sinwar admitted that Hamas did embed military command centers in civilian locations. Sinwar said "We and other factions have initiated a gradual transfer operation with the aim of relocating a number of military headquarters from within the civilian population."{{Cite web|url=https://allarab.news/hamas-admits-using-civilians-as-human-shields/|title=Hamas admits using civilians as human shields|date=9 June 2021|website=All Arab News}}

File:Illustration to IDF operation to thwart Hamas' metro project, May 2021.webm]]

The Israeli Air Force carried out another large-scale series of raids against Hamas' tunnel network on 17 May, bombing over 15 kilometers of underground passages, with 54 Israeli jets dropping 110 bombs. The homes of nine Hamas commanders and a home used by Hamas' military intelligence branch were also bombed.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-jets-carry-out-massive-strikes-on-gaza-as-ceasefire-pressure-mounts/|title=IDF hits Hamas tunnels in massive strikes on Gaza as ceasefire pressure mounts|first1=Jacob|last1=Magid|website=Times of Israel|date=17 May 2021|access-date=19 May 2021|archive-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518211938/https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-jets-carry-out-massive-strikes-on-gaza-as-ceasefire-pressure-mounts/|url-status=live}}

During the fighting, Hamas militants with anti-tank guided missiles repeatedly took positions in apartments and behind dunes. These teams were identified by IDF reconnaissance units and subsequently destroyed in pinpoint attacks.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/while-all-eyes-are-on-gaza-gaza-is-only-half-the-story/|title=While all eyes are on Gaza, Gaza is only half the story|first=Haviv Rettig|last=Gur|website=Times of Israel|date=16 May 2021|access-date=19 May 2021|archive-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518182259/https://www.timesofisrael.com/while-all-eyes-are-on-gaza-gaza-is-only-half-the-story/|url-status=live}} At least 20 such teams were destroyed by Israeli air and ground forces. On 20 May, a Hamas anti-tank missile attack on an IDF bus lightly wounded one soldier. The attack came moments after a group of 10 soldiers had disembarked from the bus.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-anti-tank-missile-hits-idf-bus-moments-after-10-soldiers-alight/|title=Hamas anti-tank missile hits IDF bus moments after 10 soldiers alight|date=20 May 2021|access-date=25 May 2021|author=|work=The Times of Israel|archive-date=21 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521230757/https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-anti-tank-missile-hits-idf-bus-moments-after-10-soldiers-alight/|url-status=live}}

In addition, the IDF sank Hamas' fleet of small unmanned submarines designed to explode under or near Israeli naval vessels or oil and gas drilling rigs. Hamas tried repeatedly to attack Israel's Tamar gas field.{{cite news |title=Hamas tried to attack Israel's gas installations |url=https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/hamas-tried-to-attack-israels-gas-installations-668314 |work=The Jerusalem Post |date=17 May 2021 |access-date=21 May 2021 |archive-date=21 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521021230/https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/hamas-tried-to-attack-israels-gas-installations-668314 |url-status=live }} At two least attempts to launch attacks with autonomous submarines were intercepted.{{Cite web|last=Gross|first=Judah Ari|title='Guardian of the Walls' wasn't the resounding victory the IDF had hoped for|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/guardian-of-the-walls-wasnt-the-resounding-victory-the-idf-had-hoped-for/|date=23 May 2021|access-date=25 May 2021|work=The Times of Israel|language=en-US|archive-date=24 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524123624/https://www.timesofisrael.com/guardian-of-the-walls-wasnt-the-resounding-victory-the-idf-had-hoped-for/|url-status=live}} In one instance, a Hamas team was spotted launching the submarine. An Israeli navy vessel destroyed the submarine while it was still close to the shore and the Israeli Air Force subsequently attacked the team which launched it.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-says-it-thwarted-underwater-drone-attack-by-hamas-from-northern-gaza/|title=IDF says it thwarted underwater drone attack by Hamas from northern Gaza|first=Judah Ari|last=Gross|website=Times of Israel|date=18 May 2021|access-date=19 May 2021|archive-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518205236/https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-says-it-thwarted-underwater-drone-attack-by-hamas-from-northern-gaza/|url-status=live}}

File:Flight supervisor in Hatzor IAF Base during Operation Guardian of the Walls, May 2021. V.jpg F-16 warplane takes off with guided munition to strike targets in the Gaza Strip]]

By the end of the campaign, over 4,360 rockets and mortar shells had been fired at southern and central Israel, an average of 400 per day.{{cite news|first1=Arshad|last1=Mohammed|first2=Jonathan|last2=Saul|first3=John|last3=Irish|first4=Parisa|last4=Hafezi|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israels-gaza-challenge-stopping-metal-tubes-turning-into-rockets-2021-05-23/|title=Israel's Gaza challenge: stopping metal tubes turning into rockets|work=Reuters|date=23 May 2021|access-date=27 May 2021|url-access=limited|archive-date=25 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525151504/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israels-gaza-challenge-stopping-metal-tubes-turning-into-rockets-2021-05-23/|url-status=live}} About 3,400 successfully crossed the border while 680 fell in Gaza and 280 fell into the sea.{{cite news |first=Amos |last=Harel |url=https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/palestinians/.premium.HIGHLIGHT-hamas-rockets-reflect-success-in-creating-gaza-military-industry-1.9843784 |title=The rockets Hamas fired at Israel reflect the success of Gaza's military industry |work=Haaretz |date=26 May 2021 |access-date=27 May 2021 |url-access=limited |archive-date=26 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526075109/https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/palestinians/.premium.HIGHLIGHT-hamas-rockets-reflect-success-in-creating-gaza-military-industry-1.9843784 |url-status=live }} The Iron Dome shot down 1,428 rockets detected as heading toward populated areas, an interception rate of 95 percent.{{Cite web|url=https://breakingdefense.com/2021/05/us-talks-with-israel-about-buying-more-iron-dome-systems/|title=US Talks With Israel About Buying More Iron Dome Systems|first=Paul|last=McLeary|work=Breaking Defense|date=21 May 2021|access-date=27 May 2021|archive-date=24 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524202349/https://breakingdefense.com/2021/05/us-talks-with-israel-about-buying-more-iron-dome-systems/|url-status=live}} Some 60–70 rockets hit populated areas after the Iron Dome failed to intercept them. The attacks killed 6 Israeli civilians, among them a 5-year-old boy and two Israeli-Arabs, as well as three foreign nationals working in Israel: an Indian woman working as a caregiver in Ashkelon and two Thai workers who were killed when the packing house of a community in southern Israel close to the Gaza border took a direct hit. Three other Israeli civilians including an 87-year-old woman died from injuries sustained after they fell while running to bomb shelters during attacks.{{Cite web|title=73-year-old Israeli woman who fell in rocket shelter dies of injuries|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/73-year-old-israeli-woman-who-fell-in-rocket-shelter-dies-of-injuries/|date=23 May 2021|author=|access-date=25 May 2021|work=The Times of Israel|language=en-US|archive-date=24 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524235237/https://www.timesofisrael.com/73-year-old-israeli-woman-who-fell-in-rocket-shelter-dies-of-injuries/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/a-child-a-teen-a-man-with-nowhere-to-shelter-10-gaza-rocket-victims-in-israel/|title=A child, a teen, a man unable to run: 10 Gaza rocket victims in Israel|last1=Winer|first1=Stuart|website=Times of Israel|date=16 May 2021|access-date=19 May 2021|archive-date=17 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517190848/https://www.timesofisrael.com/a-child-a-teen-a-man-with-nowhere-to-shelter-10-gaza-rocket-victims-in-israel/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/2-thai-workers-killed-several-people-injured-as-hamas-bombards-southern-israel/|title=2 Thai workers killed, several people injured as Hamas bombards southern Israel|first1=Judah Ari|last1=Gross|website=Times of Israel|date=18 May 2021|access-date=19 May 2021|archive-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518172008/https://www.timesofisrael.com/2-thai-workers-killed-several-people-injured-as-hamas-bombards-southern-israel/|url-status=live}}

The IDF estimated that it destroyed 850 rockets in strikes on the Gaza Strip and also severely degraded local rocket manufacturing capabilities in strikes on about three dozen rocket production centers. In addition, Israel assassinated numerous Hamas and Islamic Jihad commanders with airstrikes. Nearly 30 senior Hamas commanders were assassinated by the IDF during the campaign. Israel's ability to locate senior commanders to such an extent indicated extensive Israeli intelligence penetration of Hamas' ranks.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/21/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-war-ceasefire.html |title=Israel's Military Inflicted a Heavy Toll. But Did It Achieve its Aim? |first1=Patrick |last1=Kingsley |author-link=Patrick Kingsley (journalist) |first2=Ronen |last2=Bergman |work=The New York Times |date=21 May 2021 |url-access=limited |archive-date=25 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525234859/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/21/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-war-ceasefire.html |url-status=live }}

File:Operation Guardian of the Walls, May 2021. LII.jpg

In three instances, Hamas attempted to launch cross-border raids into Israel to kill or kidnap soldiers and civilians, utilizing tunnels that approached but did not cross into Israeli territory to enable its fighters to get close. All of these attacks were foiled. In one instance, a group of Hamas fighters were struck before entering a tunnel and in two other instances the groups were targeted while in the tunnels. A total of 18 Hamas fighters were killed. The IDF also stated that seven Hamas drones that crossed into Israeli airspace were shot down, including at least one by an Iron Dome battery. An Israeli drone was also accidentally shot down by an Iron Dome battery.{{cite news |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-drone-was-intercepted-by-iron-dome-during-gaza-fighting-idf/ |title=Israeli drone was intercepted by Iron Dome during Gaza fighting — IDF |date=25 May 2021 |access-date=26 May 2021 |work=The Times of Israel |author= |archive-date=25 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525225453/https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-drone-was-intercepted-by-iron-dome-during-gaza-fighting-idf/ |url-status=live }}

According to Israeli journalist Haviv Rettig Gur, Israel systematically thwarted Hamas' tactical innovations and destroyed the military infrastructure it had prepared for a future war, which proved "ineffective or outright useless".{{Cite web|last=Gur|first=Haviv Rettig|title=Hamas's forever war against Israel has a glitch, and it isn't Iron Dome|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamass-forever-war-against-israel-has-a-glitch-and-it-isnt-iron-dome/|date=22 May 2021|access-date=25 May 2021|work=The Times of Israel|language=en-US|archive-date=25 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525103904/https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamass-forever-war-against-israel-has-a-glitch-and-it-isnt-iron-dome/|url-status=live}}

The United Nations said that more than 72,000 Palestinians had been internally displaced, sheltering mostly at 48 UNRWA schools in Gaza.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/17/tens-of-thousands-of-palestinians-displaced-in-gaza-strip|title='We need food': Palestinians displaced in Gaza call for supplies|first=Linah|last=Alsaafin|website=Al Jazeera|date=17 May 2021|access-date=19 May 2021|archive-date=19 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519014032/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/17/tens-of-thousands-of-palestinians-displaced-in-gaza-strip|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/un-there-is-no-safe-place-in-gaza-72000-people-displaced-668489|first=Tovah|last=Lazaroff|title=UN: There is no 'safe place' in Gaza, 72,000 people displaced|date=19 May 2021|work=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=26 May 2021|archive-date=25 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525211340/https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/un-there-is-no-safe-place-in-gaza-72000-people-displaced-668489|url-status=live}} After the ceasefire, less than 1,000 displaced Palestinians were sheltering in UNRWA schools, down from a peak of around 66,000.{{Cite web|url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2021/db210521.doc.htm|title=Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General | Meetings Coverage and Press Releases|website=www.un.org|access-date=21 May 2021|archive-date=21 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521233502/https://www.un.org/press/en/2021/db210521.doc.htm|url-status=live}}

UNWRA discovered a cavity 7.5 metres under one of its two schools in Gaza that had been damaged by Israeli air strikes. The structure had neither an exit from or entry into the school's premises, and the organization strongly condemned both the IDF and the Palestinians responsible for building the "possible" tunnel.Tovah Lazaroff, [https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/unrwa-finds-attack-tunnel-under-one-of-its-gaza-schools-670262 'UNRWA finds attack tunnel under one of its Gaza schools,'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606181703/https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/unrwa-finds-attack-tunnel-under-one-of-its-gaza-schools-670262 |date=6 June 2021 }} The Jerusalem Post 6 June 2021{{Cite web|url=https://www.unrwa.org/newsroom/official-statements/neutrality-and-inviolability-unrwa-installations-must-be-respected-all|title=The Neutrality and Inviolability of UNRWA Installations Must be Respected at All Times|website=UNRWA}}

On 13 May at least three rockets were fired from the coastal area of Qlaileh just south of the Palestinian refugee camp of Rashidieh in the Southern Lebanese district of Tyre across the Israeli–Lebanese border, according to the IDF, landing in the Mediterranean Sea. Hezbollah denied responsibility for the rocket launches and Lebanese Army troops were deployed to the area around the refugee camp, finding several rockets there.{{cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/lebanon-israel-rockets-launched-coastal-town|title=Lebanon: Rockets launched from coastal region towards Israel|website=Middle East Eye|access-date=15 May 2021|archive-date=14 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514173043/https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/lebanon-israel-rockets-launched-coastal-town|url-status=live}}

On 14 May, dozens of Lebanese demonstrated on the Israel-Lebanon border in solidarity with the Palestinians. A small group of demonstrators cut through the border fence and crossed into Israel, setting fires near Metulla. IDF troops fired at them, killing one who was later identified as a member of Hezbollah. Another was wounded and later died of his injuries.{{Cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/jordanian-protestors-passed-police-barrier-on-way-to-israel-border-668187|title=Hezbollah member killed after trying to cross into Israel from Lebanon|website=The Jerusalem Post|first=Shira|last=Silkoff|date=15 May 2021|access-date=26 May 2021|archive-date=25 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525211706/https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/jordanian-protestors-passed-police-barrier-on-way-to-israel-border-668187|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/protesters-in-lebanon-jordan-rush-israeli-border-fences/|title=Lebanese man killed as protesters rush Israeli border fences|author=|work=The Times of Israel|date=14 May 2021|access-date=26 May 2021|archive-date=14 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514223859/https://www.timesofisrael.com/protesters-in-lebanon-jordan-rush-israeli-border-fences/|url-status=live}} That evening, three rockets were fired from Syria, while two of them hit the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights but fell in uninhabited places.{{cite news|title=Israel pounds Gaza to curb Palestinian militants but rockets still fly|work=Reuters|date=15 May 2021|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-fires-artillery-into-gaza-amid-persistent-palestinian-rocket-attacks-2021-05-13/|access-date=17 May 2021|url-access=limited|archive-date=17 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517020829/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-fires-artillery-into-gaza-amid-persistent-palestinian-rocket-attacks-2021-05-13/|url-status=live}}{{cite news |language=fr |title=L'armée israélienne mène de nouveaux bombardements sur Gaza |work=Le Monde |date=14 May 2021 |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2021/05/14/israel-palestine-netanyahou-previent-que-les-raids-sur-gaza-ne-sont-pas-encore-finis_6080252_3210.html |accessdate=15 May 2021 |archive-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514195009/https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2021/05/14/israel-palestine-netanyahou-previent-que-les-raids-sur-gaza-ne-sont-pas-encore-finis_6080252_3210.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web|language=fr|title=Décès d'un manifestant libanais blessé par l'armée israélienne après avoir franchi la frontière|url=https://www.lorientlejour.com/article/1261748/deces-dun-manifestant-libanais-blesse-par-larmee-israelienne-apres-avoir-franchi-la-frontiere.html|website=L'Orient-Le Jour|date=14 May 2021|accessdate=15 May 2021|archive-date=15 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515073825/https://www.lorientlejour.com/article/1261748/deces-dun-manifestant-libanais-blesse-par-larmee-israelienne-apres-avoir-franchi-la-frontiere.html|url-status=live}} The following day, Lebanese demonstrators damaged the border fence with Molotov cocktails and other items.

On 17 May, six rockets were fired by Palestinian militants towards Israel but the rockets failed to cross the Lebanese-Israeli border. The Israeli military responded by firing artillery shells across the border in the direction of the rocket fire. No one was injured in the incident.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/05/18/israel-gaza-conflict-latest-updates/|title=Israel says it will step up strikes on Hamas tunnels despite cease-fire calls as clashes erupt in the West Bank|first1=Loveday|last1=Morris|first2=Miriam|last2=Berger|first3=Hazem|last3=Balousha|first4=Erin|last4=Cunningham|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=18 May 2021|access-date=26 May 2021|url-access=limited|archive-date=19 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519125743/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/05/18/israel-gaza-conflict-latest-updates/|url-status=live}}

The IDF said that on 19 May four rockets were fired from near Siddikine village in the Tyre District of Southern Lebanon towards Haifa. One was intercepted, another landed in an open area, and the remaining two fell into the sea. The Israeli army responded with artillery fire.{{Cite news |title=IDF: 4 rockets fired at Israel from Lebanon, 1 intercepted; no injuries |author=Judah Ari Gross |newspaper=Times Of Israel |date=19 May 2021 |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-4-rockets-fired-at-israel-from-lebanon-1-intercepted-no-injuries/ |access-date=12 June 2021 |archive-date=10 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610051152/https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-4-rockets-fired-at-israel-from-lebanon-1-intercepted-no-injuries/ |url-status=live }}

File:Bus and car burnt out after rocket hit in Holon Photo by Yoav Keren.jpg, Israel, after a rocket attack, 11 May]]

Thirteen people were killed in Israel,{{cite web|access-date=27 May 2021|title=73-year-old Israeli woman who fell in rocket shelter dies of injuries|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/73-year-old-israeli-woman-who-fell-in-rocket-shelter-dies-of-injuries/|work=The Times of Israel|date=23 May 2021|archive-date=25 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525135102/https://www.timesofisrael.com/73-year-old-israeli-woman-who-fell-in-rocket-shelter-dies-of-injuries/|url-status=live}} including two children, one Indian woman{{cite web|access-date=16 May 2021|title=A child, a teen, a man unable to run: 10 Gaza rocket victims in Israel|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/a-child-a-teen-a-man-with-nowhere-to-shelter-10-gaza-rocket-victims-in-israel/|work=The Times of Israel|date=16 May 2021|archive-date=17 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517190848/https://www.timesofisrael.com/a-child-a-teen-a-man-with-nowhere-to-shelter-10-gaza-rocket-victims-in-israel/|url-status=live}} and two Thai men living and working in Israel.{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/2-thai-workers-killed-several-people-injured-as-hamas-bombards-southern-israel/|title=2 Thai workers killed, several people injured as Hamas bombards southern Israel|work=The Times of Israel|date=18 May 2021|accessdate=18 May 2021|archive-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518135750/https://www.timesofisrael.com/2-thai-workers-killed-several-people-injured-as-hamas-bombards-southern-israel/|url-status=live}} By May 18, the Magen David Adom ambulance service had treated 114 injuries directly related to rocket attacks, and another 198 indirectly related to rocket attacks.{{cite web |title=Magen David Adom: 12 killed in Israel in rocket attacks, 312 injured |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/magen-david-adom-12-killed-in-israel-in-rocket-attacks-312-injured/ |date=18 May 2021 |website=Times of Israel |access-date=29 May 2021 |archive-date=20 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520135016/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/magen-david-adom-12-killed-in-israel-in-rocket-attacks-312-injured/ |url-status=live }}

The UN and Human Rights Watch reported that 260 Palestinians were killed during the hostilities, half of them (129) civilians,[https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/07/27/gaza-apparent-war-crimes-during-may-fighting 'Gaza: Apparent War Crimes During May Fighting,'] Human Rights Watch 27 July 2021 including 66 children and 40 women. Some 243 were reportedly killed by Israeli Defense Forces. The Gazan Health Ministry stated that 1,948 individuals were wounded, of whom 610 were children, and 400 women. Four of the women killed were pregnant.[https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/flash-update-02-situation-occupied-palestinian-territory 'Flash Update #02: Situation in the occupied Palestinian territory,'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524183920/https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/flash-update-02-situation-occupied-palestinian-territory |date=24 May 2021 }} OCHA 24 May 2021 Israel reported killing 200 militants, while 80 Palestinian fighters were killed according to Hamas. Among militant casualties, the Gaza Brigade commander, Bassem Issa, was killed on 12 May, together with Jomaa Abdullah Talha and some of Hamas top officials and engineers, while Iyad Sharir, commander of an anti-tank unit, was killed the next day alongside his wife and daughter.https://www.terrorism-info.org.il/app/uploads/2021/06/E_093_21.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}} One of the dead children was claimed by the Al-Mujahideen Brigades as one of their own.

Some Palestinian rockets fell short and landed in the Gaza Strip resulting in at least seven casualties.{{cite news |last1=Sullivan |first1=Becky |title=30 Palestinians, 3 Israelis Reported Killed As Violence Escalates |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/05/11/995875422/28-reported-dead-in-gaza-from-israeli-airstrikes-gaza-rockets-kill-2-in-israel |website=NPR |date=11 May 2021 |access-date=23 May 2021 |language=en |archive-date=21 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521140908/https://www.npr.org/2021/05/11/995875422/28-reported-dead-in-gaza-from-israeli-airstrikes-gaza-rockets-kill-2-in-israel |url-status=live }} According to Israel, approximately 640 rockets did so.{{cite web |last1=Al-mughrabi |first1=Nidal |last2=Saul |first2=Jonathan |last3=Ayyub |first3=Rami |title=Israel and Hamas both claim victory as ceasefire holds |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-truce-between-israel-hamas-begins-mediated-by-egypt-2021-05-20/ |website=Reuters |access-date=27 May 2021 |date=20 May 2021 |url-access=limited |archive-date=26 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526151012/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-truce-between-israel-hamas-begins-mediated-by-egypt-2021-05-20/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Wrobel |first1=Sharon |title=Failed Hamas Rockets Falling Short in Gaza Killed 17 Civilians in Monday Incidents Before IDF Airstrikes, Says Security Official |url=https://www.algemeiner.com/2021/05/13/failed-hamas-rockets-falling-short-in-gaza-killed-17-civilians-in-monday-incidents-before-idf-airstrikes-says-security-official/ |website=The Algemeiner |access-date=23 May 2021 |archive-date=23 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523035822/https://www.algemeiner.com/2021/05/13/failed-hamas-rockets-falling-short-in-gaza-killed-17-civilians-in-monday-incidents-before-idf-airstrikes-says-security-official/ |url-status=live }} It is disputed whether some of the first victims on 10 May died as a result of an Israeli airstrike or an errant Palestinian rocket.

On 13 May, as part of a feint intended to deceive Hamas into sending their men into tunnels before they were programmed to be bombed, the IDF's 162nd Division subjected a section of the northern Gaza Strip to an intense artillery barrage of 500 shells. Some of the ordnance hit an agricultural site, the al-Karya compound, close to Beit Lahia. As a result, 3 daughters – aged 17, 26 and 28 – and a 9-month old baby son from a single family were killed, together with a two members of another family in their home next door. A follow-up investigation by the IDF concluded there had been some negligence and those involved were assigned to retraining.Yaniv Kobovich, [https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-idf-covered-up-negligent-killing-of-six-gazans-during-recent-conflict-1.10073500 'Israeli Military Covered Up Negligent Killing of Six Gazans During Recent Conflict,'] Haaretz 3 August 2021

According to a report by the Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, which has ties to the IDF, 48% of the Palestinians killed in Gaza were militants. The report noted varying figures of Palestinians killed in Gaza ranging between 240 and 260 and analyzed the deaths of 234 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. It identified 112 of those 234 as militants, of whom 63 were members of Hamas, 20 were members of the Islamic Jihad Movement, 25 were members of an armed faction of Fatah, and the rest were members of smaller militant splinter groups. According to the ITIC report, 21 Palestinians were killed by misfired Palestinian rockets which landed in the Gaza Strip.{{Cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/48-percent-of-gaza-war-casualties-associated-with-terror-groups-intel-report-671725|title=48% of Gaza war casualties associated with terror groups – intel report|website=The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com|date=22 June 2021 }}

According to Amira Hass, 15 Israeli strikes have targeted individual family dwellings, causing multiple deaths among members of the 15 families living there.Amira Hass [https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/gaza-israel-wiping-entire-palestinian-families-hamas-1.9820005 'Analysis:Gaza Lives Erased: Israel Is Wiping Out Entire Palestinian Families on Purpose,'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519155202/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/gaza-israel-wiping-entire-palestinian-families-hamas-1.9820005 |date=19 May 2021 }} Haaretz 19 May 2021 When the ceasefire came into effect, the Palestinian National Authority set the number of entire families killed at 20, and announced it will lodge a complaint at the International Court of Justice for "war crimes" in that regard.{{cite news |first=Jack |last=Khoury |title=Death Toll in Gaza Continues to Rise as Bodies Pulled From Rubble |date=21 May 2021 |work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-death-toll-in-gaza-continues-to-rise-as-bodies-pulled-from-rubble-1.9831927 |access-date=27 May 2021 |url-access=limited |archive-date=24 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524170614/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-death-toll-in-gaza-continues-to-rise-as-bodies-pulled-from-rubble-1.9831927 |url-status=live }} Palestinian journalist Yusuf Abu Hussein was killed in an Israeli airstrike in his home on 19 May, prompting outcry from the International Federation of Journalists.{{cite web |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/19/israeli-air-raid-kills-palestinian-journalist-in-his-gaza-house |title=Israeli air raid kills Palestinian journalist in his Gaza house |date=19 May 2021 |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=21 May 2021 |archive-date=21 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521034410/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/19/israeli-air-raid-kills-palestinian-journalist-in-his-gaza-house |url-status=live }} An Israeli airstrike on 20 May killed a disabled Palestinian man, his pregnant wife, and their three-year-old daughter.{{cite web |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/20/gaza-israeli-air-raid-kills-disabled-man-pregnant-wife-child |title=Gaza: Israeli air raid kills disabled man, pregnant wife, child |date=20 May 2021 |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=21 May 2021 |archive-date=21 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521034339/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/20/gaza-israeli-air-raid-kills-disabled-man-pregnant-wife-child |url-status=live }} A later investigation found that Hamas militants had built a military structure inside a Palestinian elementary school.{{Cite web|first=Tovah|last=Lazaroff|title=UNRWA finds attack tunnel under one of its Gaza schools|url=https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/unrwa-finds-attack-tunnel-under-one-of-its-gaza-schools-670262|access-date=17 June 2021|website=The Jerusalem Post|date=6 June 2021 |language=en|archive-date=10 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610233757/https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/unrwa-finds-attack-tunnel-under-one-of-its-gaza-schools-670262|url-status=live}}

A Hamas commander, identified as Mohammed Abdullah Fayyad, as well as three high-ranking Islamic Jihad commanders were also killed. Another Hamas member was killed on 11 May. The deaths of the five commanders were confirmed by official statements of both the groups. The deaths of other militants are suspected but not confirmed.{{cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/10/hamas-fires-rockets-into-israel-in-dispute-over-jerusalem-mosque|title=Israel launches airstrikes on Gaza strip after Hamas rocket attacks|date=10 May 2021|website=The Guardian|first1=Oliver|last1=Holmes|first2=Peter|last2=Beaumont|access-date=10 May 2021|archive-date=10 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510163034/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/10/hamas-fires-rockets-into-israel-in-dispute-over-jerusalem-mosque|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=10 May 2021|title=Jerusalem violence leads to Hamas rockets on Israel, nine dead in Gaza|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/violence-erupts-al-aqsa-mosque-israel-marks-jerusalem-day-2021-05-10/|url-status=live|website=Reuters|access-date=10 May 2021|archive-date=10 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510142759/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/violence-erupts-al-aqsa-mosque-israel-marks-jerusalem-day-2021-05-10/|url-access=limited}}{{cite web|last=Gross|first=Judah Ari|date=11 May 2021|title=Gaza terrorists fire hundreds of rockets at Israel; IDF pummels Hamas targets|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/6-israelis-wounded-as-hamas-launches-massive-rocket-barrage-on-ashkelon/|url-status=live|access-date=11 May 2021|website=Times of Israel|language=en-US|archive-date=13 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513014005/https://www.timesofisrael.com/6-israelis-wounded-as-hamas-launches-massive-rocket-barrage-on-ashkelon/}} Bassem Issa, a top Hamas commander, was killed together with several others,including Jomaa Talha and Jamal Zibdeh.{{cite news |title=IDF strikes four anti-tank missile cells in Gaza as rockets pound Tel Avi |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/israel-striking-gaza-in-response-to-rocket-barrage-directed-at-jerusalem-667776 |work=The Jerusalem Post |date=13 May 2021 |access-date=13 May 2021 |archive-date=13 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513133829/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/israel-striking-gaza-in-response-to-rocket-barrage-directed-at-jerusalem-667776 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Israel-Palestinian conflict escalates as rockets fly and street violence flares |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/05/13/world/hamas-hits-deep-israel-continues-pummel-gaza/ |work=The Japan Times |date=13 May 2021 |access-date=13 May 2021 |archive-date=13 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513135507/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/05/13/world/hamas-hits-deep-israel-continues-pummel-gaza/ |url-status=live }}

On 18 May, Egypt pledged $500 million in efforts to rebuild Gaza after the missile strikes.{{Cite web|date=18 May 2021|title=Egypt to allocate $500 mln for Gaza rebuilding effort|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/egypt-allocate-500-mln-gaza-rebuilding-effort-presidency-2021-05-18/|access-date=19 May 2021|website=Reuters|url-access=limited|archive-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518153924/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/egypt-allocate-500-mln-gaza-rebuilding-effort-presidency-2021-05-18/|url-status=live}} Qatar likewise pledged $500 million.{{Cite web |url=https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/05/27/qatar-pledges-500m-to-gaza-rebuild-hamas-vows-transparency/ |access-date=27 May 2021 |work=Israel Hayom |title=Qatar pledges $500M to rebuild Gaza, Hamas vows transparency |first=Shahar |last=Klaiman |date=27 May 2021 |archive-date=27 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527214813/https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/05/27/qatar-pledges-500m-to-gaza-rebuild-hamas-vows-transparency/ |url-status=live }}

Hamas has been accused by Israel of using medical facilities to cover its activities. The Ministry of Health is run by the Hamas government, and wounded militants are often treated in civilian hospitals. As of 17 May, the Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have caused the following damage, according to the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs:

• 4 hospitals run by Gaza's ministry of health, including the Indonesian and Beit Hanoun hospitals in the northern Gaza Strip.
• 2 hospitals run by NGOs
• 2 clinics, one run by Médecins Sans Frontières, and one, the Hala al-Shawa clinic, in disuse at the time.
• 1 health centre
• 1 Palestine Red Crescent Society facility.

Personnel killed:

• Dr Moein Ahmad al-Aloul (66), a leading Gaza neurologist, killed when his house in the Rimal quarter collapsed after an Israeli strike on shops on the building's ground level. His 5 children were also killed in the strike.{{cite news |first=Colm |last=Quinn |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/05/17/israel-gaza-ceasefire-netanyahu/ |title=Calls for Israel-Gaza Cease-Fire Intensify |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518124810/https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/05/17/israel-gaza-ceasefire-netanyahu/ |archive-date=18 May 2021 |work=Foreign Policy |date=17 May 2021 |access-date=17 June 2021}}
• Dr Ayman Abu al-Auf, the Al-Shifa Hospital's head of internal medicine and director of Gaza's COVID-19 response, killed by falling rubble after a strike on al-Wehda Street, a controversial strike that killed over 40 people. 12 members of his extended family were also killed.{{cite news |first1=Hazem |last1=Balousha |first2=Peter |last2=Beaumont |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/17/israeli-strikes-gaza-health-system-doctors-hospitals |title='Massive destruction': Gaza's hospitals under strain after Israeli strikes |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517171734/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/17/israeli-strikes-gaza-health-system-doctors-hospitals |archive-date=17 May 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=17 May 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/gaza-doctor-family-airstrike-israel-b1851894.html|title=Israeli airstrikes wiped out the family of Gaza's leading doctor. Only his teenage son survived|date=22 May 2021|website=The Independent|location=London|access-date=22 May 2021|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522135005/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/gaza-doctor-family-airstrike-israel-b1851894.html|url-status=live}}

By 18 May, seventeen hospitals and clinics in Gaza had suffered damage, according to The New York Times.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/18/world/middleeast/gaza-israel.html|title=Gaza War Deepens a Long-Running Humanitarian Crisis|first1=Iyad|last1=Abuheweila|first2=Adam|last2=Rasgon|first3=Isabel|last3=Kershner|first4=Marc|last4=Santora|newspaper=The New York Times|date=18 May 2021|access-date=23 May 2021|url-access=limited|archive-date=27 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527214845/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/18/world/middleeast/gaza-israel.html|url-status=live}}

The Israeli strike near the Rimal clinic, the only major COVID-19 laboratory in the Strip, caused it to be temporarily shut down, with the PLO claiming on Twitter that this rendered the entire strip unable to conduct further screening for the pandemic.[https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/topnews/2021/05/17/distrutto-da-raid-israele-lunico-laboratorio-covid-a-gaza_caa5d21f-d65e-46b6-a56a-e7e5a7ea4c32.html 'Distrutto da raid Israele l'unico laboratorio Covid a Gaza,'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518082355/https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/topnews/2021/05/17/distrutto-da-raid-israele-lunico-laboratorio-covid-a-gaza_caa5d21f-d65e-46b6-a56a-e7e5a7ea4c32.html |date=18 May 2021 }} ANSA 18 May 2021{{cite web |title=State of Palestine receives its third allocation of COVID-19 vaccines |url=https://www.unicef.org/sop/press-releases/state-palestine-receives-its-third-allocation-covid-19-vaccines |website=www.unicef.org |access-date=3 July 2021 |language=en}}{{cite magazine |last1=Ducharme |first1=Jamie |title=Conflict in Gaza Could Lead to a New COVID-19 Surge |url=https://time.com/6049426/gaza-strip-covid-19/ |magazine=Time |access-date=3 July 2021 |language=en}}

File:Israeli Navy activity during Operation Guardian of the Walls, May 2021. II.webm

232 housing units in high-rises were bombed over 11 days.Bethan McKernan, Hazem Balousha, [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/15/among-ruins-of-bombed-city-towers-gazans-still-reel-from-shock-and-pain 'Among ruins of bombed city towers, Gazans still reel from shock and pain,'] The Guardian 15 August 2021 According to a 23 May post-ceasefire UNOCHA estimate,

• 1,042 housing and commercial units, spread over 258 buildings, were destroyed
• 769 further units suffered severe damage.
• 53 schools were damaged
• 6 hospitals and 11 clinics were damaged.
• The IDF said it had destroyed {{convert|60|mi|km}} of Hamas's underground tunnel system, nicknamed the Metro.

On 18 May an Israeli airstrike demolished the buildings where one of the major booksellers in Gaza was sited, Samir Mansour's 2 story bookshop along with its stock of an estimated 100,000 books.Alison Flood, [https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/jun/21/donations-flood-in-to-restore-gaza-bookshop-destroyed-by-israeli-airstrikes 'Donations flood in to restore Gaza bookshop destroyed by Israeli airstrikes,'] The Guardian 21 June 2021

3,424 claims of compensation for property damage have been filed by Israelis as a result of the fighting: 1,724 related to damage to motor vehicles.

{{See also|Israeli war crimes}}

In late July 2021, Human Rights Watch (HRW) raised the possibility that both parties in the conflict had engaged in war crimes on the basis of field reports regarding specific incidents.{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-israel-crime-war-crimes-human-rights-watch-4dbb4e7b915346ce6aca778f12a4359b|website=AP News|title=Human Rights Watch: Israeli war crimes apparent in Gaza war|date=27 July 2021|author=Josef Federman}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/07/27/gaza-apparent-war-crimes-during-may-fighting|website=Human Rights Watch|date=27 July 2021|title=Gaza: Apparent War Crimes During May Fighting}}{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/human-rights-watch-accuses-idf-palestinians-of-war-crimes-in-may-gaza-conflict/|website=The Times of Israel|date=27 July 2021|title=Human Rights Watch accuses IDF, Palestinians of war crimes in May Gaza conflict|author=Lazar Berman}} The organization said that several Israeli bombing attacks were listed as appearing to have killed entire families in areas where no military targets have been ascertained to have existed, and that these may amount to warcrimes, and that the firing by Palestinian militants of unguided rockets towards Israeli civilian centres was a war crime. B'Tselem has also accused both parties of war crimes.{{Cite web|title=Rocket fire from Gaza constitutes war crime|url=https://www.btselem.org/israeli_civilians/20210513_rocket_fire_from_Gaza_constitutes_war_crime|access-date=2021-06-30|website=B'Tselem|language=en}}{{cite web|url=https://www.btselem.org/press_releases/20210515_israel_commits_war_crimes_in_gaza|title=Killing blockaded civilians and destroying infrastructure on a massive scale: Israel is committing war crimes in the Gaza Strip|website=B'Tselem|language=en|access-date=2021-07-29}} HRW called on the International Criminal Court to investigate Israeli strikes during the May operation. In August, 2021, HRW issued a report stating that the thousands of rockets fired by the Palestinian militant group Hamas during the 11-day war with Israel "violated the laws of war and amount to war crimes."{{cite news|title=Rights group says Hamas rockets at Israel a clear war crime|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/rights-group-says-hamas-rockets-at-israel-a-clear-war-crime/2021/08/12/f4850f72-fb4d-11eb-911c-524bc8b68f17_story.html|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=12 August 2021}}{{Dead link|date=February 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Investigations were made into Hamas rocket attacks that killed 12 civilians in Israel, as well as a misfired rocket that killed seven Palestinians inside the Gaza Strip.{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/rights-group-says-hamas-rockets-at-israel-a-clear-war-crime-hamas-palestinian-gaza-strip-human-rights-watch-jerusalem-b1901277.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812093121/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/rights-group-says-hamas-rockets-at-israel-a-clear-war-crime-hamas-palestinian-gaza-strip-human-rights-watch-jerusalem-b1901277.html |archive-date=2021-08-12 |url-access=limited |url-status=live|title=Rights group says Hamas rockets at Israel a clear war crime|date=12 August 2021|website=The Independent}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/rights-group-says-hamas-rockets-at-israel-a-clear-war-crime-1.10111343|title=Rights group says Hamas rockets at Israel a clear war crime|newspaper=Haaretz|agency=Associated Press|date=12 August 2021|access-date=14 July 2023}}

HRW said that Israel refused to allow the organization's senior investigators to enter Gaza, and instead relied on a local Gaza researcher, in addition to using satellite images, expert analysis of photos and munition fragments, and phone and video interviews.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/07/27/israel-appears-have-committed-war-crimes-may-conflict-with-hamas-human-rights-watch-says/|title=Israel appears to have committed war crimes in May conflict with Hamas, Human Rights Watch says|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=27 July 2021|author=Miriam Berger}}

HRW said it "focused its investigation on three Israeli attacks that resulted in high numbers of civilian casualties and where there was no evident military target":

• The Israeli missile strike at 6 p.m. on May 10 against one of 4 buildings owned by the al-Masri brothers led to the deaths of 8 people, 6 of whom were children. Israeli military sources said the following day that 6 of the killed had died as a result of a failed launching of a rocket by Palestinian Islamic Jihad.{{cite web |title=Israel-Gaza conflict: Apparent war crimes committed, says rights group |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-57982567 |website=BBC News |access-date=28 July 2021 |date=27 July 2021}} On the 16th, the IDF stated that 8 activists had been killed, posting a photo of the grain dealer killed in this strike. The family denies he had any links to militant groups. At the time, according to survivors and witnesses, the family was engaged in packing processed barley into sacks. The high number of children killed, 6, was attributed by eyewitnesses to the fact that they had crowded around the trader's horse-drawn cart on its arrival at the site to pick up the barley. A video taken in the immediate aftermath, deemed authentic, exists that shows empty, overturned sacks of barley. No evidence exists that the family had any connection to Gaza militant groups.
• At 1:40 a.m. on May 15, an Israeli strike launched with what appears to be a fuse-delayed GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb demolished a three-story building owned by Alaa Abu Hattab in the al-Shati refugee camp, killing 10 people: 2 women and 8 of their children. The owner was momentarily away, to find snacks and some food for the Eid al-Fitr meal. The IDF stated that senior Hamas officials were inside one of the building's apartments, and the strike also aimed at a bunker beneath the block. Human Rights Watch found no evidence for any such structure.
• The strike on al-Wehda street, just before 1 a.m. on May 16, consisted of between 18 and 34 strikes, employing 1,000-kilogram GBU-31 bombs, along roughly 1,030 meters of road which destroyed 3 buildings and caused the death of 44 civilians – 18 children, 14 women, and 12 men, with a further 50 injured. The IDF stated that it sought to destroy suspected underground military infrastructure.Bel Trew, [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/gaza-doctor-family-airstrike-israel-b1851894.html 'Israeli airstrikes wiped out the family of Gaza's leading doctor. Only his teenage son survived,'] The Independent 24 May 2021:underground military infrastructure'. Hamas has denied the existence of any such infrastructure in civilian areas, though, after an Israeli strike on a deserted UNRWA preparatory school in Gaza's Rimal district, UN observers stated that a tunnel had come to light as a result of the bombing.[https://www.unrwa.org/newsroom/official-statements/neutrality-and-inviolability-unrwa-installations-must-be-respected-all 'The Neutrality and Inviolability of UNRWA Installations Must be Respected at All Times,'] UNRWA 4 June 2021{{cite web |last1=Kingsley |first1=Patrick |last2=Abuheweila |first2=Iyad |last3=Hill |first3=Evan |title=Dreams in the Rubble: An Israeli Airstrike and the 22 Lives Lost |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/17/world/middleeast/gaza-israel-airstrike-tunnel.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=31 July 2021 |date=17 June 2021}} HRW states that no evidence has been given that tunnels or an underground centre existed in the area. No advance warnings were given to the civilians foreseeably effected by the bombing.

On 24 May 2022, the Palestinian human rights organizations Al-Haq, Al-Mezan and the Palestinian Center for Human Rights filed a report to the International Criminal Court concerning the attacks in the Gaza strip.{{cite web|url=https://english.wafa.ps/Pages/Details/129361|title=Palestinian human rights organizations urge ICC Prosecutor to open cases from Israeli attack on Gaza in 2021|date= 24 May 2022}}

{{further|International reactions to the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis|International protests over the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis|label1=International reactions|label2=protests over the 2021 Israel-Palestine crisis}}

File:President Joe Biden speaks with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.jpg

China, Norway and Tunisia requested a public United Nations Security Council meeting for 14 May while the United States objected. The council has met privately twice but has not been able to agree on a statement over United States objections.

On 12 May, it was announced that Hady Amr, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Israeli-Palestinian Affairs and Press and Public Diplomacy, would be sent to the region "immediately."{{cite news|date=12 May 2021|title=Biden to Send U.S. Official Hady Amr 'Immediately' to Meet Israeli, Palestinians Leaders|work=Haaretz|url=https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/.premium-u-s-to-send-hady-amr-to-meet-israeli-palestinians-leaders-1.9800231|url-status=live|access-date=12 May 2021|url-access=limited|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512174857/https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/.premium-u-s-to-send-hady-amr-to-meet-israeli-palestinians-leaders-1.9800231|archive-date=12 May 2021}} Truce efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations showed no sign of progress.{{cite news|title=U.S. objects to U.N. meeting on Israel, Gaza on Friday -diplomats|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us-objects-un-meeting-israel-gaza-friday-diplomats-2021-05-13/|work=Reuters|date=13 May 2021|access-date=13 May 2021|archive-date=13 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513172851/https://www.reuters.com/world/us-objects-un-meeting-israel-gaza-friday-diplomats-2021-05-13/|url-status=live|url-access=limited}} Amr arrived in Tel Aviv for discussions on how to achieve a "sustainable calm" ahead of a United Nations Security Council meeting on 16 May.

On 13 May, Hamas made a proposal for a ceasefire, stating that it was prepared to halt attacks on a 'mutual basis'. Netanyahu informed his cabinet that Israel had rejected the overture.{{cite news|first1=Oliver|last1=Holmes|first2=Harriet|last2=Sherwood|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/13/israel-gaza-airstrikes-rockets-hamas|title=Israel draws up plan for Gaza ground attack as mob violence spreads|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513170705/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/13/israel-gaza-airstrikes-rockets-hamas|archive-date=13 May 2021|work=The Guardian|date=13 May 2021|access-date=26 May 2021}} On 13 May, U.S. president Joe Biden held telephone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Biden stated that "Israel has a right to defend itself when you have thousands of rockets flying into your territory."{{cite news |title=Biden speaks with Netanyahu as Israeli and Palestinian violence pulls US focus back to Middle East |first1=Kevin |last1=Liptak |first2=Jeff |last2=Zeleny |first3=Kaitlan |last3=Collins |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/12/politics/biden-middle-east-israelis-palestinians/ |work=CNN |date=13 May 2021 |access-date=26 May 2021 |archive-date=23 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523073943/https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/12/politics/biden-middle-east-israelis-palestinians/ |url-status=live }}

UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire, "out of respect for the spirit of Eid", making reference to Eid al-Fitr, an Islamic festival which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.{{cite news |last=Magid |first=Jacob |title=UN secretary-general calls for Gaza ceasefire 'out of respect for spirit of Eid' |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/un-secretary-general-calls-for-gaza-ceasefire-out-of-respect-for-spirit-of-eid/ |work=The Times of Israel |date=14 May 2021 |access-date=26 May 2021 |url-status=live |archive-date=15 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515083722/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/un-secretary-general-calls-for-gaza-ceasefire-out-of-respect-for-spirit-of-eid/ }}

On 16 May, Biden held telephone calls with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and President Mahmoud Abbas.{{Cite web|url=https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/.premium-biden-speaks-to-both-netanyahu-and-abbas-in-attempt-to-deescalate-gaza-tensions-1.9811977|title=Biden speaks to both Netanyahu and Abbas in attempt to deescalate Gaza tensions|work=Haaretz|first=Ben|last=Samuels|date=15 May 2021|accessdate=16 May 2021|url-access=limited|archive-date=27 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527214839/https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/.premium-biden-speaks-to-both-netanyahu-and-abbas-in-attempt-to-deescalate-gaza-tensions-1.9811977|url-status=live}}

Following the third UN Security Council emergency meeting in a week, the United States used its veto power to block a proposed statement drafted by China, Norway, and Tunisia and supported by the other 14 members of the council. No vote was held on the statement. The draft statement called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and condemned the violence in Gaza;{{cite news |first=Jessica |last=Donati |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-blocks-u-n-statement-on-mideast-violence-11621295675 |title=U.S. Blocks U.N. Statement on Violence in Gaza |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519003809/https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-blocks-u-n-statement-on-mideast-violence-11621295675 |archive-date=19 May 2021 |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=17 May 2021 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}} it urged all parties, especially Israel, to use restraint, but made no mention of the rocket attacks by Hamas and Islamic Jihad.{{cite news |first=Jonathan |last=Lis |url=https://www.haaretz.com/world-news/.premium-u-s-vetoes-unsc-resolution-on-israel-gaza-crisis-that-doesn-t-mention-hamas-rockets-1.9816409 |title=U.S. Vetoes Security Council Resolution on Israel-Gaza Crisis for Third Time |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519005311/https://www.haaretz.com/world-news/.premium-u-s-vetoes-unsc-resolution-on-israel-gaza-crisis-that-doesn-t-mention-hamas-rockets-1.9816409 |archive-date=19 May 2021 |work=Haartez |date=17 May 2021 |access-date=9 June 2021 |url-access=limited |url-status=live}}

File:Reuven Rivlin holds an emergency briefing for all EU ambassadors in Israel. Against the background of the escalation during the riots in Israel during Ramadan, May 2021 (GPOMN3 7464).jpg Reuven Rivlin holding an emergency meeting with European Union ambassadors on 11 May 2021]]

On 18 May, the Greek foreign minister Nikos Dendias becomes the first European official to visit Israel and Palestine, followed by a visit to Jordan, in consultation with France, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and the United States as part of the efforts for brokering a ceasefire between the two parties,{{Cite web|url=https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1161337/athens-sends-message-with-fm-s-mideast-trip/|title=Athens sends message with FM's Mideast trip|website=Kathimerini|date=19 May 2021|first=Vassilis|last=Nedos|access-date=29 May 2021|archive-date=20 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520225447/https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1161337/athens-sends-message-with-fm-s-mideast-trip/|url-status=live}} while France announced the filing of a resolution with the UN Security Council calling for a cease-fire, in coordination with Egypt and Jordan.{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/united-nations-middle-east-europe-israel-palestinian-conflict-business-3677c13020a928bb9ee3fed6cd685c12|title=The Latest: France seeks UN Security Council resolution|date=18 May 2021|website=AP News|access-date=29 May 2021|url-status=live|archive-date=25 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525125104/https://apnews.com/article/united-nations-middle-east-europe-israel-palestinian-conflict-business-3677c13020a928bb9ee3fed6cd685c12}} The resolution could be circulated as soon as 19 May. Security Council press and presidential statements require approval of all 15 members while resolutions do not.

On 19 May, Biden held a phone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressing to his Israeli counterpart that "he expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire."{{Cite web|first1=Kevin|last1=Liptak|first2=Kaitlan|last2=Collins|first3=Natasha|last3=Bertrand|first4=Jeremy|last4=Diamond|title=Biden dramatically scales up the pressure on Netanyahu as decades-long relationship faces its most consequential moment|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/19/politics/biden-netanyahu-relationship/|date=19 May 2021|website=CNN|access-date=27 May 2021|archive-date=23 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523153959/https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/19/politics/biden-netanyahu-relationship/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last2=Wilkie|first1=Amanda|last1=Macias|first2=Christina|date=19 May 2021|title=Biden tells Israel's Netanyahu U.S. expects 'a significant de-escalation today' in Gaza|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/19/biden-tells-israels-netanyahu-us-expects-a-significant-de-escalation-today-in-gaza.html|access-date=27 May 2021|website=CNBC|language=en|archive-date=25 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525220905/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/19/biden-tells-israels-netanyahu-us-expects-a-significant-de-escalation-today-in-gaza.html|url-status=live}} On 20 May, the foreign ministers of Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia visited Israel to express support and solidarity with Israel.{{cite news |title='Showing friendship': European ministers visit in act of solidarity with Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/european-ministers-arrive-in-show-of-solidarity-with-israel/ |work=The Times of Israel |date=20 May 2021 |access-date=21 June 2021 |archive-date=21 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521064046/https://www.timesofisrael.com/european-ministers-arrive-in-show-of-solidarity-with-israel/ |url-status=live |first=Lazar |last=Berman}}

Israel and Hamas agreed to cease hostilities from 20 May.{{Cite web|date=20 May 2021|title=Israel, Hamas agree to cease-fire to end bloody 11-day war|url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinian-cease-fire-hamas-caac81bc36fe9be67ac2f7c27000c74b|access-date=21 May 2021|website=AP News|archive-date=20 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520222954/https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinian-cease-fire-hamas-caac81bc36fe9be67ac2f7c27000c74b|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/israel-ceasefire-hamas-gaza-palestine-b1851078.html|title=Israel and Hamas agree Gaza ceasefire|first1=Bel|last1=Trew|first2=Samuel|last2=Osborne|date=20 May 2021|website=The Independent|location=London|access-date=20 May 2021|archive-date=20 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520222610/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/israel-ceasefire-hamas-gaza-palestine-b1851078.html|url-status=live}} A ceasefire deal brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations between Israel and Hamas was enacted at around 2:00 AM on 21 May 2021, ending 11 days of fighting. The final proposal by Egypt was voted on by the Israeli cabinet and was unanimously approved, and Hamas also indicated their acceptance of the peace deal. Other than a minor skirmish at Al-Aqsa Mosque, there were no substantive violations of the ceasefire throughout the day on 21 May. In the hours before the Egypt-brokered deal, Biden had spoken with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi about brokering such a deal. Biden later described the deal as "mutual" and "unconditional" and expressed his belief that both sides deserved to live in safety. Both sides claimed victory in the conflict.{{cite news |title=Israel-Gaza ceasefire holds despite Jerusalem clash |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-57195537 |website=BBC News |date=21 May 2021|archive-date=25 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525215311/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-57195537 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Kingsley |first1=Patrick |last2=Rogers |first2=Katie |last3=Santora |first3=Marc |title=A fragile peace takes hold after an intense diplomatic effort. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/05/20/world/israel-palestine-gaza/cease-fire-israel-hamas-biden |website=The New York Times |access-date=21 May 2021 |date=21 May 2021 |url-access=limited |archive-date=27 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527214836/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/05/20/world/israel-palestine-gaza/cease-fire-israel-hamas-biden |url-status=live }} The truce tentatively concluded the fourth war between Israel and the Islamist militant group since 2008.{{cite news |first=Benjamin |last=Dodman |title=Israel's war of attrition with Hamas delivers another bloody stalemate |url=https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20210521-israel-s-war-of-attrition-with-hamas-delivers-another-bloody-stalemate |work=France 24 |date=21 May 2021 |access-date=14 June 2021 |archive-date=10 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610232932/https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20210521-israel-s-war-of-attrition-with-hamas-delivers-another-bloody-stalemate |url-status=live }}

File:Secretary Blinken visit May 2021 (51205202700).jpg and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem on 25 May 2021]]

File:210602-D-BM568-1025 (51222414782).jpg and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., on 3 June 2021]]

Just hours after the ceasefire came into effect, what The New York Times described as a "small skirmish",{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/05/21/world/israel-hamas-news |title=As Israel-Hamas Cease-Fire Holds, Gazans Survey Wreckage |work=The New York Times |date=25 May 2021 |url-access=limited |access-date=27 May 2021 |archive-date=27 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527214823/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/05/21/world/israel-hamas-news |url-status=live }} in which 20 Palestinians were reportedly wounded, and 16 arrested,{{Cite news|first=Latifeh|last=Abdellatif|url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-palestine-aqsa-police-raid-ceasefire|title=Al-Aqsa Mosque: Israel police storm the complex following Gaza ceasefire|newspaper=Middle East Eye|date=21 May 2021|access-date=21 May 2021|archive-date=21 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521154344/https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-palestine-aqsa-police-raid-ceasefire|url-status=live}} between Israeli police and Palestinians took place just outside the Al Aqsa mosque. The incident occurred after noon prayers, when most of the tens of thousands of worshipers had left the site. A few in the remaining group waved Palestinian flags; Israeli police entered to confiscate the flags and disperse the crowd. The Israeli version is that hundreds of Palestinians threw stones and firebombs on the arrival of the Israeli police. The Palestinian version is that the violence erupted only when the police entered the compound.{{cite news|first1=Nir|last1=Hasson|first2=Josh|last2=Breiner|title=Israeli Police Enter Jerusalem's Temple Mount to Confiscate Palestinian Flags|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-police-brace-for-temple-mount-and-east-jerusalem-riots-after-gaza-cease-fire-1.9830666|newspaper=Haaretz|date=21 May 2021|url-access=limited|access-date=23 May 2021|archive-date=23 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523082901/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-police-brace-for-temple-mount-and-east-jerusalem-riots-after-gaza-cease-fire-1.9830666|url-status=live}}

On 22 May, according to an Egyptian diplomat, two teams of Egyptian mediators were in Israel and the Palestinian territories with the intent to "firm up" the cease-fire deal and to secure a long-term calm.{{Cite news|last1=Shurafa|first1=Wafaa|last2=Magdy|first2=Samy|title=Hamas defiant with military parade, appearance of top leader|language=en-US|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/egyptian-mediators-hold-talks-to-firm-up-israel-hamas-truce/2021/05/22/27f1f6aa-baf2-11eb-bc4a-62849cf6cca9_story.html|access-date=23 May 2021|issn=0190-8286|date=22 May 2021|archive-date=27 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527214831/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/egyptian-mediators-hold-talks-to-firm-up-israel-hamas-truce/2021/05/22/27f1f6aa-baf2-11eb-bc4a-62849cf6cca9_story.html|url-status=live}} Antony Blinken, a US diplomat and state secretary, planned to visit Israel and the West Bank on 26–27 May with the same idea.{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/blinken-visit-israel-west-bank-may-26-27-source-says-2021-05-22/|title=Blinken to visit Israel, West Bank on May 26–27, source says|date=22 May 2021|website=Reuters|url-access=limited|access-date=22 May 2021|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522140944/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/blinken-visit-israel-west-bank-may-26-27-source-says-2021-05-22/|url-status=live}} The UN security council finally released an agreed statement calling for full adherence to the truce and stressing the immediate need for humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians while reiterating the need for the two-state solution. The statement made no reference to Hamas.{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-ceasefire-holding-egyptian-mediators-consult-hamas-israel-2021-05-22/|title=Egyptian mediators try to build on Israel-Hamas ceasefire|date=22 May 2021|website=Reuters|url-access=limited|access-date=23 May 2021|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522194254/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-ceasefire-holding-egyptian-mediators-consult-hamas-israel-2021-05-22/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-un-security-council-statement-on-gaza-israel-cease-fire-fails-to-mention-hamas-1.9833857|title=UN Security Council statement on Gaza-Israel cease-fire fails to mention Hamas|website=Haaretz|url-access=limited|first=Jonathan|last=Lis|date=22 May 2021|access-date=27 May 2021|archive-date=23 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523001954/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-un-security-council-statement-on-gaza-israel-cease-fire-fails-to-mention-hamas-1.9833857|url-status=live}}

After international pressure was applied, on 23 May Israel agreed to permit the transfer of food and medical supplies furnished by the United Nations and Physicians for Human Rights, aid workers, and journalists into the Gaza Strip, but on 24 May refused transfer.{{cite news |first=Noa |last=Landau |url=https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/.premium-the-israeli-lie-about-gaza-1.9839190 |title=The Israeli Lie About Gaza |work=Haaretz |department=Opinion |date=24 May 2021 |access-date=27 May 2021 |archive-date=24 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524183931/https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/.premium-the-israeli-lie-about-gaza-1.9839190 |url-status=live }} On 25 May, coinciding with a state visit by Blinken to Israel, aid was permitted to enter the strip.{{cite news |first1=Emma |last1=Graham-Harrison |first2=Julian |last2=Borger |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/25/us-secretary-of-state-antony-blinken-says-rebuilding-gaza-should-not-benefit-hamas |title='US to reopen Palestinian diplomatic mission in Jerusalem |work=The Guardian |date=25 May 2021 |access-date=27 May 2021 |archive-date=26 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526133826/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/25/us-secretary-of-state-antony-blinken-says-rebuilding-gaza-should-not-benefit-hamas |url-status=live }} At the end of May, Hamas said it would begin launching rockets again if the evictions in Sheikh Jarrah were allowed to go ahead; a decision by the Israeli Supreme Court was expected within a month.

UNHRC was to investigate "systematic discrimination and repression" in Israel and Palestine to identify the root causes of the crisis,{{Cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/27/un-rights-body-debates-systematic-discrimination-in-israel-and-palestine|title=UN to launch inquiry into 'systematic discrimination' in Israel and Palestine|date=27 May 2021|website=The Guardian|access-date=28 May 2021|archive-date=28 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210528133355/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/27/un-rights-body-debates-systematic-discrimination-in-israel-and-palestine|url-status=live}} after a resolution drafted for the Organisation of Islamic Conference received 24 supporting votes and 9 opposing ones.{{Cite web|date=May 27, 2021|title=OHCHR {{!}} Human Rights Council Establishes International Commission of Inquiry to Investigate Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel|url=https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/Pages/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=27119&LangID=E|url-status=live|website=Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527215931/https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/Pages/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=27119&LangID=E |archive-date=27 May 2021 }} Subsequently, on 22 July 2021, UNHRC announced that former United Nations high commissioner Navi Pillay would head the international commission of inquiry into alleged crimes committed during the crisis and report in June 2022.{{Cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/ex-un-rights-chief-to-head-probe-into-israel-hamas-alleged-war-crimes-during-may-1.10021209|title=Ex-UN rights chief to head probe into Israel, Hamas alleged war crimes during May's fighting|newspaper=Haaretz}}

Amid continuing communal tension and protest, the Israeli police force said it had arrested 348 suspects in late May as it rounded up alleged participants in the unrest, confirming reports from human rights organisation Adalah which said at least 200 Palestinians in Israel had been arrested that week, and described the raids as a way to "intimidate and exact revenge".{{Cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/45e69309-bafc-43ea-b1a5-66f9fa6ec156|title=Israeli police step up crackdown on Palestinian protesters|website=Financial Times|location=London|first=Simeon|last=Kerr|url-access=subscription|date=27 May 2021|access-date=28 May 2021|archive-date=28 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210528130427/https://www.ft.com/content/45e69309-bafc-43ea-b1a5-66f9fa6ec156|url-status=live}}

On 5 June, at Sheikh Jarrah, border police forcefully detained an Al Jazeera reporter wearing body armor marked "press". Israeli police said the journalist was detained after she was asked for identification, refused and pushed a police officer.{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-middle-east-d5902739395b065a2023b6214664d0e6|title=Pair of Jerusalem activists freed after detention by Israel|date=7 June 2021|website=AP News|access-date=9 June 2021|archive-date=9 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609045419/https://apnews.com/article/israel-middle-east-d5902739395b065a2023b6214664d0e6|url-status=live}} On 6 June Israeli police detained Muna al-Kurd. Her father told reporters that the 23-year-old activist was detained after police raided their home in Sheikh Jarrah and said that the police also delivered a notice ordering her twin brother Mohammed El-Kurd to surrender himself to authorities. He and his sister are running a social media campaign against the expulsions of Palestinians from their homes.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/6/israeli-police-arrest-sheikh-jarrah-activist-muna-al-kurd|title=Israeli police detain Sheikh Jarrah activist Muna al-Kurd|work=Al Jazeera|date=7 June 2021|access-date=9 June 2021|archive-date=9 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609073516/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/6/israeli-police-arrest-sheikh-jarrah-activist-muna-al-kurd|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://english.wafa.ps/Pages/Details/124904|title=Occupation forces detain prominent activist Muna al-Kurd in occupied Jerusalem|website=WAFA|date=6 June 2021|access-date=9 June 2021|author=|archive-date=7 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607011444/https://english.wafa.ps/Pages/Details/124904|url-status=live}} The pair were later released.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-police-detain-palestinian-activist-twins-east-jerusalems-sheikh-jarrah-2021-06-06/ |title=Israeli police detain Palestinian activist twins from East Jerusalem |first=Zainah |last=El-haroun |date=6 June 2021 |work=Reuters |access-date=9 June 2021 |url-access=limited |archive-date=7 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607215423/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-police-detain-palestinian-activist-twins-east-jerusalems-sheikh-jarrah-2021-06-06/ |url-status=live }}

Efforts to broker a longer-term truce between Israel and Hamas followed a day of escalating tensions on 15 June after a new Israeli government allowed a scaled down and rerouted march by far-right Israelis through the city, with dozens chanting "Death to Arabs". Gaza militants sent several incendiary balloons into Israel, causing 26 fires, and Israeli aircraft struck military posts in Gaza. Some reconstruction material has begun to enter Gaza through Egypt but Israel is currently limiting what can arrive through its crossing points and blocked the supply of financial aid from Qatar. Israel and Hamas disagree on whether to include a prisoner swap as part of any stronger cease-fire deal. "The U.N. is in contact with all relevant parties on matters related to the cessation of hostilities", said Tor Wennesland, the United Nations special coordinator for the Middle East peace process. "This has been going on for a while and will continue with the view of having some arrangements put in place that could stabilize the situation. This is still a work in progress with more to be done."{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/16/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-gaza-cease-fire.html|title=Mediators Push to Restore Cease-Fire in Gaza After Overnight Strikes|first1=Patrick|last1=Kingsley|author1-link=Patrick Kingsley (journalist)|first2=Adam|last2=Rasgon|date=16 June 2021|work=The New York Times|url-access=limited|access-date=16 June 2021|archive-date=16 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616115241/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/16/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-gaza-cease-fire.html|url-status=live}}

File:Banner Save Sheikh Jarrah.jpg reading "We will not leave" on the walls of the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood]]

On 9 May 2021, the Israeli Supreme Court delayed the expected decision on evictions for 30 days, after an intervention from Attorney General of Israel Avichai Mandelblit. Israel Police also banned Jews from going to the al-Aqsa plaza for Jerusalem Day festivities.{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/violence-erupts-al-aqsa-mosque-israel-marks-jerusalem-day-2021-05-10/ |title=Palestinians and Israeli police clash at al-Aqsa mosque, over 300 hurt |date=10 May 2021 |last=Heller |first=Jeffrey |website=Reuters |access-date=10 May 2021 |archive-date=10 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510142759/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/violence-erupts-al-aqsa-mosque-israel-marks-jerusalem-day-2021-05-10/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}{{cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/10/violence-erupts-at-al-aqsa-mosque-as-israel-marks-jerusalem-day.html |title=Violence erupts at al-Aqsa mosque as Israel marks Jerusalem Day |date=10 May 2021 |website=CNBC |agency=Reuters |access-date=1 June 2021 |archive-date=31 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531195404/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/10/violence-erupts-at-al-aqsa-mosque-as-israel-marks-jerusalem-day.html |url-status=live }} On 10 May, Israel closed the Kerem Shalom border crossing, including for humanitarian aid.{{cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/israel-shuts-crossing-into-gaza-bars-humanitarian-goods/ |title=Israel shuts crossing into Gaza, bars humanitarian goods |date=10 May 2021 |last=Ari Gross |first=Judah |website=The Times of Israel |access-date=10 May 2021 |archive-date=27 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527214836/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/israel-shuts-crossing-into-gaza-bars-humanitarian-goods/ |url-status=live }} Due to rocket fire on 11 May, the Israel Airports Authority briefly halted air travel.{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-resumes-flights-after-brief-halt-over-gaza-rocket-fire-israel-airports-2021-05-11/ |title=Israel resumes flights after brief halt over Gaza rocket fire: Israel Airports Authority |date=11 May 2021 |website=Reuters |access-date=11 May 2021 |url-access=limited |archive-date=27 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527214828/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-resumes-flights-after-brief-halt-over-gaza-rocket-fire-israel-airports-2021-05-11/ |url-status=live }}

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the actions of the Israeli police and said that Israel "shall not allow any radical element to undermine the calm." He also said "we firmly reject the pressure not to build in Jerusalem."{{Cite news|date=9 May 2021|title=Jerusalem protests: Netanyahu defends Israeli action after clashes with Palestinians|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-57049126|access-date=9 May 2021|archive-date=9 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509152053/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-57049126|url-status=live}} Israeli officials asked the Biden administration not to intervene in the situation.{{cite web |url=https://www.axios.com/israel-jerusalem-clashes-biden-administration-f52605e7-445d-44e4-be13-2ca4ce7dcd24.html |title=Israel calls on Biden administration to stay out of Jerusalem crisis |date=10 May 2021 |last=Ravid |first=Barak |website=Axios |access-date=10 May 2021 |archive-date=10 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510100036/https://www.axios.com/israel-jerusalem-clashes-biden-administration-f52605e7-445d-44e4-be13-2ca4ce7dcd24.html |url-status=live }}

On 10 May 2021, Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority, issued a statement that the "brutal storming and assault on worshipers in the blessed al-Aqsa Mosque and its courtyards is a new challenge to the international community."{{Cite news|last=Boxerman|first=Aaron|date=10 May 2021|title=Abbas slams Israel's 'brutal storming' of Temple Mount, 'assault on worshipers'|work=The Times of Israel|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/abbas-slams-israels-brutal-storming-of-temple-mount-assault-on-worshipers/|access-date=10 May 2021|archive-date=10 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510142049/https://www.timesofisrael.com/abbas-slams-israels-brutal-storming-of-temple-mount-assault-on-worshipers/|url-status=live}}

On two separate occasions, Christian groups in Jerusalem issued statements commenting on the outbreak of hostilities. Kairos Palestine attributed the uprising to deprivations suffered, and called for the recognition of the rights of everyone as the only way to break the cycle of destruction. A joint declaration on 7 May, signed by the Greek Orthodox, Armenian and Catholic Patriarchs of the city, together with prominent Heads of Churches of Jerusalem – who had all earlier expressed deep concern for Israeli plans under radical settler pressure to annex unilaterally West Bank land- blamed the growing tensions 'mainly' on the destabilizing effects of right-wing settler groups on the fragile realities of Jerusalem. Their denunciation was followed up by a similar statement issued on 12 May by the Middle East Council of Churches, representing 28 denominations in the area.[https://www.lpj.org/posts/holy-land-heads-of-churches-voice-concern-about-israels-planned-annexation-of-west-bank-land.html "Holy Land: Heads of Churches voice concern about Israel's planned annexation of West Bank land"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214331/https://www.lpj.org/posts/holy-land-heads-of-churches-voice-concern-about-israels-planned-annexation-of-west-bank-land.html |date=2 June 2021 }} Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem 7 May 2021.{{cite news |title=Jerusalem: Patriarchs and Heads of Churches appeal for an end to violence – Vatican News |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-05/jerusalem-violence-patriarchs-heads-churches-appeal-stop-violenc.html |work=Vatican News |date=2021-05-11 |language=en |access-date=2 June 2021 |archive-date=2 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602220155/https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-05/jerusalem-violence-patriarchs-heads-churches-appeal-stop-violenc.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |first=Tasos |last=Kokkinidis |title=Greek Orthodox Church of Jerusalem Calls for Peace as Violence Escalates |url=https://greekreporter.com/2021/05/10/greek-orthodox-church-jerusalem-calls-for-peace-violence-escalates/ |work=Greek Reporter |date=10 May 2021 |access-date=14 June 2021 |archive-date=3 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603104651/https://greekreporter.com/2021/05/10/greek-orthodox-church-jerusalem-calls-for-peace-violence-escalates/ |url-status=live }}

Israel's Minister for Public Security Amir Ohana called for the release of the Israeli man arrested for the shooting of an Arab in Lod, arguing without providing evidence that the suspect was acting in self-defense and law-abiding citizens bearing arms assist the authorities. According to a report in The Guardian, the statement seemed to encourage mob violence.

A spokesman for Palestinian Islamic Jihad said that Israel "started the aggression on Jerusalem. If this aggression does not end, there is no point to diplomatic efforts to reach a cease-fire."{{cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/islamic-jihad-no-point-in-truce-efforts-until-israel-ends-jerusalem-aggression/ |title=Islamic Jihad: No point in truce efforts until Israel ends Jerusalem aggression |date=11 May 2021 |website=The Times of Israel |access-date=27 May 2021 |author= |archive-date=27 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527214841/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/islamic-jihad-no-point-in-truce-efforts-until-israel-ends-jerusalem-aggression/ |url-status=live }} Hamas gave an ultimatum to the Israeli government, saying if they did not remove forces from the mosque by 2 a.m. on 11 May, then they would conduct another rocket strike.{{cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hamas-gives-israel-another-ultimatum-to-remove-forces-from-temple-mount/ |title=Hamas gives Israel another ultimatum to remove forces from Temple Mount |date=11 May 2021 |website=The Times of Israel |access-date=27 May 2021 |first=Judah Ari |last=Gross |archive-date=27 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527214858/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hamas-gives-israel-another-ultimatum-to-remove-forces-from-temple-mount/ |url-status=live }}

Netanyahu convened an emergency security meeting on 11 May, and schools in several parts of Israel were closed.{{Cite news|last1=Hendrix|first1=Steve|last2=Rubin|first2=Shira|date=11 May 2021|title=After Jerusalem erupts, deadly strikes and clashes spread across Israel and the Palestinian territories|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/israel-palestinian-fighting-worsens/2021/05/11/a1886c9a-b1c6-11eb-bc96-fdf55de43bef_story.html|access-date=11 May 2021|archive-date=12 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512031353/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/israel-palestinian-fighting-worsens/2021/05/11/a1886c9a-b1c6-11eb-bc96-fdf55de43bef_story.html|url-status=live|url-access=limited}} Israeli president Reuven Rivlin condemned the riots in Lod, describing them as a pogrom.{{Cite news|date=12 May 2021|title=Rivlin condemns Lod 'pogrom' and 'shameful silence' of Arab leadership|work=The Times of Israel|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/rivlin-condemns-lod-pogrom-and-shameful-silence-of-arab-leadership/|access-date=27 May 2021|author=|archive-date=27 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527214856/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/rivlin-condemns-lod-pogrom-and-shameful-silence-of-arab-leadership/|url-status=live}}

A poll cited by The Times of Israel on 20 May found that 72% believed the military operations targeting Gaza should have continued without a ceasefire and that 66% believed Israeli forces had achieved more in recent fighting than in previous campaigns, with a total of 684 Israelis having been surveyed.{{Cite web |last=Jason Lemon |date=2021-05-20 |title=Nearly three-quarters of Israelis opposed to proposed ceasefire with Palestinians |url=https://www.newsweek.com/nearly-three-quarters-israelis-opposed-proposed-ceasefire-palestinians-1593333 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220510224504/https://www.newsweek.com/nearly-three-quarters-israelis-opposed-proposed-ceasefire-palestinians-1593333 |archive-date=2022-05-10 |website=Newsweek |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=May 20, 2021 |title=Poll: 72% of Israelis believe Gaza operation should continue, with no ceasefire yet |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/poll-72-of-israelis-believe-gaza-operation-should-continue-with-no-ceasefire-yet/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520114519/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/poll-72-of-israelis-believe-gaza-operation-should-continue-with-no-ceasefire-yet/ |archive-date=20 May 2021 |website=The Times of Israel |language=en-US}}

{{Portal|History|Israel|Palestine|Politics}}

• 2018–2019 Gaza border protests
• 2021 in Israel
• List of battles in the 21st century
• List of modern conflicts in the Middle East
• List of ongoing armed conflicts

{{Notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{Sister project links|auto=yes}}

• [https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-44124396 Israel-Gaza violence: The conflict explained]. BBC News.
• [https://www.ochaopt.org/content/response-escalation-opt-situation-report-no-3-4-10-june-2021 4–10 June OCHA update]
• [https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/middleeast/100000007787471/israel-airstrikes-gaza.html The New York Times: Gaza's Deadly Night: How Israeli Airstrikes Killed 44 People]
• [https://www.terrorism-info.org.il/app/uploads/2021/05/E_086_21.pdf The summary of the operation]
• [https://www.terrorism-info.org.il/app/uploads/2021/06/E_093_21.pdf Examination of the names of the fatalities]
• [https://archive.today/20240816034740/https://www.maannews.net/news/2067991.html Information by Izzdine Al Qassam Brigade about the Seif Al Quds battle]
• [https://archive.today/20240821141827/https://www.aljazeeramubasher.net/news/politics/2021/5/31/%D8%AD%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%B4%D9%87%D9%8A%D8%AF-%D9%85%D8%AD%D9%85%D9%88%D8%AF-%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%B3-%D9%85%D9%87%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%B3-%D8%B7%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA Story about one of the killed Hamas engineer,Mahmoud Fares,killed in 12th May 2021]

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