Deadly tensions built up for months
Gaza has since late March been the scene of massive protests and clashes between Palestinians and Israeli occupation soldiers along the border with Israel. Here is a recap of the violence around the Gaza Strip:
First deadly day Major protests begin on March 30, to demand the right to return to homes, now in areas occupied by Israel, that some 700,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled from in 1948 when Israel was created. Several groups face off with Israeli occupation soldiers.
Kites on fire On April 6, thousands of Palestinians gather again near the security barrier. The Palestinians employ a new tactic, sending kites across the border, some carrying explosive devices.
Bloodbath On May 14, tens of thousands of Palestinians return to the barrier as the US opens its controversial embassy in occupied Jerusalem. At least 62 Palestinians are killed by the Israeli regime and more than 2,400 wounded.
Showdown at UN On June 1, the US vetoes a draft resolution in the UN Security Council calling for the protection of Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Summer of violence On July 14, Israel unleashes dozens of air strikes, killing two Palestinians, while 200 rockets target Israel. Six days later an Israeli occupation soldier becomes the first to be killed in and around Gaza since 2014. Overnight August 8-9, Hamas fires some 180 rockets and mortars from Gaza, according to the Israeli occupation army, which says its response targets 150 of the movement’s military sites, leaving three Palestinians dead.
Fleeting calm After a brief respite 10 Palestinians are killed by the Israeli occupation army on September 28 and October 4. Three days later Israel orders a suspension of the delivery of goods after a new day of killing. On October 17 the Israeli occupation army hits approximately 20 military targets in Gaza. November 2 is one of the calmest Fridays in months along the border between Israel and Gaza.
Flare-up On November 11 an exchange of fire during an Israeli occupation military operation in Gaza leaves seven Palestinians and one Israeli officer dead, shattering a lull. The next day Israeli air strikes hit Gaza after rocket fire, killing six Palestinians.