2021-05-11 14:05:20 GMT2021-05-11 22:05:20(Beijing Time) Xinhua English
JERUSALEM, May 11 (Xinhua) After weeks of tension in Jerusalem, the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians has spilled over to other areas as the two sides exchange fire in and around the Gaza Strip.
For decades, the dispute over Jerusalem has fueled wider regional conflicts. Although usually contained, it occasionally spirals into a larger clash which reverberates across the region.
The recent violence began when Israel decided to block Palestinian gatherings in the Old City of Jerusalem throughout the Muslim month of Ramadan.
The restrictions were lifted after violent confrontations between police and Arab residents. Shortly afterwards, plans to evict Palestinian residents from a neighborhood in East Jerusalem reignited the sparks.
JERUSALEM (AP) â The Latest on confrontations between Israelis and Palestinians, sparked by weeks of tensions in contested Jerusalem and as Israel has signaled it’s widening its military campaign:
ROME â Italy has expressed concern over the âescalation of attacks and violence,â particularly in east Jerusalem and in the Gaza Strip, and asked that it immediately cease.
The Italian foreign ministry said in a statement on Tuesday that âItaly firmly condemns the launching of rockets from Gaza toward Israelâs territory and maintains that they arenât justifiable in any circumstance.ââ
The statement also says: âWe appeal to all sides so that they immediately adopt de-escalation measures and give proof of their responsibility. Itâs a priority to prevent further civilian victims.ââ
Jerusalem crisis: Hamas fires rockets, Israel begins military campaign
Palestinian protesters and an Israeli police officer near the Damascus Gate. Photo: Amir Levy/Getty Images
Days of tension in Jerusalem escalated into an exchange of fire on Monday, as Hamas fired dozens of rockets toward Israel and the Israeli military responded with strikes of its own and said it was preparing for a military operation that could last several days.
Why it matters: This is the first time Hamas has fired rockets at Jerusalem since 2014, and it s the most serious escalation between the Israelis and Palestinians in many months. It comes during the most sensitive days on the calendar the last days of Ramadan and the Jerusalem Day commemoration on Monday and as political crises roil both the Israeli and Palestinian governments.