Gaza conflict forged new sense of Palestinian unity: analysts Issued on: 25/05/2021 - 13:56 Palestinian Muslim worshippers gather in Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque compound, the third holiest site of Islam, on May 21 AHMAD GHARABLI AFP 4 min Ramallah (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) The latest escalation in the Middle East conflict served to unite the geographically fragmented Palestinian community in a way not seen in years, analysts say. From the blockaded Gaza Strip to the occupied West Bank and annexed east Jerusalem to Arab-Israelis living inside the Jewish state, scattered people pulled closer together. A sea of Palestinian flags flew in solidarity rallies, especially during "Day of Rage" protests and a general strike on May 18 that cut across separate areas.