Operation Pillar of Defense: November 15, 2012

On November 15, 2012, Israel launched Operation Pillar of Defense, a military campaign targeting Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. This operation was a response to escalating rocket fire from Gaza into southern Israel, which had intensified in the preceding weeks.

Background

The conflict between Israel and Hamas, the de facto governing authority in the Gaza Strip, has been ongoing since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007. Tensions often flare into violence, with rocket attacks from Gaza and retaliatory strikes by Israel. In the weeks leading up to Operation Pillar of Defense, there was a significant increase in rocket attacks on Israeli territory, prompting Israel to take military action.

Key Events

• Assassination of Ahmed Jabari: The operation began with the targeted killing of Ahmed Jabari, the head of Hamas’s military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. Jabari was a key figure in Hamas and had been involved in numerous attacks against Israel.

• Airstrikes and Rocket Fire: Following Jabari’s assassination, Israel conducted extensive airstrikes on various targets in Gaza, including weapons storage facilities, rocket launch sites, and other military infrastructure. In response, Hamas and other militant groups launched hundreds of rockets into Israel, reaching as far as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem for the first time.

• Casualties and Damage: The conflict resulted in significant casualties on both sides. According to reports, over 160 Palestinians were killed, including both militants and civilians, and six Israelis lost their lives. The violence also caused widespread damage to infrastructure in Gaza and disrupted daily life in southern Israel.

Aftermath

• Ceasefire Agreement: After eight days of intense fighting, a ceasefire was brokered by Egypt, coming into effect on November 21, 2012. The agreement included commitments from both sides to halt hostilities and ease restrictions on the movement of goods and people in and out of Gaza.

• International Reactions: The operation drew widespread international attention and concern. Many countries and organizations called for restraint and urged both parties to return to negotiations for a long-term peace solution.

• Long-term Impact: While the ceasefire temporarily halted the violence, the underlying issues between Israel and Hamas remained unresolved. The conflict highlighted the ongoing volatility in the region and the challenges in achieving lasting peace.

Operation Pillar of Defense was a significant episode in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, illustrating the cyclical nature of violence and the difficulties in addressing the root causes of the conflict.