2022 Gaza–Israel clashes
{{Short description|2022 conflict between Israel and Gaza}}
{{Pp|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2022}}
{{Infobox military conflict
| conflict = 2022 Gaza–Israel clashes
| place = Gaza Strip and West Bank
| date = 5–7 August 2022
| partof = the Israeli–Palestinian conflict
| image = Focused foiling of Tisir Jabari.webm
| image_size = 250
| caption = Targeted killing of Tayseer al-Jabari, commander in the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine
| result = Ceasefire on 23:30 (UTC+3), 7 August 2022
| combatants_header = Combatants
| combatant1 = {{Flag|Israel}}
- {{Armed forces|Israel}}
- {{Air force|Israel}}
| combatant2 = {{Flagicon|Palestine}} Gaza Strip{{cite news |title=The attack on Gaza may bolster Israel's prime minister |newspaper=The Economist |date=2022-08-07 |url=https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2022/08/07/the-attack-on-gaza-may-bolster-israels-prime-minister |ref={{sfnref|The Economist|2022}} |access-date=2022-09-09}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/7/six-palestinian-children-killed-as-israel-attacks-gaza|title=Several children, commander killed in Israeli attack on Gaza|website=www.aljazeera.com}}{{cite web|url=https://jewishcurrents.org/israels-gaza-offensive-an-explainer|title=Israel's Gaza Offensive: An Explainer|website=Jewish Currents|first1=Alex|last1=Kane|first2=Mari|last2=Cohen|date=9 August 2022|access-date=11 August 2022}}{{cite web |title=Why did Israel attack Gaza yet again? - Israel-Palestine conflict News |agency=Al Jazeera |date=2022-08-11 |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/podcasts/2022/8/11/why-did-israel-attack-gaza-yet-again |access-date=2022-09-11}}
- {{Flagicon image|}} Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine (PIJ){{Cite web |date=2022-08-08 |title=Fresh Israel-Palestinian Islamic Jihad truce prevents 'full-scale war' |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/08/1124212 |access-date=2022-09-09 |website=UN News |language=en}}{{Cite web |title='Fragile' truce between Israel, Islamic Jihad holds in Gaza |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/8/israel-and-palestines-islamic-jihad-declare-truce-in-gaza |access-date=2022-09-09 |agency=Al Jazeera |language=en}}{{Cite web |author=Abeer Salman, Andrew Carey and Ibrahim Dahman |title=Ceasefire between Israel, Gaza militants holds after deadliest clashes in a year |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/07/middleeast/israel-gaza-islamic-jihad-ceasefire-intl/index.html |access-date=2022-09-09 |publisher=CNN|date=7 August 2022}}{{Cite web |last=Ioanes |first=Ellen |date=2022-08-14 |title=After the latest clash with Israel, Gazans' struggle continues |url=https://www.vox.com/2022/8/14/23304670/israel-gaza-struggle-islamic-jihad-hamas |access-date=2022-09-09 |website=Vox |language=en}}
| commander1 = {{Plainlist|
- {{Flagicon|Israel}} Yair Lapid
- {{Flagicon|Israel}} Benny Gantz
- {{Flagicon|Israel}} Aviv Kochavi
}}
| commander2 = {{Plainlist|
- Ziyad al-Nakhalah
- Tayseer al-Jabari{{KIA}}
- Khaled Mansour{{KIA}}
}}
| units1 =
| units2 =
| strength1 =
| strength2 =
21 civilians treated for anxiety, 39 for injuries sustained while rushing to shelters{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hospital-in-south-treated-60-for-injuries-from-running-to-shelter-or-for-anxiety-amid-gaza-fighting/|title=Hospital in south treated 60 for injuries from running to shelter or for anxiety amid Gaza fighting|website=The Times of Israel|date=8 August 2022|access-date=14 August 2022}}
| casualties2 = 49 Palestinians killed, including 17 children, 350 civilians wounded{{cite web|url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-gaza-palestine-girl-dies-bombing|title=Israel-Gaza: Palestinian girl dies from wounds sustained in bombing|work=Middle East Eye|date=11 August 2022|access-date=11 August 2022}}
36 civilians killed (22 by Israel, 14 by misfired Palestinian rockets){{cite web | last=Hass | first=Amira | title=Uninvolved: These Are the 36 Palestinian Civilians Killed During Israel's Gaza Op - Palestinians | website=Haaretz.com | date=2022-08-13 | url=https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/palestinians/2022-08-13/ty-article-magazine/.premium/uninvolved-these-are-the-36-palestinian-civilians-killed-during-israels-gaza-op/00000182-9671-dca8-abe2-967dd2600000 | access-date=2022-08-16}}
| casualties3 =
| campaignbox = {{Campaignbox Gaza–Israel conflict}}
}}
The 2022 Gaza–Israel clashes code-named as Operation Breaking Dawn lasted from 5 to 7 August 2022.{{cite web|author=Tor Wennesland|title=Briefing to the security council on the situation in the Middle East|url=https://unsco.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/security_council_briefing_-_25_august_2022_0.pdf|date=25 August 2022 |quote="My briefing on 8 August provided an initial account of the three-day escalation"}} The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted some 147 airstrikes in Gaza and Palestinian militants fired approximately 1,100 rockets towards Israel.{{cite news |last1=Ackerman |first1=Gwen |last2=Ramadan |first2=Saud Abu |date=7 August 2022 |title=Egypt Mediates Truce to End Israel-Islamic Jihad Fighting |work=Bloomberg |agency= |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-08-07/egypt-seeking-to-broker-a-truce-between-israel-islamic-jihad |url-access=subscription |quote="Egypt mediated a deal to end three days of violence between Israel and the Islamic Jihad that left 44 people dead in the Gaza Strip"}} The operation, ordered by Prime Minister Yair Lapid and Defense Minister Benny Gantz without prior Cabinet discussion or approval,{{Cite web |last=Cohen |first=Amichai |date=15 August 2022 |title=Israel needs a reform in national security decisions - opinion |url=https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-714792 |access-date=2023-04-18 |website=The Jerusalem Post |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last= |date=2022-08-09 |title=Why Did Israel's AG Allow Lapid To Launch Op Without Cabinet Approval? |url=https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/headlines-breaking-stories/2113044/why-did-israels-ag-allow-lapid-to-launch-op-without-cabinet-approval.html |access-date=2023-04-18 |website=The Yeshiva World |language=en-US}} followed a raid in Jenin in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, in which Israeli forces arrested Bassam al-Saadi, a leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in that area.{{cite web |last= |first= |title=Israeli forces kill Palestinian teenager in raid on Jenin camp |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/2/israeli-forces-kill-palestinian-teenager-in-raid-on-jenin-camp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803172812/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/2/israeli-forces-kill-palestinian-teenager-in-raid-on-jenin-camp |archive-date=3 August 2022 |access-date=6 August 2022 |agency=Al Jazeera}}{{Cite web |title=Israeli forces arrest senior Islamic Jihad leader in raid that kills Palestinian youth |url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israeli-forces-arrest-senior-islamic-jihad-leader-raid-kills-palestinian-youth |access-date=2023-04-18 |website=Middle East Eye |language=en}} On 6 August, Israel arrested 20 people in the West Bank of whom 19 were members of PIJ{{cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20220806-israel-pounds-gaza-with-air-strikes-arrests-militant-suspects-in-west-bank|title=Israel pounds Gaza with air strikes, arrests militant suspects in West Bank|date=6 August 2022|publisher=France 24|access-date=6 August 2022|archive-date=6 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806091832/https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20220806-israel-pounds-gaza-with-air-strikes-arrests-militant-suspects-in-west-bank|url-status=live}} and a further 20 on 7 August according to an unnamed Israeli official.{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/08/07/israel-gaza-jerusalem-rockets/ |title=Israel kills second militant leader in Gaza; rockets target Jerusalem |date=7 August 2022 |first1=Shira|last1=Rubin |first2=Steve|last2=Hendrix|first3=Hazem|last3=Balousha |newspaper=The Washington Post |place=Washington, D.C. |issn=0190-8286 |oclc=1330888409}}
The initial attack included the targeted killing of Tayseer al-Jabari, a military leader of the group.{{Cite news| title=Who was the Palestinian terror chief killed by Israel?| website=ynetnews| date=5 August 2022| url=https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/bjjvzeja9| access-date=5 August 2022| archive-date=5 August 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805205202/https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/bjjvzeja9| url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Ahronheim |first=Anna |date=5 August 2022 |title=Gantz approves draft of over 25,000 reservists after IDF strikes in Gaza |url=https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/gaza-news/article-714026 |access-date=5 August 2022 |website=The Jerusalem Post |archive-date=5 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805150635/https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/gaza-news/article-714026 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |date=5 August 2022 |title=Israel kills Islamic Jihad army chief in Gaza as IDF declares operation 'Breaking Dawn' |work=Ynetnews |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h1mtes5p5 |access-date=5 August 2022 |archive-date=5 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805150650/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h1mtes5p5 |url-status=live}} On the second day, the PIJ commander of the Southern area of the Strip, Khaled Mansour, was also targeted and killed. Islamic Jihad stated that the Israeli bombardments were a 'declaration of war' and responded with retaliatory rocket fire towards Israel.{{Cite news |last1=McKernan |first1=Bethan |last2=Balousha |first2=Hazem |date=2022-08-06 |title=Israel bombs Gaza Strip for second day in 'pre-emptive operation' |language=en-GB |work=The Observer |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/06/israel-bombs-gaza-strip-second-day-pre-emptive-operation-palestine |access-date=2023-04-18 |issn=0029-7712}}
The clashes resulted in the death of at least 49 Palestinians, including 17 children, according to the Gaza health ministry.{{cite web |last1=Alsaafin |first1=Linah |last2=Hatuqa |first2=Dalia |date=6 August 2022 |title=Gaza's sole power plant shut down as Israel launches new attacks |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2022/8/6/updates-19-pij-members-arrested-as-israel-continues-gaza-raids |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806091451/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2022/8/6/updates-19-pij-members-arrested-as-israel-continues-gaza-raids |archive-date=6 August 2022 |access-date=6 August 2022 |agency=Al Jazeera}} The IDF stated that over a dozen of these deaths, including 12 of the children, were caused by failed PIJ rocket launches. This was disputed by the father of one of the victims,{{cite web |date=10 August 2022 |title=Gaza mourns the 16 children killed in Israel's latest assault |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/10/gaza-mourns-the-children-killed-in-israels-latest-assault |access-date=10 August 2022 |agency=Al Jazeera}} while other Gaza residents and journalists state they saw the misfires by PIJ and called for an investigation of the misfires. On 13 August, Haaretz reported that misfires killed 14 civilians, including seven children.{{cite news |last=Hass |first=Amira |date=13 August 2022 |title=Uninvolved: These Are the 36 Palestinian Civilians Killed During Israel's Gaza Op - Palestinians |newspaper=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/palestinians/2022-08-13/ty-article-magazine/.premium/uninvolved-these-are-the-36-palestinian-civilians-killed-during-israels-gaza-op/00000182-9671-dca8-abe2-967dd2600000 |url-access=subscription |accessdate=2022-08-16}} Some 20% of rockets fell short and into Gaza.
The clashes ended with a truce that was confirmed by both sides on the night of 7 August 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2022/8/7/israel-palestine-latest-updates-dozens-killed-in-three-day-gaza-assault|title=Israel, Islamic Jihad ceasefire begins after deadly Gaza attack|first1=Arwa |last1=Ibrahim |first2=Usaid |last2=Siddiqui |agency=Al Jazeera}}
Background
{{Main|Israeli–Palestinian conflict}}
Both the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine (PIJ) and Hamas are designated terrorist organizations by Israel, the US, and the EU. However, the PIJ has usually been overshadowed by the larger Hamas movement which administers Gaza. PIJ has been growing in strength since the 2014 Gaza War, and receives weapons and funding from Iran. It is considered by Israel as one of the "most dangerous and radical Palestinian armed groups".{{Cite news |last1=Ghaedi |first1=Monir |title=What is the Palestinian Islamic Jihad? |url=https://www.dw.com/en/what-is-the-palestinian-islamic-jihad/a-62746894 |agency=Deutsche Welle |date=9 August 2022}}
PIJ has a strong presence in West Bank cities like Jenin and Nablus. During the period between March and May, attacks by Israeli Arabs and Palestinians killed 17 Israelis, most of them civilians, and two Ukrainians.{{Cite news |last1=Knell |first1=Yolande |last2=Berg |first2=Raffi |date=5 August 2022 |title=Gaza: Palestinian militant killed as Israel strikes after threats |agency=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-62440155}} As a result, the IDF increased its raids against armed Palestinian factions throughout the West Bank.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/4/14/whats-behind-the-uptick-in-israeli-palestinian-violence|title=Uptick in Israeli-Palestinian violence explained in 600 words|agency=Al Jazeera}} By July, at least 30 Palestinians were killed, including journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and 3 of those responsible for killings in Israel.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/away-gaza-islamic-jihad-digs-against-israel-west-bank-2022-08-09/|title=Away from Gaza, Islamic Jihad digs in against Israel on West Bank|first1=James|last1=Mackenzie|first2=Ali|last2=Sawafta|work=Reuters |date=9 August 2022}}{{Cite magazine|url=https://time.com/6204785/israel-gaza-palestine-pij-showdown/|title=The Israel-Gaza Truce Is Holding. But Another Deadly Showdown Looms|magazine=Time|first=Ian|last=Bremmer|date=9 August 2022|access-date=11 August 2022}} On 1 August, Israeli forces arrested the PIJ West Bank leader Bassem al-Saadi. In the aftermath of that operation, amid heightened tensions, roads were closed in the south of Israel by the Israeli-Gaza border wall and reinforcements were sent south after threats of attack were made by PIJ sources in Gaza. The same day, Israeli communities in southern Israel were placed in lockdown by the military as a security precaution against potential attacks from Gaza, as, according to Israel, the PIJ had positioned anti-tank missiles and snipers at the border to kill Israeli civilians and soldiers.{{Cite news |last1=Hendrix |first1=Steve |last2=Rubin |first2=Shira |last3=Berger |first3=Miriam |last4=Balousha |first4=Hazem |date=8 August 2022 |title=Israel cheers its wins, Gaza mourns its dead as cease-fire holds |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/08/08/gaza-israel-ceasefire-islamic-jihad/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810093452/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/08/08/gaza-israel-ceasefire-islamic-jihad/ |archive-date=10 August 2022}}{{Cite news |last1=Kubovitch |first1=Yaniv |date=5 August 2022 |title=Islamic Jihad Determined to Fire Anti-tank Missile From Gaza, Israeli Officials Say |work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2022-08-05/ty-article/.premium/islamic-jihad-determined-to-fire-anti-tank-missile-from-gaza-israeli-officials-say/00000182-6a67-d454-afe2-7fefb1640000}}{{Cite news |last1=Knell |first1=Yolande |title=Israel-Gaza: Unusual pre-emptive hit by Israel pays off |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-62464016?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA |agency=BBC News |date=8 August 2022}}
Haaretz reported on 2 August that Egyptian intelligence officials "are holding talks with the leaders of the factions in Gaza in order to prevent escalation" and that "all parties told Cairo they aren't looking for escalation."{{Cite news |last1=Kubovich |first1=Yaniv |last2=Khoury |first2=Jack |date=2 August 2022 |title=Israel Halts Traffic Near Gaza Fearing Retaliation Over Islamic Jihad Leader's Arrest |newspaper=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2022-08-02/ty-article/.premium/israeli-army-halts-rail-traffic-near-gaza-following-arrest-of-senior-islamic-jihad-member/00000182-5cd2-d9b3-a1a2-5ddba6670000 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802173900/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2022-08-02/ty-article/.premium/israeli-army-halts-rail-traffic-near-gaza-following-arrest-of-senior-islamic-jihad-member/00000182-5cd2-d9b3-a1a2-5ddba6670000 |archive-date=2 August 2022}} On 3 August, Khaled al-Batsh, head of the politburo of the PIJ in Gaza said: "We have every right to bomb Israel with our most advanced weapons, and make the occupier pay a heavy price. We will not settle for attacking around Gaza, but we will bomb the center of the so-called State of Israel."{{Cite news |last=Koplewitz |first=Adi |date=3 August 2022 |title=Senior Islamic Jihad official: We will bomb the center of Israel |url=https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/article-713872 |work=Jerusalem Post}}
The operation was ordered by Prime Minister Yair Lapid and Defense Minister Benny Gantz without prior Cabinet discussion or approval.
Early on 5 August, Tor Wennesland, the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, reportedly visited the home of al-Saadi in Jenin and met with his family members as part of efforts to prevent an escalation between Israel and the PIJ.{{cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-714025|title=UN envoy Tor Wennesland visits home of arrested PIJ leader in Jenin|website=The Jerusalem Post|date=5 August 2022|access-date=6 August 2022|archive-date=5 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805103416/https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-714025|url-status=live}} Later that day, Wennesland issued a statement expressing concern over the "ongoing escalation between Palestinian militants and Israel", and calling on all sides to prevent further escalation.{{cite web|url=https://unsco.unmissions.org/statement-un-special-coordinator-middle-east-peace-process-tor-wennesland-situation-occupied-west-1|title=Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on the situation in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip|date=5 August 2022|publisher=UNSCO|access-date=5 August 2022|archive-date=6 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806105135/https://unsco.unmissions.org/statement-un-special-coordinator-middle-east-peace-process-tor-wennesland-situation-occupied-west-1|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/5/restraint-and-common-sense-reaction-to-israels-gaza-attack|title='Restraint and common sense': Reaction to Israel's Gaza attack|work=Al Jazeera|date=5 August 2022|access-date=6 August 2022|archive-date=6 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806032954/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/5/restraint-and-common-sense-reaction-to-israels-gaza-attack|url-status=live}}
Wider commentary
As Israel was headed for a fifth election in four years, Israel's Interim Prime Minister, Yair Lapid, was seen by some Israelis as lacking a security background. The Associated Press stated that "His political fortunes could rest on the current fighting, either gaining a boost if he can portray himself as a capable leader or take a hit from a lengthy operation as Israelis try to enjoy the last weeks of summer." Hamas has stayed on the sidelines of the conflagration.{{cite web |last1=Goldenberg |first1=Tia |last2=Akram |first2=Fares |date=6 August 2022 |title=EXPLAINER: What is driving the current Israel-Gaza violence |url=https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-west-bank-middle-east-c6365625fd7abf24df825de17abbc6e0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806192649/https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-west-bank-middle-east-c6365625fd7abf24df825de17abbc6e0 |archive-date=6 August 2022 |access-date=6 August 2022 |work=AP News}} According to The Times of Israel, a decision to launch a war or military operation that is thought almost certain to trigger a war requires approval by the security cabinet.{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/some-ministers-say-they-were-kept-in-dark-about-strike-that-kicked-off-gaza-fighting/|title=Some ministers say they were kept in dark about strike that kicked off Gaza fighting|work=The Times of Israel|date=10 August 2022|access-date=16 August 2022}} Serious questions were raised in Israel about the appropriateness of Lapid making the decision to strike Gaza without prior consultation and discussion with members of his cabinet. He obtained a go-ahead only after obtaining a legal opinion from the Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara, who gave a green light only after being assured that the operation would not lead to war.{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/ag-approved-killing-of-pij-leader-after-being-told-it-would-not-lead-to-war/|title=AG approved killing of PIJ leader after being told it would not lead to war|work=The Times of Israel|date=9 August 2022|access-date=16 August 2022}}
Timeline
File:Flash update 2 august 2022 img.jpg
Israel began its attack on the Gaza Strip enclave in mid-afternoon on 5 August, with one targeting a building in the residential area where Tayseer Jabari, a PIJ military leader, lived.{{cite web|first=Clothilde|last=Mraffko|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2022/08/06/in-gaza-renewed-tensions-between-israel-and-islamic-jihad-raise-fears-of-escalation_5992729_4.html|title=In Gaza, renewed tensions between Israel and Islamic Jihad raise fears of escalation|work=Le Monde|date=6 August 2022|access-date=8 August 2022}} Palestinian medical sources said several people arrived at a hospital after Israeli raids.{{cite web |last=Humaid |first=Maram |date=5 August 2022 |title=Israel hits Gaza with air attacks as tensions escalate |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/5/israel-hits-gaza-with-air-strikes-as-tensions-escalate |access-date=5 August 2022 |agency=Al Jazeera |archive-date=5 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805134852/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/5/israel-hits-gaza-with-air-strikes-as-tensions-escalate |url-status=live }} Among the people killed since the strikes started were four PIJ militants, a five-year-old girl and a twenty-three-year-old woman.{{cite web |date=5 August 2022 |title=Israeli strikes on Gaza kill 10, including senior militant |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/08/05/israeli-strikes-on-gaza-kill-8-including-senior-militant.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806200835/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/08/05/israeli-strikes-on-gaza-kill-8-including-senior-militant.html |archive-date=6 August 2022 |access-date=5 August 2022 |publisher=CNBC}}{{cite web |last=Knell |first=Yolande |title=Gaza: Palestinian militant killed as Israel strikes after threats |website=BBC News |date=5 August 2022 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-62440155 |access-date=5 August 2022 |archive-date=5 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805233757/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-62440155 |url-status=live}} At 9 pm, Islamic Jihad in response fired some 160 rockets towards Israel. During the early morning of 6 August, Israel arrested 20 people in the West Bank, of which 19 were Islamic Jihad members.{{cite web |date=6 August 2022 |title=Israel pounds Gaza with air strikes, arrests militant suspects in West Bank |url=https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20220806-israel-pounds-gaza-with-air-strikes-arrests-militant-suspects-in-west-bank |access-date=6 August 2022 |publisher=France 24 |language=en |archive-date=6 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806091832/https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20220806-israel-pounds-gaza-with-air-strikes-arrests-militant-suspects-in-west-bank |url-status=live}}
The operation was planned to last for one week{{cite web|first1=Bethan|last1=McKernan|first2=Hazem|last2=Balousha |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/07/israel-palestine-militant-killed-gaza-strip-khaled-mansour|title=Gaza: truce takes effect between Israel and Islamic Jihad after days of fighting|work=The Guardian|date=8 August 2022|access-date=8 August 2022}} but concluded after 66 hours.{{Cite news |last=Fabian |first=Emanuel |date=8 August 2022 |title=Operation Breaking Dawn was a tactical success, but won't be last round of fighting |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/operation-breaking-dawn-was-a-tactical-success-but-wont-be-last-round-of-fighting/ |work=Times of Israel |access-date=8 August 2022}} Israel characterized the airstrikes as a 'preemptive measure' to stop PIJ from taking revenge for the arrest of al-Saadi,{{cite web |last=Shotter |first=James |date=5 August 2022 |title=Israel strikes at Gaza over 'imminent' retaliation threat |url=https://www.ft.com/content/b49a8989-0aec-44a6-9212-39898842ad9f |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806200835/https://www.ft.com/content/b49a8989-0aec-44a6-9212-39898842ad9f |archive-date=6 August 2022 |access-date=6 August 2022 |work=Financial Times}} calling it "a targeted campaign against PIJ".{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-islamic-jihad-sparks-gaza-israel-conflict-all-eyes-are-on-hamas/|title=As Islamic Jihad sparks Gaza-Israel conflict, all eyes are on Hamas|work=The Times of Israel|first=David|last=Horovitz|date=6 August 2022|access-date=6 August 2022|archive-date=6 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806200836/https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-islamic-jihad-sparks-gaza-israel-conflict-all-eyes-are-on-hamas/|url-status=live}} Middle East Eye reported that both Israeli and Palestinian analysts had called the attack 'unprovoked and strange'.{{cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-attack-gaza-why|title=Why is Israel attacking Gaza?|website=Middle East Eye|first1=Elis|last1=Gjevori|first2=Lubna|last2=Masarwa|date=6 August 2022|access-date=9 August 2022}}{{cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-gaza-logic-behind-attack-anyone-guess-analysis|title=The logic behind Israel's Gaza attack, if any, is anyone's guess|website=Middle East Eye|first=Meron|last=Rapoport|date=7 August 2022|access-date=9 August 2022}}
The next day, other airstrikes were launched on Gaza, killing five people, including two men in Khan Yunis and an elderly woman in Beit Hanoun who had just celebrated a wedding.{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2022/8/6/updates-19-pij-members-arrested-as-israel-continues-gaza-raids|title=Israeli jets launch new attacks on Gaza: Live|agency=Al Jazeera|date=6 August 2022|access-date=6 August 2022|archive-date=6 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806091451/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2022/8/6/updates-19-pij-members-arrested-as-israel-continues-gaza-raids|url-status=live}}{{Better source needed|reason=WP:NEWSBLOG|date=June 2024}} The escalation continued as Israeli fighter jets dropped two bombs destroying the house of a PIJ member. Militants continued to fire rounds of rockets into Israel with no casualties reported.{{Cite news |last1=Akram |first1=Fares |last2=Goldenberg |first2=Tia |date=August 6, 2022 |title=Israel and Gaza militants exchange fire after deadly strikes |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/israel-and-gaza-militants-exchange-fire-after-deadly-strikes/2022/08/06/8a52c5ae-154b-11ed-8482-06c1c84ce8f2_story.html |url-status=dead |access-date=6 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806200843/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/israel-and-gaza-militants-exchange-fire-after-deadly-strikes/2022/08/06/8a52c5ae-154b-11ed-8482-06c1c84ce8f2_story.html |archive-date=6 August 2022}}
File:Israeli-Police-Facebook--Operation-Breaking-Dawn-2022-08-06-pic02.jpg in the Israeli city of Ashqelon, 6 August 2022]]
The Israeli Home Front Command warned civilians within a range of 80 km of Gaza to prepare for rocket fire. In response to the airstrikes, militants fired dozens of rockets into Israel, with the PIJ saying that it had fired more than a hundred.{{Cite news |last1=Al-Mughrabi |first1=Nidal |last2= |first2= |date=5 August 2022 |title=Palestinian militants fire rockets at Israel after Gaza air strikes |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-forces-carry-out-strike-gaza-military-statement-2022-08-05/ |url-status=live |url-access=registration |access-date=5 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805234322/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-forces-carry-out-strike-gaza-military-statement-2022-08-05/ |archive-date=5 August 2022}} As of 6 August 2022, over 160 projectiles were fired at Israel and Israeli civilians rushed into shelters. The Barzilai Medical Center treated 13 people for injuries.{{cite web |last=Fabian |first=Emanuel |date=6 August 2022 |title=Multiple rocket barrages fired from Gaza at southern towns, central city of Modiin |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-august-6-2022/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806091924/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-august-6-2022/ |archive-date=6 August 2022 |access-date=6 August 2022 |work=The Times of Israel}}
On 6 August, at least eight people, including four children, were killed by Israeli airstrikes on the Jabalia refugee camp. On that same day, two people were killed in an Israeli airstrike that targeted a residential building in the city of Rafah.{{cite web|title= Ten killed, including 4 children in two Israel strikes in Gaza|url= https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20220806-ten-killed-including-4-children-in-two-israel-strikes-in-gaza/amp/|website=Middle East Monitor|access-date=7 August 2022}}{{cite web|title=Gaza: The names and faces of the 17 Palestinian children killed in Israel's onslaught|url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-palestine-gaza-names-faces-children-killed-bombardment|website=Middle East Eye|access-date=8 August 2022}}
As of 7 August, UN humanitarian chief for the occupied Palestinian territories, Lynn Hastings, urged that "fuel, food, and medical supplies" be delivered to Gaza. Gaza's lone power plant is producing electricity for only a few hours per day while Gaza City's main hospital reported "acute shortages of medical supplies".{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2022/8/6/updates-19-pij-members-arrested-as-israel-continues-gaza-raids|title=Israel-Palestine latest updates: 3 children killed in Gaza blast|first1=Linah|last1=Alsaafin|first2=Dalia|last2=Hatuqa|agency=Al Jazeera|date=7 August 2022|access-date=13 August 2022}}
In a statement on 7 August, the PIJ confirmed the death of Khaled Mansour, its commander in the south of the Gaza Strip.{{cite web |date=7 August 2022 |title=Several children, commander killed in Israeli attack on Gaza |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/7/six-palestinian-children-killed-as-israel-attacks-gaza |access-date=8 August 2022 |agency=Al Jazeera}} That day, rockets were fired at areas in the vicinity of Jerusalem, causing no damage but signaling resolve. Sirens blared in Abu Ghosh, Mevaseret Zion and Kiryat Anavim, and an IDF spokesperson stated that rockets headed to Jerusalem were intercepted.{{Cite news |last1=Al-Mughrabi |first1=Nidal |last2=Lubell |first2=Maayan |date=August 9, 2022 |title=Palestinian rockets reach west of Jerusalem on third day of Gaza fighting |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/palestinian-rockets-reach-west-jerusalem-third-day-gaza-fighting-2022-08-07/ |url-status=live |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811094037/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/palestinian-rockets-reach-west-jerusalem-third-day-gaza-fighting-2022-08-07/ |archive-date=11 August 2022}}
On 9 August, the IDF stated that the PIJ failed in its attempt to launch an Unmanned aerial vehicle towards the Tamar gas rig during the fighting.{{Cite news |title=IDF reveals Islamic Jihad tried to launch drone toward offshore gas rig |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkug6zga5 |work=YNet |date=8 September 2022}}
On 10 August, the IDF said it hit 170 targets during the operation using jets, helicopters, drones, and artillery. The IDF stated the targets included 45 launching sites, 8 weapon caches, 17 observation posts, 8 military camps, 6 munition production facilities, 3 naval force targets, and 1 "attack tunnel".{{cite news |last=Fabian |first=Emanuel |date=10 August 2022 |title=Days after Gaza ceasefire, Gantz says Islamic Jihad leaders should be 'worried' |work=The Times of Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/days-after-ceasefire-gantz-says-islamic-jihad-leaders-in-gaza-should-be-worried/}}
==Palestinian rocket failures==
According to the Israeli military, approximately a third of the 449 rockets fired by the Palestinians on Friday and Saturday failed to cross the boundary with Israel and fell inside Gaza.{{Cite news |last1=Hendrix |first1=Steve |last2=Balousha |first2=Hazem |date=6 August 2022 |title=Militants keep firing rockets at Israel as strikes in Gaza kill at least 24 |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/08/06/israel-gaza-rockets-islamic-jihad/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=7 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807084633/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/08/06/israel-gaza-rockets-islamic-jihad/ |archive-date=7 August 2022}}
The IDF said that "several people including children" were killed as a result of a Palestinian rocket launch failure in Jabalia, while Al Jazeera reported 4 children and the BBC multiple children dead at that location, saying that they were unable to independently verify the Israeli claim.{{Cite news |last1=Knell |first1=Yolande |last2=Maishman |first2=Elsa |date=7 August 2022 |title=Israel-Gaza: Death toll rises as Israel kills second top militant |agency=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-62445951}}{{cite web |last1=Fabian |first1=Emanuel |date=6 August 2022 |title=Israel says Gaza terrorists' failed rocket launch kills several Palestinian children |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-says-gaza-terrorists-failed-rocket-launch-kills-several-palestinian-children/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806203702/https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-says-gaza-terrorists-failed-rocket-launch-kills-several-palestinian-children/ |archive-date=6 August 2022 |access-date=7 August 2022 |website=The Times of Israel}}
The Times of Israel reported on 8 August that the IDF believed PIJ "was responsible for at least 12 of the 15 deaths of children reported", 4 in Jabaliya on Saturday, 5 more also in Jabaliya and 3 others elsewhere, on Sunday, and that the military "did not produce any evidence for its claims related to the second two incidents."{{cite web |date=8 August 2022 |title=IDF believes 12 children killed in Gaza by Islamic Jihad's rocket misfires – report |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-believes-12-children-killed-in-gaza-by-islamic-jihads-rocket-misfires-report/ |access-date=10 August 2022 |work=The Times of Israel}}
On 8 August, the Associated Press reported that missiles fired by militants in Gaza that fell short may have resulted over a dozen Palestinian deaths. AP reporters examined the two explosions sites in Jabaliya that resulted in twelve fatalities, and found support for the claim that they were misfires.{{cite web |last1=Goldenberg |first1=Tia |last2=Krauss |first2=Joseph |date=8 August 2022 |title=Misfired rockets may have killed over a dozen in Gaza battle |url=https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-israel-tel-aviv-403d37366347e0f2446e2f90a9b0d02f |access-date=9 August 2022 |work=AP News |ref={{sfnref|AP NEWS|2022}}}} On 10 August, Al Jazeera reported that the father of one of the victims denied the Israeli claim in respect of the first Jabaliya incident and that Israel was still investigating the second. Subsequently, the IDF admitted responsibility for the second Jabaliya incident that killed 5 children.{{cite web|last=Steinberg |first=Jessica |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-finds-israeli-strike-killed-5-children-in-gaza-during-recent-operation-report/ |title=IDF finds Israeli strike killed 5 children in Gaza during recent operation - report |work=The Times of Israel |date=2022-08-07 |accessdate=2022-08-16}} On 13 August, Haaretz reported that misfires killed 14 civilians, including seven children.
On 24 August, Al-Monitor published that the PIJ killed 15 Gazan civilians. The Al-Monitor journalist spoke with residents and journalist in Gaza. A journalist said he saw with his own eyes the local missile fall on the massacre in the Jabalia camp. A nearby resident told Al-Monitor that "Everyone knows that the missile that fell on Saturday was a local missile, but no one dares talk about it". Palestinians on social media said PIJ rockets were faulty and old. Those interviewed called for an investigation into the PIJ missile strikes that killed civilians in Gaza.{{cite news |title=Gazans call for probe into Islamic Jihad missiles that killed civilians|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2022/08/gazans-call-probe-islamic-jihad-missiles-killed-civilians |work=Al-Monitor |date=24 August 2022}}
According to Tor Wennesland, the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Palestinian militants fired around 1,100 rockets of which "some 20 percent" fell within the borders of the Gaza strip.{{Cite web |title=UN Security Council meets over Gaza fighting |url=https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2022/08/un-security-council-meets-over-gaza-fighting |access-date=2023-04-18 |website=Al-Monitor |date=8 August 2022 |language=en}} According to the IDF, it intercepts rockets headed towards Israeli populated areas with a 97% success rate using Iron Dome.
On 9 August, the Hamas Interior ministry, issued sweeping restrictions on journalists in Gaza forbidding the reporting of misfires killing Palestinians and instructing journalists to blame Israel. Following discussions with the Foreign Press Association, the restrictions were officially reversed by Salama Marouf, director of the government media office in Gaza. However, despite being reversed, they signal Hamas' expectations on media coverage and "could have a chilling effect on critical coverage" in Gaza .{{clarify|date=August 2022}} {{Cite news |last1=Goldenberg |first1=Tia |last2=Krauss |first2=Joseph |date=9 August 2022 |title=Hamas issues, then rescinds, sweeping rules on Gaza coverage |publisher=ABC News |agency=AP |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/hamas-issues-rescinds-sweeping-rules-gaza-coverage-88155052 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809191000/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/hamas-issues-rescinds-sweeping-rules-gaza-coverage-88155052 |archive-date=9 August 2022}}
Diplomacy
Egypt was reported as mediating between the sides.{{cite web|url=https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/condemnations-pour-in-after-israel-launches-deadly-strikes-in-besieged-gaza-59499|title=Condemnations pour in after Israel launches deadly strikes in besieged Gaza|website=Condemnations pour in after Israel launches deadly strikes in besieged Gaza|access-date=6 August 2022|archive-date=6 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806200839/https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/condemnations-pour-in-after-israel-launches-deadly-strikes-on-besieged-gaza-59499|url-status=live}} Egyptian media reported it was preparing to host the PIJ in Cairo on 6 August 2022.{{Cite news |date=6 August 2022 |title=Israel-Gaza: Israel arrests 19 militant suspects after Gaza flare-up |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-62445951 |access-date=6 August 2022 |archive-date=6 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806062840/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-62445951 |url-status=live}} Following Egyptian mediation, a ceasefire effective from 22:00 (1900 GMT) on 7 August was agreed according to Egyptian and Palestinian sources, although Israel and the PIJ did not officially confirm this.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/palestinian-rockets-reach-west-jerusalem-third-day-gaza-fighting-2022-08-07/|title=Israel, Palestinians set for Gaza truce from Sunday night|first1=Nidal|last1=Al-Mughrabi|first2=Maayan|last2=Lubell|first3=Nidal|last3=Al-Mughrabi|date=7 August 2022|work=Reuters}}
A UN Security Council meeting was requested by the UAE, China, France, Ireland and Norway.{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/un-security-council-to-hold-emergency-meeting-to-discuss-gaza-violence/|title=UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting to discuss Gaza violence|first=Jacob|last=Magid|work=The Times of Israel|date=7 August 2022|access-date=8 August 2022}} The security council met on 8 August, after the ceasefire, but not statement was expected to be issued after the closed-door meeting. A report to the UNSC on 8 August by Wennesland confirmed that "a ceasefire had been agreed and would come into effect at 11:30 pm on 7 August. The
ceasefire remains in place as I speak." and concluded "Ultimately, the underlying drivers of this and previous escalations remain. These cycles of violence will only cease when we achieve a political resolution of the conflict that brings an end to the occupation and the realization of a two-State solution on the basis of the 1967 lines, in line with UN resolutions, international law and previous agreements. I reiterate my call to the Israeli and Palestinian leadership, along with the international community, to strengthen diplomatic efforts to return to meaningful negotiations towards a viable two-State solution."{{cite web|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/security-council-briefing-emergency-session-situation-middle-east-delivered-special-coordinator-wennesland-8-august-2022|title=Security Council Briefing (Emergency Session) on the Situation in the Middle East (as Delivered by Special Coordinator Wennesland), 8 August 2022 – occupied Palestinian territory | ReliefWeb|website=reliefweb.int|date=8 August 2022 }}
US President Joe Biden and the European Union welcomed the ceasefire and called for an investigation into civilian casualties.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-62457780|title=Israel-Gaza: Ceasefire holds overnight after days of violence|work=BBC News |date=8 August 2022|agency=BBC News|access-date=8 August 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/gaza-statement-spokesperson-ceasefire-agreement|title=Gaza: Statement by the Spokesperson on the ceasefire agreement – occupied Palestinian territory | ReliefWeb|website=reliefweb.int|date=8 August 2022 }} UN chief António Guterres also welcomed the ceasefire and reaffirmed the UN's commitment to the achievement of a two-state solution based on relevant United Nations resolutions.{{cite press release|url=https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2022-08-07/statement-attributable-the-spokesperson-for-the-secretary-general-the-ceasefire-gaza-and-israel|title=Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on the ceasefire in Gaza and Israel |publisher=United Nations Secretary-General}}{{cite web|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/un-chief-welcomes-cease-fire-in-gaza/2656156|title=UN chief welcomes cease-fire in Gaza|agency=Anadolu Agency}}
Possible war crimes
On 25 October 2022, Amnesty International called for{{Cite web|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2022/10/israel-opt-investigate-war-crimes-during-august-offensive-on-gaza/|title=Israel/OPT: Investigate war crimes during August offensive on Gaza|date=25 October 2022|publisher=Amnesty International}} an International Criminal Court probe into possible war crimes committed by both sides. The report focused mainly the Jabalia attack that killed 7 civilians as the likely result of a rocket misfire and the killing of 5 children at a cemetery likely to have been carried out by "an Israeli guided missile fired by a drone".{{Cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20221025-amnesty-urges-icc-probe-of-possible-gaza-war-crimes|title=Amnesty urges ICC probe of possible Gaza war crimes|date=25 October 2022|website=France 24}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/10/25/amnesty-calls-for-investigation-of-possible-war-crimes-in-gaza|title=Amnesty calls for investigation of possible war crimes in Gaza|agency=Al Jazeera}}
See also
References
{{reflist|35em}}
External links
- [https://www.972mag.com/aqsa-martyrs-brigades-jenin-nablus/ How a resurrected militia is defying Israeli and Palestinian rulers]
- [https://www.terrorism-info.org.il/app/uploads/2022/08/E_130_22.pdf Examination of the names of the fatalities]
{{Israel–Gaza conflict}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:2022 Gaza-Israel clashes}}
Category:Israeli attacks against the Gaza Strip
Category:Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine