This past month, tensions between Palestine and Israel escalated as a rocket was launched from Gaza, landing in Israel and killing four soldiers. The responding Israeli air raid killed four Palestinians at a funeral.

Palestine fired rockets back, and retaliatory attacks were launched from Israel killing Ahmad Jabari, Palestine’s military commander, on November 14. In a continuation of violence, three Israeli civilians were killed by Palestinian rockets. President Barack Obama provided his support for Israeli’s self-defense. 

In order for tensions to ease, Hamas must stop making attacks on Israel. President Barack Obama spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and they both agreed to stay in touch in order to bring the violence to an end.

Israel cannot tolerate the continued rocket fire for the sake of their civilians. Netanyahu declared that the
military is willing to do anything in their power to protect their citizens.

Gaza schools closed, people are forced to stay at home, only permitted to leave to buy food, fuel, and other necessities. Hamas has declared a state of emergency in Gaza. Israeli aircraft dropped leaflets on various locations in Gaza as a warning for Gazans to stay away from Hamas.

In fear of Hamas retaliating with more bombing attacks, Israeli police increased their patrol coverage. Streets are empty as people are scared to be outside.

The conflict is deepening struggles among countries in the Middle East. Over the past four years, Israel and Hamas have had an informal truce, although Hamas has initiated issues with the two attacks in the past few days; there was an explosion in a tunnel along the Israeli border as well as a missile attack on an Israeli military jeep, wounding multiple soldiers.