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2012 Gaza War: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 30°40′N 34°50′E / 30.667°N 34.833°E / 30.667; 34.833
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{{Short description|Military offensive in the Gaza strip}}
{{pp-protected|reason=Tendentious editing from a huge number of IPs|expiry=30 November 2012|small=yes}}
{{For|other conflicts called the "Gaza War"|Gaza War (2008–2009)|2014 Gaza War|Israel–Hamas war}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2012}}
{{current|date=November 2012}}
{{cite check|date=November 2012}}
{{pp-extended|small=yes}}
{{POV|date=November 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{infobox military conflict
{{infobox military conflict
|conflict = Operation Pillar of Cloud
|conflict = Operation Pillar of Defense
|partof = [[Gaza–Israel conflict]]
|partof = the [[Gaza–Israel conflict]] and the [[Israeli–Palestinian conflict]]
|date = 14–21 November 2012<br />({{Age in months, weeks and days|month1=11|day1=14|year1=2012|month2=11|day2=21|year2=2012|}})
|image = [[File:Israel-gaza-rockets.png.jpg|300px]]
|place = Gaza Strip and Israel
|caption = A map of the areas affected by the conflict.
|date = {{Start date|2012|11|14|df=y}} – present
|place = [[Southern District (Israel)|Southern Israel]] and [[Gaza Strip]]
|coordinates = {{Coord|30|40|N|34|50|E|display=title,inline}}
|coordinates = {{Coord|30|40|N|34|50|E|display=title,inline}}
|image = [[File:IronDome246.jpg|300px]]
|result =
|caption = [[Iron Dome]] launches during operation ''Pillar of Defense''
|status = Ongoing
|result = Ceasefire, both sides claim victory<ref>{{cite news|first1=Ernesto|last1=Londoño|first2=Michael|last2=Birnbaum|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/clinton-arrives-in-middle-east-as-prospects-of-gaza-cease-fire-look-uncertain/2012/11/20/02f8be9c-3397-11e2-bfd5-e202b6d7b501_story.html|title=After Israel, Hamas reach Gaza cease-fire, both sides claim victory|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=21 November 2012|access-date=22 November 2012|archive-date=23 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223075644/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/clinton-arrives-in-middle-east-as-prospects-of-gaza-cease-fire-look-uncertain/2012/11/20/02f8be9c-3397-11e2-bfd5-e202b6d7b501_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first1=Matthew|last1=Kalman|first2=Kim|last2=Sengupta|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/fragile-truce-deal-hailed-as-a-victory-on-both-sides-8340694.html|title=Fragile truce deal hailed as a victory on both sides|work=The Independent|date=21 November 2012|access-date=21 November 2012|location=London|archive-date=23 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223082701/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/fragile-truce-deal-hailed-as-a-victory-on-both-sides-8340694.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Raphael|last=Ahren|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-says-it-fulfilled-all-its-goals-while-hamas-hails-an-exceptional-victory-pillar-of-defense-gaza/|title=Israel says it 'fulfilled all its goals,' while Hamas hails an 'exceptional victory'|work=The Times of Israel|date=21 November 2012|access-date=21 November 2012|archive-date=22 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190222204840/http://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-says-it-fulfilled-all-its-goals-while-hamas-hails-an-exceptional-victory-pillar-of-defense-gaza/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* According to Israel, the operation "severely impaired Hamas's launching capabilities."<ref>{{cite news|editor-first=Alistair|editor-last=Lyon|url=http://www.jewishjournal.com/israel/article/israels_battle_damage_report_says_hamas_crippled|title=Israel's battle damage report says Hamas crippled|work=Jewish Journal|date=21 November 2012|agency=Reuters|access-date=22 November 2012|archive-date=16 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216082834/http://www.jewishjournal.com/israel/article/israels_battle_damage_report_says_hamas_crippled|url-status=live}}</ref>
* According to Hamas, their rocket strikes led to the ceasefire deal<ref>{{cite news|last=Balmer|first=Crispian|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-palestinians-israel-winners-idUSBRE8AK1IM20121121|title=Analysis: Relief at Gaza ceasefire can't mask its frailty|work=Reuters|date=21 November 2012|access-date=3 June 2013|archive-date=8 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308023514/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-palestinians-israel-winners-idUSBRE8AK1IM20121121|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Cessation of rocket fire from Gaza into Israel.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ravid|first=Barak|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-s-pillar-of-defense-achieved-its-goals.premium-1.479674|title=Israel's Pillar of Defense achieved its goals|work=Haaretz|date=22 November 2012|access-date=3 June 2013|archive-date=12 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150512171407/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-s-pillar-of-defense-achieved-its-goals.premium-1.479674|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Gaza fishermen allowed {{convert|6|nmi|km|0|abbr=on}} out to sea for fishing;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/11/2012112592819190218.html|title=Israel eases restrictions on Gaza fishing – Middle East – Al Jazeera English|publisher=Aljazeera.com|date=25 November 2012|access-date=3 June 2013|archive-date=1 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801033103/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/11/2012112592819190218.html|url-status=live}}</ref> reduced back to {{convert|3|nmi|km|0|abbr=on}} after 22 March 2013<ref>{{cite news|last=Williams|first=Dan|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-palestinians-israel-truce-idUSBRE92L0DU20130322|title=Hamas appeals to Egypt after Israel halves Gaza fishing zone|work=Reuters|date=22 March 2013|access-date=3 June 2013|archive-date=11 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311020716/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-palestinians-israel-truce-idUSBRE92L0DU20130322|url-status=live}}</ref>
|status =
|combatant1 = {{flag|Israel}}
|combatant1 = {{flag|Israel}}
|combatant2 = {{Flag icon|Palestine}} [[Governance of the Gaza Strip|Gaza Strip]]
|combatant2 = {{flagicon|Gaza}} [[Gaza Strip]] (under [[Hamas]] government)
* {{Armed forces|Hamas|Qassam Brigades}}
* {{flagicon image|Flag of Hamas.svg}} [[Hamas]]
* {{flag|PIJ}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/IDF-believes-Hamas-Islamic-Jihad-will-honor-cease-fire|title=IDF believes Hamas, Islamic Jihad will honor cease-fire|work=The Jerusalem Post|date=22 November 2012|access-date=3 June 2013|archive-date=13 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213031009/https://www.jpost.com//Defense/IDF-believes-Hamas-Islamic-Jihad-will-honor-cease-fire|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} [[Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine|PIJ]]
* [[Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command|PFLP-GC]]
* {{flagicon image|PFLP flag smoothed.svg}} [[Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine|PFLP]]<ref name=Maan>{{cite news|title=PFLP says fighters will continue to strike Israel|url=http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=538618|publisher=[[Ma'an News Agency]]|date=17 November 2012|accessdate=17 November 2012}}</ref>
* {{flag|PFLP}}<ref name=Maan>{{cite news|title=PFLP says fighters will continue to strike Israel|url=http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=538618|agency=[[Ma'an News Agency]]|date=17 November 2012|access-date=17 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108191715/http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=538618|archive-date=8 November 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|commander1 = {{Flag icon|Israel}} [[Benjamin Netanyahu]]<br /><small>[[Prime Minister of Israel|Prime Minister]]</small><br />{{Flag icon |Israel}} [[Ehud Barak]]<br /><small>[[Defense Minister of Israel|Minister of Defense]]</small><br />{{Flag icon|Israel}} [[Benny Gantz]]<br /><small>[[Chief of General Staff (Israel)|Chief of General Staff]]</small><br />{{Flag icon|Israel}} [[Yoram Cohen]]<br /><small>Director of [[Israel Security Agency]]</small><br />{{Flag icon|Israel}} [[Tal Russo]]<br /><small>Commander of the [[Israeli Southern Command|Southern Command]]</small></small><br />{{Flag icon|Israel}} [[Nitzan Alon]]<br /><small>Commander of the [[Central Command (Israel)|Central Command]]</small></small><br />{{Flag icon|Israel}} [[Eyal Eisenberg]]<br /><small>Commander of the [[Home Front Command]]</small>
* [[Popular Resistance Committees|PRC]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=9107120872 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121216065258/http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=9107120872 |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 December 2012 |title=Occupied Quds City Targeted by Palestinian Missile |agency=[[Fars News Agency]] |date=20 November 2012 |access-date=3 June 2013 }}</ref>
|commander2 = {{flagicon image|Flag of Hamas.svg}} [[Ismail Haniyeh]]<br /><small>(Prime Minister of the Hamas Authority)</small><br />{{flagicon image|Flag of Hamas.svg}} [[Mohammed Deif]]<br /><small>(Commander of [[Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades]])</small><br />{{flagicon image|Flag of Hamas.svg}} [[Ahmed Jaabari]] {{KIA}} <br /> {{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} [[Ramadan Shallah]] <br /><small>(Secretary-General of [[Palestinian Islamic Jihad]])</small><br>{{flagicon image|PFLP flag smoothed.svg}} Abu Jamal<ref name=Maan/><br><small>(spokesperson of the [[Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades]])</small>
* {{Armed forces|Fatah}}<ref>{{cite news|title=Fatah: We also fought against Israel in Pillar of Defense|url=http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Fatah-We-also-fought-Israel-in-Pillar-of-Defense|work=[[The Jerusalem Post]]|date=24 November 2012|access-date=24 November 2012|archive-date=14 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214082028/http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Fatah-We-also-fought-Israel-in-Pillar-of-Defense|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Jaysh al-Ummah (Gaza)|Jaysh al-Ummah]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://ecfr.eu/special/mapping_palestinian_politics/jaysh_al_umma_gaza/ |title=Jaysh al-Ummah (Gaza) |author= |work=[[European Council on Foreign Relations]] |date= |access-date=18 June 2021 |archive-date=6 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106211556/https://ecfr.eu/special/mapping_palestinian_politics/jaysh_al_umma_gaza/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|commander1 = [[Benjamin Netanyahu]]<br /><small>[[Prime Minister of Israel|Prime Minister]]</small><br />
[[Ehud Barak]]<br /><small>[[Defense Minister of Israel|Minister of Defense]]</small><br />
[[Benny Gantz]]<br /><small>[[Chief of General Staff (Israel)|Chief]] of [[General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces|General Staff]]</small><br />
[[Amir Eshel]]<br /><small>[[Commander of the Israeli Air Force|Air Force Commander]]</small><br />
[[Yoram Cohen]]<br /><small>Director of [[Israel Security Agency]] (Shin Bet)</small>
|commander2 = [[Ismail Haniyeh]]<br /><small>(Prime Minister of the Hamas Authority)</small><br />
[[Mohammed Deif]]<br /><small>(Commander of [[Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades]])</small><br />
[[Ahmed Jabari]]{{KIA2}}<br /><small>(Deputy commander of [[Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades]])</small><br />
[[Ramadan Shallah]]<br /><small>(Secretary-General of [[Palestinian Islamic Jihad]])</small><br />Abu Jamal<ref name=Maan/><br /><small>(spokesperson of the [[Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades]])</small>
|units1 =
|units1 =
|units2 =
|units2 =
|units3 =
|units3 =
|strength1 = Israeli Southern Command and up to 75,000 reservists<ref>[http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/11/2012111615180851790.html Rocket fired from Gaza lands near Jerusalem - Middle East - Al Jazeera English<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
|strength1 = Israeli Southern Command and up to 75,000 reservists<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/11/2012111615180851790.html|title=Rocket fired from Gaza lands near Jerusalem|publisher=Al Jazeera English|date=4 October 2011|access-date=20 November 2012|archive-date=15 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215050328/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/11/2012111615180851790.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|strength2 = 10,000 [[Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades]]<br />8,000 [[Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine|Islamic Jihad]]<br />Unknown for the rest<br />10,000 Security forces.<ref name="GazaArmedGroups">{{cite news|title=The main armed groups in Gaza|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/region/palestinian-territories/the-main-armed-groups-in-gaza-1.1107214|newspaper=gulfnews.com|date=19 November 2012|access-date=24 November 2012|archive-date=15 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515200540/http://gulfnews.com/news/region/palestinian-territories/the-main-armed-groups-in-gaza-1.1107214|url-status=live}}</ref>
|strength2 = At least 10,000<ref>{{cite web|title=The HAMAS Terror Organization - 2007 update|url=http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Terrorism-+Obstacle+to+Peace/Terror+Groups/The%20HAMAS%20Terror%20Organization%20-%202007%20update|publisher=Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs|accessdate=16 November 2012}}</ref>
|strength3 =
|strength3 =
|casualties1 =
|casualties1<!--this field is for military casualties--> = no soldiers killed, 10 wounded<ref>{{cite news|title=Israel air raids kill 10, destroy Hamas headquarters in Gaza|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Israel-air-raids-kill-10-destroy-Hamas-headquarters-in-Gaza/articleshow/17259046.cms|publisher=[[Times of India]]|date=17 November 2012}}</ref>
'''Civilians:'''<br />4 killed, 219 injured<!--222+9+8-20--><ref name="IsraelOfficialNumbers">{{cite web|title=Israel under fire&nbsp;– November 2012|url=http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/foreignpolicy/terrorism/pages/israel_under_fire-november_2012.aspx|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Israel|date=22 November 2012|access-date=23 November 2012|archive-date=25 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225111419/http://mfa.gov.il/MFA/ForeignPolicy/Terrorism/Pages/Israel_under_fire-November_2012.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>
|casualties2<!--this field is for military casualties--> = 34 militants killed<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/9686058/Gaza-William-Hague-warns-that-ground-invasion-would-damage-Israel.html]</ref><ref name=morereservists/><ref name=gazaraids/>
'''Combatants:'''<br />2 killed, 20 wounded
|casualties3 = 17[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/9686058/Gaza-William-Hague-warns-that-ground-invasion-would-damage-Israel.html]-30 Palestinian civilians killed (Palestinian claim)<ref name=morereservists/><ref name=gazaraids/><br />3 Israeli civilians killed (Israeli claim)<ref name="ynetkmalachi">{{cite web|first1=Yitzhak|last1=Benhorin|first2=Ilana|last2=Curiel|first3=Elior|last3=Levy|first4=Yoav|last4=Zitun|date=15 November 2012|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4305658,00.html|title=3 killed by rocket fire on Kiryat Malachi|publisher=YNet News|accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref>
|casualties2=
'''Civilians:'''<br />105 killed, 971 wounded (Palestinian claim)<ref name="pchr24"/><br />103 killed (UN preliminary estimate)<ref name=unprelim>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20466027|title=Gaza baby 'only knew how to smile'|date=25 November 2012|access-date=25 November 2012|work=BBC News|archive-date=22 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422013451/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20466027|url-status=live}}</ref><br />57<ref name="aftereight"/>-68<ref name="MeirAmit"/> killed (Israeli and [[Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center|ITIC]] claim)<br />87 killed ([[B'Tselem]] claim)<ref name="Btselem"/><br /><br />
'''Combatants:'''<br />55 killed, 29 wounded<br /><ref name="pchr24">{{cite web|url=http://www.pchrgaza.org/portal/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9052:1&catid=145:in-focus|title=The total numbers of victims|publisher=Palestinian Center for Human Rights|date=24 November 2012|access-date=24 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121202114111/http://www.pchrgaza.org/portal/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9052:1&catid=145:in-focus|archive-date=2 December 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> (Palestinian claim)
<br />101<ref name="MeirAmit">{{cite web|url=http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/Data/articles/Art_20444/E_253_12_498339933.pdf|title=Operation Pillar of Defence|publisher=[[Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center]]|date=16 December 2012|access-date=24 December 2012|archive-date=14 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514162905/http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/Data/articles/Art_20444/E_253_12_498339933.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>-120<ref name="aftereight"/> killed (Israeli claim)<br />55 killed (UN preliminary estimate)<ref name=unprelim/><br />62 killed ([[B'Tselem]] claim)<ref name="Btselem">{{cite web|url=http://www.btselem.org/press_releases/20130509_pillar_of_defense_report |title=Operation Pillar of Defence Report |publisher=[[B'tselem]] |date=8 May 2013 |access-date=9 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512050615/http://www.btselem.org/press_releases/20130509_pillar_of_defense_report |archive-date=12 May 2013 }}</ref>
6 Palestinians killed for allegedly spying for Israel<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated press|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/nov/20/hamas-executes-informants-israel-gaza|title=Hamas executes six suspected informants for Israel on Gaza street|work=The Guardian|date=20 November 2012|access-date=20 November 2012|archive-date=22 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422123631/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/nov/20/hamas-executes-informants-israel-gaza|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
}}
{{Campaignbox Gaza–Israel conflict}}


'''Operation [[Pillar of Cloud]]'''<ref name=inn>{{cite news|title=Chief of Staff Declares 'Operation Pillar of Cloud'|publisher=Arutz Sheva|url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/Flash.aspx/254767|date=14 November 2012|accessdate=14 November 2012}}</ref> ({{lang-he-n|עַמּוּד עָנָן}}, ''Amúd Anán'') or '''Operation Pillar of Defense''' is an Israeli army name for the [[Israel Defense Forces]] operation in the [[Gaza Strip]], officially launched on 14 November 2012 with the killing of [[Ahmed Jabari]], chief of the Gaza military wing of [[Hamas]].<ref name=Algemeiner_live-updates>{{cite news| type=live updates| title=Day 2: 300+ Rockets Fired at Israel Since Start of Operation Pillar of Defense|url=http://www.algemeiner.com/2012/11/15/algemeiner-live-updates-day-2-245-rockets-fired-at-israel-since-start-of-operation-pillar-of-defense/|accessdate=15 November 2012|newspaper=Algemeiner|date=15 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last =Lappin|first=Yaakov|date=14 November 2012|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=291779|title=Israeli air strike kills top Hamas commander Jabari| work=The Jerusalem Post| accessdate=14 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Massed Israeli troops poised for invasion of Gaza|first=Matthew|last=Kalman|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/massed-israeli-troops-poised-for-invasion-of-gaza-8316615.html|location =[[United Kingdom|UK]]|newspaper=The Independent|date=15 November 2012|accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref> The stated aims of the operation, which began after several days of violent exchanges in which Gaza militants fired over 100 rockets at Israeli cities and towns and Israel launched strikes on targets in Gaza leading to the death of 6 militants, are to halt the rocket attacks originating from the Gaza Strip<ref>{{Cite news|last=Al-Mughrabi|first=Nidal|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-palestinians-israel-hamasbre8ad0wp-20121114,0,7635503.story|title=Jerusalem and Tel Aviv under rocket fire, Netanyahu warns Gaza|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=16 November 2012}}.</ref> and to disrupt the capabilities of militant organizations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=291779|title=Israeli air strike kills top Hamas commander Jabari|work=The Jerusalem Post|accessdate=14 November 2012}}</ref>
In November 2012, the [[Israel Defense Forces]] (IDF) launched '''Operation Pillar of Defense''' ({{langx|he|עַמּוּד עָנָן}}, ''ʿAmúd ʿAnán'', literally: "[[Pillar of Cloud]]"),<ref name=inn>{{cite news|title=Chief of Staff Declares 'Operation Pillar of Cloud'|publisher=Arutz Sheva|url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/Flash.aspx/254767|date=14 November 2012|access-date=14 November 2012|archive-date=17 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121117001824/http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/Flash.aspx/254767|url-status=live}}</ref> which was an eight-day campaign in the [[Governance of the Gaza Strip|Hamas-governed]] [[Gaza Strip]], beginning on 14 November 2012 with the killing of [[Ahmed Jabari]], chief of the Gaza military wing of [[Hamas]], by an Israeli airstrike.<ref name=bbcQandA /><ref name=Algemeiner_live-updates>{{cite news|format=live updates|title=Day 2: 300+ Rockets Fired at Israel Since Start of Operation Pillar of Defense|url=http://www.algemeiner.com/2012/11/15/algemeiner-live-updates-day-2-245-rockets-fired-at-israel-since-start-of-operation-pillar-of-defense/|access-date=15 November 2012|newspaper=Algemeiner|date=15 November 2012|archive-date=23 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723122748/https://www.algemeiner.com/2012/11/15/algemeiner-live-updates-day-2-245-rockets-fired-at-israel-since-start-of-operation-pillar-of-defense/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="JPost Jabari">{{cite web|last=Lappin|first=Yaakov|date=14 November 2012|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/IAF-strike-kills-Hamas-military-chief-Jabari|title=Israeli air strike kills top Hamas commander Jabari|work=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=14 November 2012|archive-date=7 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207041539/http://www.jpost.com/Defense/IAF-strike-kills-Hamas-military-chief-Jabari|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Massed Israeli troops poised for invasion of Gaza|first=Matthew|last=Kalman|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/massed-israeli-troops-poised-for-invasion-of-gaza-8316615.html|location=UK|newspaper=The Independent|date=15 November 2012|access-date=15 November 2012|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327092550/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/massed-israeli-troops-poised-for-invasion-of-gaza-8316615.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>


The operation was preceded by a period with a number of mutual Israeli–Palestinian responsive attacks.<ref name=Haaretz_blame_mullet/> According to the Israeli government, the operation began in response to the launch of over 100 rockets at Israel during a 24-hour period,<ref name="JPost 100 rockets">{{cite news|title=Gaza groups pound Israel with over 100 rockets|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Gaza-groups-pound-Israel-with-over-100-rockets|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|date=11 December 2012|access-date=13 December 2013|archive-date=14 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414151101/https://www.jpost.com/Defense/Gaza-groups-pound-Israel-with-over-100-rockets|url-status=live}}</ref> an attack by Gaza militants on an Israeli military patrol jeep within Israeli borders,{{citation needed|date=November 2019}} and an explosion caused by [[improvised explosive device]]s (IEDs), which occurred near Israeli soldiers, on the Israeli side of a tunnel passing under the [[Israeli West Bank barrier]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/israel-tunnel-explodes-gaza-border-17686902#.UKnxEIefvuE |title=Israel: Tunnel Explodes on Gaza Border |work=ABC News |date=10 November 2012 |access-date=20 November 2012 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/pressroom/2012/pages/operation_pillar_of_defense-statements.aspx|title=Operation Pillar of Defense – Selected statements|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, israel|date=20 November 2012|access-date=20 November 2012|archive-date=1 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701030509/http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/pressroom/2012/pages/operation_pillar_of_defense-statements.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> The Israeli government stated that the aims of the military operation were to halt rocket attacks against civilian targets originating from the Gaza Strip<ref name="UNHCR" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Al-Mughrabi|first=Nidal|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/11/24/hamas-leader-defiant-as-israel-eases-gaza-curbs/|title=Jerusalem and Tel Aviv under rocket fire, Netanyahu warns Gaza|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=16 November 2012|access-date=13 December 2013|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107012400/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-11-24/news/sns-rt-us-palestinians-israel-hamasbre8ad0wp-20121114_1_gaza-curbs-gaza-fishermen-hamas-leader|url-status=live}}</ref> and to disrupt the capabilities of militant organizations.<ref name="JPost Jabari" /> The Palestinians blamed the Israeli government for the upsurge in violence, accusing the IDF of attacks on Gazan civilians in the days leading up to the operation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Israel warns Hamas of 'heavy price' for Gaza rockets |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jRUtS7PreKQztfBnueg5yNep0ROg?docId=CNG.eceda380b55ad442c0c0b524c5263e34.61 |access-date=21 November 2012 |date=11 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301205413/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jRUtS7PreKQztfBnueg5yNep0ROg?docId=CNG.eceda380b55ad442c0c0b524c5263e34.61 |archive-date=1 March 2014 }}</ref> They cited the [[blockade of the Gaza Strip]] and the occupation of [[West Bank]], including [[East Jerusalem]], as the reason for rocket attacks.<ref name=bbcQandA>{{cite news|title=Q&A: Israel-Gaza violence|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20388298|work=BBC News|date=20 November 2012|access-date=21 June 2018|archive-date=14 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414151057/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20388298|url-status=live}}</ref>
During the operation, the IDF has targeted more than 800 sites,<ref>{{cite web|title=Israel bombards Gaza with nearly 300 airstrikes and blasts Hamas HQ as Iron Dome missile defence system deployed over Tel Aviv|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2234343/Israel-bombards-Gaza-nearly-300-airstrikes-blasts-Hamas-HQ-Iron-Dome-missile-defence-deployed-Tel-Aviv.html|publisher=Daily Mail|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref> including dozens of rocket launching pads, weapons depots, and facilities of the [[Hamas]] authority in Gaza.<ref>[http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=292141 IAF bombs home of Hamas PM Haniyeh; not hurt], Jerusalem Post 16 November 2012</ref><ref name="AFP" /> 52 Palestinians, two thirds of them militants, have been killed.<ref name=airstrikes>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/9686058/Benjamin-Netanyahu-warns-of-expanded-Gaza-operation-as-bombing-continues.html Benjamin Netanyahu warns of 'expanded' Gaza operation as bombing continues]</ref> Additionally, one man was publicly executed by Hamas for alleged collaboration with Israel.<ref name=mistaken>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/world/middleeast/in-gaza-tragic-result-for-misplaced-hopes-of-cease-fire.html?hp Mistaken Lull, Simple Errand, Death in Gaza], ''New York Times'', 16 November 2012</ref> The [[Health Minister of the Palestinian National Authority|Hamas Health Ministry]] estimates that more than 500 people have been wounded.<ref name=israelair>[http://english.wafa.ps/index.php?action=detail&id=21087 Israeli Airstrikes Kill 3 Children, 2 Women, Raising Death Toll to 52]</ref>


During the course of the operation, the IDF claimed to have struck more than 1,500 sites in the Gaza Strip,<ref name=haalb>{{cite news|title=LIVE BLOG: Day 8 of Israel-Gaza conflict 2012|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/live-blog-day-8-of-israel-gaza-conflict-2012-1.479350/live-blog-day-8-of-israel-gaza-conflict-2012-1.479350|access-date=3 December 2012|newspaper=Haaretz|date=22 November 2012|archive-date=12 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150512181803/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/live-blog-day-8-of-israel-gaza-conflict-2012-1.479350/live-blog-day-8-of-israel-gaza-conflict-2012-1.479350|url-status=live}}</ref> including rocket launchpads, weapon depots, government facilities, and apartment blocks.<ref name=factbox>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-palestinians-israel-gaza-idUSBRE8AK0H920121121|title=Factbox: Gaza targets bombed by Israel|work=Reuters|date=21 November 2012|access-date=24 November 2012|archive-date=17 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017131730/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/21/us-palestinians-israel-gaza-idUSBRE8AK0H920121121|url-status=live}}</ref> According to a [[United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees]] (UNHCR) report, 174 Palestinians were killed and hundreds were wounded.<ref name="OHCHR">{{cite web|url=http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/RegularSession/Session22/A.HRC.22.35.Add.1_AV.pdf|title=Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the implementation of Human Rights Council resolutions S-9/1 and S-12/1|author=United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights|publisher=Human Rights Council|date=6 March 2013|access-date=8 March 2013|archive-date=25 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925155715/https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/RegularSession/Session22/A.HRC.22.35.Add.1_AV.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Approximately 350&ndash;700 families were displaced.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ochaopt.org/documents/ochaopt_gaza_sitrep_26_11_2011_english.pdf|title=Escalation in Hostilities, Gaza and southern Israel|date=26 November 2012|work=Situation Report|publisher=United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs|access-date=28 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121222153110/http://www.ochaopt.org/documents/ochaopt_gaza_sitrep_26_11_2011_english.pdf|archive-date=22 December 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=aftereight>{{cite news |last=Rettig |first=Haviv |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/several-casualties-in-explosion-in-central-tel-aviv/|title=After eight days of fighting, ceasefire is put to the test|work=Times of Israel|date=21 November 2012|access-date=22 November 2012|archive-date=1 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001222925/http://www.timesofisrael.com/several-casualties-in-explosion-in-central-tel-aviv/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=intensify>{{cite news|agency=The Associated Press|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/20/israel-gaza-attacks-truce-talk_n_2167093.html|title=Israel Gaza Attacks Intensify Despite Truce Talks|work=The Huffington Post|date=20 November 2012|access-date=20 November 2012|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303231651/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/20/israel-gaza-attacks-truce-talk_n_2167093.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=bodycountb>[http://www.btselem.org/gaza_strip/20121120_gaza_fatalities Initial Findings: 40 of the Palestinians killed by the Israeli military up to the night of 19 Nov. were civilians, among them 19 minors.], B'Tselem 21 November 2012 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121202182048/http://www.btselem.org/gaza_strip/20121120_gaza_fatalities |date=2 December 2012 }}</ref> One airstrike<ref>{{cite news|title=Dalu Family in Gaza Mourns Dead After Israel Bombs House|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/19/dalu-family-gaza_n_2159086.html|date=19 November 2012|access-date=12 February 2012|agency=Reuters|work=[[The Huffington Post]]|archive-date=12 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012111157/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/19/dalu-family-gaza_n_2159086.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[al-Dalu family killing|killed ten members of the al-Dalu family]]. Some Palestinian casualties were caused by misfired Palestinian rockets landing inside the Gaza Strip.<ref name="prepare">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/9685564/Israeli-forces-prepare-for-war-as-troops-mass-on-Gaza-border.html|title=Israeli forces prepare for war as troops mass on Gaza border|work=Telegraph|access-date=18 November 2012|location=London|date=17 November 2012|archive-date=6 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406130703/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/9685564/Israeli-forces-prepare-for-war-as-troops-mass-on-Gaza-border.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Eight Palestinians were executed by members of the [[Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades]] for alleged collaboration with Israel.<ref name=mistaken>[https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/world/middleeast/in-gaza-tragic-result-for-misplaced-hopes-of-cease-fire.html?hp Mistaken Lull, Simple Errand, Death in Gaza] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725114338/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/world/middleeast/in-gaza-tragic-result-for-misplaced-hopes-of-cease-fire.html?hp |date=25 July 2018 }}, ''The New York Times'', 16 November 2012</ref><ref name=toi7b/><ref name="collaborators">JODI RUDOREN. "Collaborators fall prey to both sides in Gaza; Price of being suspected, much less convicted, can be fatal – and gruesome." ''International Herald Tribune''. 2012</ref>
During the operation, [[Hamas]] and the [[Palestinian Islamic Jihad]] further intensified [[Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel|their rocket attacks on Israeli]] cities and towns, in an offensive code named by Hamas '''Operation Stones of Baked Clay''' ({{lang-ar|حجارة سجيل}}, ''ḥijārat sajīl'')<ref>[http://www.al-sharq.com/ArticleDetails.aspx?AID=216556&CatID=103&Title=%D9%83%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%A8+%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%85+%D8%AA%D8%A8%D8%AF%D8%A3+%D8%B9%D9%85%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9+%22%D8%AD%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9+%D8%B3%D8%AC%D9%8A%D9%84%22+%D8%B6%D8%AF+%D8%A5%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%8A%D9%84 كتائب القسام تبدأ عملية "حجارة سجيل" ضد إسرائيل]</ref> in reference to a verse from the [[Quran]] ([[Surat al-Fil|Surah 105:4]]). It is known as '''Operation Blue Sky''' ({{lang-ar|السماء الزرقاء}}, ''as-samā' az-zarqā' '')<ref>[http://www.saraya.ps/index.php?act=Show&id=24979 في إطار توسيع نطاق الرد.. سرايا القدس تطلق عملية "السماء الزرقاء".. و"تل ابيب" هي البداية !!]</ref> by members of the PIJ. The militant groups fired over 740<ref>[http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=292277 Iron Dome intercepts 2 Fajr-5 missiles aimed at Tel Aviv], Jerusalem Post 17 November 2012</ref> Iranian [[Fajr-5]], Russian [[Grad rocket|Grad]] rockets, [[Qassam rocket|Qassams]] and mortars into [[Beersheba]], [[Ashdod]], [[Ashkelon]] and other population centers. Three Israeli civilians were killed in a direct hit on a home in [[Kiryat Malachi]],<ref name=Algemeiner_live-updates/> and rockets hit [[Tel Aviv]] for the first time since the 1991 [[Gulf War]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=291954|title=Gaza rocket hits area south of Tel Aviv for first time|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|date=15 November 2012|first1=Yaakov|last1=Lappin|first2=Tovah|last2=Lazaroff}}}</ref> By 15 November, 70 Israelis had been injured in rocket attacks.<ref>[http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=291984 70 Israelis injured in rocket attacks in last 24 hours], Jerusalem Post 15 November 2012</ref> Israel's [[Iron Dome]] missile defense system intercepted at least 300 rockets.<ref name=ha5>[http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/live-blog-iron-dome-intercepts-rocket-over-tel-aviv-netanyahu-says-israel-will-agree-to-ceasefire-if-rockets-from-gaza-stop-1.478624 LIVE BLOG], Haaretz 18 November 2012</ref><ref name=toi5a/>


During the operation, Hamas, the al-Qassam Brigades and the [[Palestinian Islamic Jihad]] (PIJ) further intensified [[Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel|their rocket attacks on Israeli]] cities and towns, in an operation code named '''Operation Stones of Baked Clay''' ({{langx|ar|حجارة سجيل}}, ''ḥijārat sijīl'') by the al-Qassam Brigades,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.al-sharq.com/ArticleDetails.aspx?AID=216556&CatID=103&Title=%D9%83%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%A8+%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%85+%D8%AA%D8%A8%D8%AF%D8%A3+%D8%B9%D9%85%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9+%22%D8%AD%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9+%D8%B3%D8%AC%D9%8A%D9%84%22+%D8%B6%D8%AF+%D8%A5%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%8A%D9%84|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121216034429/http://www.al-sharq.com/ArticleDetails.aspx?AID=216556&CatID=103&Title=%D9%83%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%A8+%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%85+%D8%AA%D8%A8%D8%AF%D8%A3+%D8%B9%D9%85%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9+%22%D8%AD%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9+%D8%B3%D8%AC%D9%8A%D9%84%22+%D8%B6%D8%AF+%D8%A5%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%8A%D9%84|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 December 2012|title=كتائب القسام تبدأ عملية "حجارة سجيل" ضد إسرائيل|publisher=Al-sharq.com|date=15 November 2012|access-date=20 November 2012}}</ref> firing over 1,456 rockets into Israel, and an additional 142 which fell inside Gaza itself.<ref name=BanKiMoonStatement2012Nov21>{{cite web|author1=Ban Ki-moon|author2=UN Secretary-General|title=Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council [as delivered]|date=21 November 2012|location=Tel Aviv|url=https://www.un.org/sg/statements/index.asp?nid=6452|access-date=22 November 2012|quote="Overall, in that same time period, more than 1,456 rockets have been fired from Gaza into Israel. 142 have fallen inside Gaza itself. Approximately 409 were intercepted by the Iron Dome anti-missile system. (...) Since Israel's targeted assassination from the air, on 14 November, of Ahmed Jaabari, chief of Hamas' military wing, and with Israel's offensive in Gaza in its eighth day, the Israel Defense Forces publicly reported that it has conducted strikes at more than 1,450 targets in Gaza."|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305021750/http://www.un.org/sg/statements/index.asp?nid=6452|url-status=live}}</ref> Palestinian militant groups used weapons including Iranian-made [[Fajr-5]], Russian-made [[Grad rocket|Grad]] rockets, [[Qassam rocket|Qassams]], and mortars.{{citation needed|date=December 2012}} Some of these weapons were fired into [[Rishon LeZion]], [[Beersheba]], [[Ashdod]], [[Ashkelon]], and other population centers. [[Tel Aviv]] was hit for the first time since the 1991 [[Gulf War]], and rockets were fired at [[Jerusalem]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Gaza-terrorists-fire-two-rockets-at-Tel-Aviv|title=Gaza rocket hits area south of Tel Aviv for first time|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|date=15 November 2012|first1=Yaakov|last1=Lappin|first2=Tovah|last2=Lazaroff|access-date=13 December 2013|archive-date=19 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219020011/https://www.jpost.com//Defense/Gaza-terrorists-fire-two-rockets-at-Tel-Aviv|url-status=live}}</ref> The rockets killed three Israeli civilians in a direct hit on a home in [[Kiryat Malachi]].<ref name=Algemeiner_live-updates/><ref name=toi7b/><ref name=gu18/> By the end of the operation, six Israelis had been killed, two hundred forty were injured, and more than two hundred had been treated for anxiety by [[Magen David Adom]], an Israeli medical organization.{{refn|<ref name="IsraelOfficialNumbers"/><ref name=aftereight /><ref name="sixteen">{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/MDA-16-injured-in-South-on-sixth-day-of-operation|title=MDA: 16 injured in South on sixth day of operation|work=The Jerusalem Post|date=19 November 2012|access-date=19 November 2012|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002064916/https://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/MDA-16-injured-in-South-on-sixth-day-of-operation|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=70injured>[http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/70-Israelis-injured-in-rocket-attacks-in-last-24-hours 70 Israelis injured in rocket attacks in last 24 hours] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219015934/https://www.jpost.com//Breaking-News/70-Israelis-injured-in-rocket-attacks-in-last-24-hours |date=19 February 2019 }}, Jerusalem Post 15 November 2012</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Oster|first=Marcy|url=http://www.jta.org/2012/11/22/news-opinion/israel-middle-east/soldier-dies-of-injuries-from-gaza-mortar|title=Title: six Israelis die in Operation Pillar of Defense. JTA. 12 Nov|publisher=Jewish Telegraphic Agency|date=22 November 2012|access-date=3 June 2013|archive-date=1 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001142454/https://www.jta.org/2012/11/22/news-opinion/israel-middle-east/soldier-dies-of-injuries-from-gaza-mortar|url-status=live}}</ref>}} About 421 rockets were intercepted by Israel's [[Iron Dome]] missile defense system, another 142 fell on Gaza itself, 875 fell in open areas, and 58 hit urban areas in Israel.<ref name=BanKiMoonStatement2012Nov21/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887324712504578136931078468210|title=Israel's Iron Dome Defense Battled to Get Off the Ground|last=Levinson|first=Charles|author2=Adam Entous|date=26 November 2012|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|access-date=26 November 2012|archive-date=13 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013053408/http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887324712504578136931078468210|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Shaul Hamelech Street bus bombing|A bus in Tel Aviv]] was bombed by an [[Arab-Israeli]], injuring 28 civilians.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4309791,00.html|title=Terror attack: Blast on Tel Aviv bus; 28 hurt|publisher=Ynet News|date=21 November 2012|access-date=27 January 2013|archive-date=29 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329123906/https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4309791,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
The [[European Union]], [[United States]], [[United Kingdom]], [[France]] and other Western countries expressed support for Israel's right to defend itself, and/or condemned the Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel.<ref>{{cite web|location=[[Lebanon|LB]]|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2012/Nov-15/195155-russia-condemns-disproportionate-strikes-on-gaza.ashx#axzz2CJLCPknc|title=Russia condemns 'disproportionate' strikes on Gaza|work =The Daily Star|date=15 November 2012|accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref>[[Iran]], [[Egypt]], [[Turkey]] and several other Arab and Muslim countries condemned the Israeli operation.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/466271/at-the-un-pakistan-slams-israels-offensive-in-gaza/|title=At the UN, Pakistan slams Israel's offensive in Gaza|work=The Express Tribune| location=[[Pakistan|PK]]|date=15 November 2012|accessdate=16 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| date =15 November 2012| url=http://www.bna.bh/portal/en/news/533367|title=Morocco Strongly Condemns Israeli Raids on Gaza|agency=Bahrain News Agency|place=Rabat, [[Bahrain|BH]]|accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date =15 November 2012| location=[[China|CN]]|url=http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/744662.shtml|title=Sudanese president condemns Israeli strikes on Gaza|work=Global Times|accessdate =15 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| date=15 November 2012|url=http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=456924|title=Lebanese president: Israeli attack on Gaza obstructs peace|publisher =NOW Lebanon|accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref> [[Russia]], [[China]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/2012/11/15/259-China-voices-grave-concern-over-Israeli-military-operation-in-Gaza-.html|title =China voices grave concern over Israeli military operation in Gaza| publisher=Newstrack|location=Beijing, CN; [[India|IN]]|date=15 November 2012|accessdate=16 November 2012}}</ref> expressed neutral{{cn|date=November 2012}} positions. The [[United Nations Security Council]] held an emergency session on the situation but did not reach a decision.<ref>{{cite news|location=[[United Kingdom|UK]]|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/9679500/Gaza-toll-rises-as-UN-calls-for-end-to-the-bloodshed.html|title =Gaza toll rises as UN calls for end to the bloodshed| work=The Daily Telegraph|date=15 November 2012|accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref>


Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other Western countries expressed support for what they considered Israel's right to defend itself, or condemned the Hamas rocket attacks on Israel.{{refn|<ref name=ashton>{{Cite news|last=Lazaroff|first=Tovah|url=http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/Ashton-Merkel-say-Israel-has-right-to-defend-itself|title=Ashton, Merkel say Israel has right to defend itself|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|date=16 November 2012|access-date=13 December 2013|archive-date=19 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219015755/https://www.jpost.com//Diplomacy-and-Politics/Ashton-Merkel-say-Israel-has-right-to-defend-itself|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=us>{{cite press release|title=Gaza Rocket Attacks|location=US|publisher=Department of State|date=14 November 2012|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2012/11/200551.htm|access-date=14 November 2012|archive-date=30 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630145600/https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2012/11/200551.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=uk>{{cite web|title=Foreign Secretary statement on Gaza and southern Israel|location=UK|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretary-statement-on-gaza-and-southern-israel|publisher=Foreign & Commonwealth Office|access-date=15 November 2012|archive-date=1 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001220538/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretary-statement-on-gaza-and-southern-israel|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=france>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/palestinians-israel-idUSL5E8MF10320121115|title=UPDATE 8-Rockets hits near Tel Aviv as Gaza death toll rises|work=Reuters|date=14 November 2012|access-date=18 November 2012|first=Nidal|last=al-Mughrabi|archive-date=17 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121117183223/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/15/palestinians-israel-idUSL5E8MF10320121115|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=australia>{{cite press release|title=Gillard condemns attacks on Israel|publisher=Fairfax Media|location=AU|date=16 November 2012|first=Bianca|last=Hall|url=http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/gillard-condemns-attacks-on-israel-20121116-29fx8.html|access-date=16 November 2012|archive-date=18 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140118135538/http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/gillard-condemns-attacks-on-israel-20121116-29fx8.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://m.euractiv.com/details.php?aid=516096 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606104652/http://m.euractiv.com/details.php?aid=516096 |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 June 2013 |language=fr |title=Les ministres européens mettent en garde Israël quant à l'escalade de la violence à Gaza |trans-title=European ministers warn Israel about escalade of violence in Gaza |publisher=EurActiv |date=16 November 2012 }}</ref><ref name=bulgaria>{{cite web|url=http://www.mfa.bg/en/events/73/4/539/index.html|title=Foreign minister Nikolay Mladenov commenting on the situation in southern Israel and the Gaza Strip|publisher=[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Bulgaria)]]|date=15 November 2012|access-date=16 November 2012|archive-date=12 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012054637/http://www.mfa.bg/en/events/73/4/539/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=canada>{{cite press release|title=Canada Condemns Hamas and Stands with Israel|publisher=Foreign Affairs and International Trade|location=CA|date=14 November 2012|url=http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2012/11/14a.aspx?lang=eng&view=d|access-date=15 November 2012|archive-date=11 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911124726/http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2012/11/14a.aspx?lang=eng|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=czech>[http://www.mzv.cz/jnp/en/issues_and_press/statements/x2012_11_15_prohlaseni_mzv_cr_k_aktualnimu_vyvoji_situace_v_izraeli_a_pasmu_gazy.html Statement of MFA on Israel and the Gaza Strip] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523074243/http://www.mzv.cz/jnp/en/issues_and_press/statements/x2012_11_15_prohlaseni_mzv_cr_k_aktualnimu_vyvoji_situace_v_izraeli_a_pasmu_gazy.html |date=23 May 2013 }}, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic 15 November 2012</ref><ref name=netherlands>[http://www.government.nl/news/2012/11/13/timmermans-condemns-rocket-attacks-on-israel-from-gaza.html Timmermans condemns rocket attacks on Israel from Gaza] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150720212004/http://www.government.nl/news/2012/11/13/timmermans-condemns-rocket-attacks-on-israel-from-gaza.html |date=20 July 2015 }}, Government of the Netherlands 13 November 2012</ref><ref name=DS>{{cite web|location=LB|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2012/Nov-15/195155-russia-condemns-disproportionate-strikes-on-gaza.ashx#axzz2CJLCPknc|title=Russia condemns 'disproportionate' strikes on Gaza|work=The Daily Star|date=15 November 2012|access-date=15 November 2012|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002020201/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2012/Nov-15/195155-russia-condemns-disproportionate-strikes-on-gaza.ashx#axzz2CJLCPknc|url-status=live}}</ref>}} [[China]],<ref>{{cite web|access-date=30 August 2019|title=Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on November 19, 2012|url=https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/ce/cgny/eng/fyrth/t991273.htm|website=Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in New York|publisher=[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China]]|date=19 November 2012|archive-date=30 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830082526/https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/ce/cgny/eng/fyrth/t991273.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Iran]], [[Russia]], [[Egypt]], [[Turkey]], and several other Arab and Muslim countries condemned the Israeli operation.{{refn|<ref name=DS/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/466271/at-the-un-pakistan-slams-israels-offensive-in-gaza/|title=At the UN, Pakistan slams Israel's offensive in Gaza|work=The Express Tribune|location=PK|date=15 November 2012|access-date=16 November 2012|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002021822/https://tribune.com.pk/story/466271/at-the-un-pakistan-slams-israels-offensive-in-gaza/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=15 November 2012|url=http://www.bna.bh/portal/en/news/533367|title=Morocco Strongly Condemns Israeli Raids on Gaza|agency=Bahrain News Agency|place=Rabat, [[Bahrain|BH]]|access-date=15 November 2012|archive-date=25 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725111606/http://www.bna.bh/portal/en/news/533367|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=15 November 2012 |url=http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=456924 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121209051912/http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=456924 |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 December 2012 |title=Lebanese president: Israeli attack on Gaza obstructs peace |publisher=NOW Lebanon |access-date=15 November 2012 }}</ref>}} The [[United Nations Security Council]] held an emergency session on the situation, but did not reach a decision.<ref>{{cite news|location=UK|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/9679500/Gaza-toll-rises-as-UN-calls-for-end-to-the-bloodshed.html|title=Gaza toll rises as UN calls for end to the bloodshed|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=15 November 2012|access-date=15 November 2012|archive-date=1 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001220525/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/9679500/Gaza-toll-rises-as-UN-calls-for-end-to-the-bloodshed.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After days of negotiations between Hamas and Israel, a ceasefire mediated by Egypt was announced on 21 November.<ref name=nytceasefire>{{cite news|title=Cease-Fire Between Israel and Hamas Takes Effect|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/22/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-conflict.html?hp&gwh=7805A95E7C5A8ED7D507C91A0EEB4003|access-date=22 November 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|first1=David D.|last1=Kirkpatrick|first2=Jodi|last2=Rudoren|date=21 November 2012|archive-date=1 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001222217/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/22/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-conflict.html?hp&gwh=7805A95E7C5A8ED7D507C91A0EEB4003|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Owen|first=Paul|title=Israel-Gaza: truce talks ongoing in Cairo&nbsp;– live updates|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/middle-east-live/2012/nov/19/israel-gaza-hamas-rocket-fire-idf-bombing|work=The Guardian|date=19 November 2012|access-date=19 November 2012|archive-date=1 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001220551/https://www.theguardian.com/world/middle-east-live/2012/nov/19/israel-gaza-hamas-rocket-fire-idf-bombing|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[http://www.timesofisrael.com/palestinians-turn-to-egypt-as-idf-steps-up-airstrikes/ Iron Dome protects Tel Aviv as army warns of long fight ahead] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124113454/https://www.timesofisrael.com/palestinians-turn-to-egypt-as-idf-steps-up-airstrikes/ |date=24 November 2018 }}, ''Times of Israel'' 17 November 2012</ref> Both sides claimed victory. Israel said that it had achieved its aim of crippling Hamas's rocket-launching ability,<ref>[http://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-won-in-gaza-but-may-have-to-engage-with-hamas-again-soon-barak-says/ Israel dealt Hamas 'a heavy blow' and is prepared to resume offensive if need be, Netanyahu says] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216062538/http://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-won-in-gaza-but-may-have-to-engage-with-hamas-again-soon-barak-says/ |date=16 December 2018 }}, Times of Israel 22 November 2012</ref> while Hamas stated that Israel's option of invading Gaza had ended.<ref>[http://www.timesofisrael.com/gaza-leader-haniyeh-thanks-iran-for-helping-make-israel-scream-with-pain/ Gaza leader Haniyeh thanks Iran for helping make Israel ‘scream with pain'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207100404/http://www.timesofisrael.com/gaza-leader-haniyeh-thanks-iran-for-helping-make-israel-scream-with-pain/ |date=7 December 2018 }}, Times of Israel 22 November 2012</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=IBRAHIM BARZAK and KARIN LAUB The Associated Press|url=http://thechronicleherald.ca/world/188333-hamas-claims-victory-as-ceasefire-starts|title=Hamas claims victory as ceasefire starts|work=The Chronicle Herald|date=22 November 2012|access-date=3 June 2013|archive-date=12 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012111210/http://thechronicleherald.ca/world/188333-hamas-claims-victory-as-ceasefire-starts|url-status=live}}</ref> According to [[Human Rights Watch]], both sides violated the [[Law of war|laws of war]] during the fighting.<ref name="HRW Unlawful attacks on media">{{cite web|author1=Sarah Leah Whitson|author2=Middle East director|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2012/12/20/israelgaza-unlawful-israeli-attacks-palestinian-media|title=Israel/Gaza: Unlawful Israeli Attacks on Palestinian Media|publisher=Human Rights Watch|date=20 December 2012|access-date=3 June 2013|archive-date=20 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150720201958/http://www.hrw.org/news/2012/12/20/israelgaza-unlawful-israeli-attacks-palestinian-media|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="HRWHamas"/><ref name="HRWreport"/>
There have been ongoing negotiations between Hamas and Israel toward a ceasefire brokered by Egypt.<ref>[http://www.timesofisrael.com/palestinians-turn-to-egypt-as-idf-steps-up-airstrikes/ Iron Dome protects Tel Aviv as army warns of long fight ahead], Times of Israel 17 November 2012</ref>

==Etymology==
{{Further|Pillar of Cloud}}
Although the official English name of the operation is ''Pillar of Defense'', the [[Hebrew]] name translates as ''[[Pillar of Cloud]]''. Eytan Buchman, head of the IDF's North American media desk, explained that this usage refers to the [[Pillar of Cloud]] in the [[Hebrew Bible|Bible]] that protected the Israelites during [[the Exodus]] and guided them to the [[Promised Land]] ({{Bibleverse||Exodus|13:21–22|HE}}).<ref name="Gilgoff">{{cite news|url=http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/11/20/name-of-israels-anti-hamas-operation-has-biblical-meaning/|title=Name of Israel's anti-Hamas operation has biblical meaning|last=Gilgoff|first=Dan|work=CNN|access-date=25 November 2012|date=20 November 2012|archive-date=18 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418191354/http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/11/20/name-of-israels-anti-hamas-operation-has-biblical-meaning/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Hebrew Bible]] and the [[New Testament]] elaborate on the story, specifying that the Pillar of Cloud shielded the Israelites from the Egyptians' arrows and catapults. The analogy is thus to the Israel Defense Forces, which shielded Israeli citizens from rocket attacks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tabletmag.com/scroll/116790/heres-what-pillar-of-defense-actually-means|title=Here's What 'Pillar of Defense' Actually Means|last=Rosenberg|first=Yair|date=14 November 2012|work=[[Tablet Magazine]]|access-date=18 November 2012|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002065104/https://www.tabletmag.com/scroll/116790/heres-what-pillar-of-defense-actually-means|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Hamas]] labelled its actions as "Operation Stones of Shale" ([[Qur'an]] [[Al-Fil|105]]:4).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=6423|title=Israel, Hamas escalate fire as IDF prepares ground troops|date=15 November 2012|work=[[Israel HaYom]]|access-date=18 November 2012|archive-date=12 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012111013/http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=6423|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Background==
==Background==
{{Main|Gaza–Israel conflict}}
{{Main|Gaza–Israel conflict}}
{{transcluded section|2014 Israel-Gaza conflict|part=yes}}
{{Further|List of Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel, 2012|March 2012 Gaza–Israel clashes}}
{{Further|Blockade of the Gaza Strip|List of Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel, 2012|March 2012 Gaza–Israel clashes}}
Following Hamas' [[Battle of Gaza (2007)|seizure of power]] in the [[Gaza Strip]] after its victory in legislative elections in 2007, Israel enacted a closure policy on the enclave, making Gaza's economic and humanitarian position precarious.<ref name=AFP>{{cite news|title=Gaza, an impoverished and besieged sliver of land|url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gBvUmtlSFnySdNXKCxRBH0Q1jorg?docId=CNG.cddd441c7c4ca34f51e4e1f72f107e16.271|accessdate=17 November 2012|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=16 November 2012}}</ref> The United States, United Nations and Arab League consider Israel to be an occupying power in Gaza, until a broader Israeli-Palestinian Agreement is reached.<ref>{{cite news|title=Is Gaza 'occupied' territory?|url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/01/06/israel.gaza.occupation.question/index.html|publisher=[[CNN News]]}}</ref> While United States, the European Union, Canada and Japan consider Hamas a terrorist organization,<ref name=SD1>[http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/65462.pdf "Country reports on terrorism 2005"], [[United States Department of State]]. Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism. US Dept. of State Publication 11324. April 2006. p 196</ref> Norway,<ref name="norway1">{{Cite news|title=Norway turns down US request over Hamas representatives' visit|url=http://english.people.com.cn/200604/25/eng20060425_260826.html|publisher=Peoples Daily China|date=25 April 2006|accessdate=19 July 2008}}</ref> Russia<ref>{{Cite news|last=Eke|first=Steven|title=Moscow risks anger over Hamas visit|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4769204.stm|publisher=BBC|accessdate=18 May 2010|date=3 March 2006}}</ref> and Turkey<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=davutoglu-meets-hamas-chief-in-damascus-2010-07-20|title=Turkish FM Davutoğlu meets Hamas chief amid Israel row|publisher=Hurriyetdailynews.com|date=|accessdate=2 August 2011}}</ref> do not.


The Gaza Strip is defined by the [[1949 Armistice lines]] following the [[1948 Arab–Israeli war]]. About 1.1 of 1.5 million residents of Gaza are registered as refugees from the war.<ref name=bbcQandA /> Egypt [[Egyptian occupation of the Gaza Strip|occupied Gaza]] from 1948 to 1967 and with the [[Six-Day War]] Israel became the occupying power.
In late 2008 and early 2009 a three-week armed conflict (the "[[Gaza War]]") took place, after a truce broke down which had largely held since June that year when six Hamas fighters were killed in an Israeli incursion into the Gaza strip.<ref name=BBCGI>{{cite news|title=Rockets fired after Gaza clashes|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7709603.stm|accessdate=18 November 2012|newspaper=BBC|date=5 November 2008}}</ref> Some 1,400 Gazans and 13 Israelis were killed in the course of Israel's shelling, air attacks and ground invasion, and Gazan militant rocket attacks against Israel.<ref name=ReutersGW>{{cite news|title=Israel hammers Hamas in Gaza offensive|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/14/us-palestinians-israel-hamas-idUSBRE8AD0WP20121114|accessdate=18 November 2012|newspaper=Reuters|date=14 November 2012}}</ref> <ref name=NYTGaza>{{cite news|title=Israeli Air Assault on Gaza|url=http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/gaza_strip/index.html|accessdate=18 November 2012|newspaper=New York Times|date=Updated: 16 November 2012}}</ref> Israel's stated aim was to stop rocket fire into Israel, after 2378<ref name=Rockets2008-1 /><ref name=Rockets2008-2 />{{dead link|date=November 2012}}<ref name=Rockets2008-3 />{{dead link|date=November 2012}} rockets and mortars were [[List of Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel, 2008|launched from Gaza into Israel]] over an eleven month period. In the aftermath of Israel's operation, [[List of Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel, 2010|rocket attacks in 2009]] plummeted to 190<ref name=Rockets2009-1 /> in all. Tensions between Israel and the Hamas-governed Gaza Strip continued, as the two sides experienced periodic fighting, and rocket fire has been on a steady rise: 375<ref name=Rockets2010-1 /><ref name=Rockets2010-2 /> [[List of Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel, 2011|rocket attacks in 2011]] and 797<ref name=Rockets2011-1 /> [[List of Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel, 2012|attacks in 2012]] (up to 13 November). According to Israeli human rights group, [[B'Tselem]], the Israeli security forces have killed 271 Palestinians in the Gaza strip between the end of Operation Cast Lead and 30 October 2012.<ref name="B'TselemCL">{{cite web|title=Fatalities after operation "Cast Lead"|url=http://old.btselem.org/statistics/english/Casualties.asp?sD=19&sM=01&sY=2009&filterby=event&oferet_stat=after|work=B'Tselem|publisher=B'Tselem|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref>


{{#section::2014 Israel-Gaza conflict|BlockadeFull}}
Israel will hold elections for the Knesset on 22 January 2013, and some sources{{weasel word}} suggest the operation was timed to improve the current government's electoral prospects.<ref name=C4N>{{cite news|title=What is behind the violence in Gaza?|url=http://www.channel4.com/news/what-is-really-behind-gaza-violence|accessdate=17 November 2012|newspaper=Channel 4 News|date=16 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Israeli election weighs on Gaza conflict fears|url=http://www.dw.de/israeli-election-weighs-on-gaza-conflict-fears/a-16383902|publisher=[[Deutsche Welle]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Israeli attacks on Gaza send a message to Iran|url=http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/middle-east/israeli-attacks-on-gaza-send-a-message-to-iran|date=17 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Ruth Pollard|title=Tension fuelled by election and UN bid|url=http://www.smh.com.au/world/tension-fuelled-by-election-and-un-bid-20121115-29dg9.html|work=[[Sydney Morning Herald]]}}</ref> Israel denies that the operation is related to the elections.<ref>{{cite news|title=Analysis: Renewed Israel-Hamas conflict fed by Arab Spring, deep hatred - and Israeli election|url=http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Analysis+Renewed+IsraelHamas+conflict+Arab+Spring+deep+hatred/7561379/story.html|work=[[The Vancouver Sun]]|date=16 November 2012}}</ref>


In late December 2008, a series of escalations culminated in Israel [[Gaza War (2008–09)|launching]] aerial and naval attacks on Gaza and a few days later, a ground invasion. The conflict resulted in between 1,166 and 1,417 Palestinian and 13 Israeli deaths (4 from friendly fire), with significant damage to infrastructure in Gaza. It ended with a unilateral ceasefire by Israel, followed by Hamas declaring a one-week ceasefire.
===Pre-operation events===
According to the Israel Security Agency, [[Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel|rockets have been launched from Gaza into Israel]] continually throughout 2012. The agency stated that 92 attacks occurred in October, with a total 171 rockets and mortar shells fired against Israel.<ref name=CSMDM>{{cite news|last=Murphy|first=Dan|title=How many rockets were fired from Gaza at Israel this year?|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Backchannels/2012/1115/How-many-rockets-were-fired-from-Gaza-at-Israel-this-year|accessdate=18 November 2012|date=15 November 2012}}</ref>Palestinian groups regularly planted bombs alongside the border and attacked Israeli farmers with rocket attacks.<ref name="rocketsquad">{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=289054|title=IAF hits 3 rocket-launching terror squads overnight|publisher=Jerusalem Post|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref>


The Palestinian-Israeli conflict in its current form dates to the [[Fatah–Hamas conflict|split in the Palestinian Authority]] in 2006, which precipitated an armed conflict between [[Hamas]] and [[Fatah]]. By June 2007, [[Hamas]] had taken over the [[Governance of the Gaza Strip|Government in Gaza]] and ousted its rival [[Fatah]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120218222140/http://www.iiss.org/publications/strategic-comments/past-issues/volume-13-2007/volume-13-issue-5/hamas-coup-in-gaza/ Hamas coup in Gaza], in [[International Institute for Strategic Studies]] Volume 13, Issue 5, June 2007: 'While there was truth in Fatah's charge that the Hamas offensive in Gaza was tantamount to a coup, Hamas's counter-claim that it was defending a democratically elected government against a campaign to remove it from power was also not unfounded. Over the previous year, Fatah gunmen had repeatedly assaulted parliamentary premises and Hamas-run ministries. Fatah commanders of the PSF openly refused to take orders from the government, while the Fatah-dominated civil service conducted a debilitating strike from September 2006 to January 2007. The PA's preventive security apparatus in Gaza conducted a small-scale campaign of assassinations and abductions against Hamas, to which it responded in kind; by early June it had effectively decapitated the preventive security and smaller, Fatah-dominated general intelligence frameworks.'</ref> Following the takeover, Israel and [[Egypt]] largely sealed their border crossings with Gaza, making Gaza's economic and humanitarian position precarious.<ref>Raji Sourani, in Chantal Meloni, Gianni Tognoni (eds.) ''Is There a Court for Gaza?: A Test Bench for International Justice,'' T.M.c. Asser Press, 2012 p.17.</ref><ref name=AFP>{{cite news|title=Gaza, an impoverished and besieged sliver of land|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gBvUmtlSFnySdNXKCxRBH0Q1jorg?docId=CNG.cddd441c7c4ca34f51e4e1f72f107e16.271|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301205420/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gBvUmtlSFnySdNXKCxRBH0Q1jorg?docId=CNG.cddd441c7c4ca34f51e4e1f72f107e16.271|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 March 2014|access-date=17 November 2012|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=16 November 2012}}</ref> The [[International Committee of the Red Cross]] declared that Israel's blockade of Gaza constituted "collective punishment" and was a violation of [[international humanitarian law]],<ref name="BBC-ICRC-blockade" /> and the UN [[Food and Agriculture Organization]] report on Gaza also concluded that the blockade was illegal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://unispal.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/0/9A265F2A909E9A1D8525772E004FC34B|title=Farming without Land, Fishing without Water: Gaza Agriculture Sector Struggles to Survive|publisher=United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs|date=25 May 2010|access-date=3 June 2013|archive-date=20 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120015051/https://unispal.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/0/9A265F2A909E9A1D8525772E004FC34B|url-status=live}}</ref> A UN Report of the Secretary-General's Panel of Inquiry described Israel's naval enforcement of the blockade as legal and appropriate.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/02/world/middleeast/02flotilla.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0|title=Report Finds Naval Blockade by Israel Legal but Faults Raid|work=The New York Times|access-date=19 November 2012|first1=Neil|last1=MacFarquhar|first2=Ethan|last2=Bronner|date=1 September 2011|archive-date=26 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121126054644/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/02/world/middleeast/02flotilla.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0|url-status=live}}</ref> Israel withdrew its civilian and military personnel in 2005. However, the United States, [[United Nations]], and [[Arab League]] consider Israel to be an occupying power in the territory, as it controls the Strip's air and sea borders, as well as its contact with the West Bank.<ref>{{cite news|title=Is Gaza 'occupied' territory?|url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/01/06/israel.gaza.occupation.question/index.html|publisher=[[CNN]]|date=6 January 2009|access-date=17 November 2012|archive-date=21 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090121084340/http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/01/06/israel.gaza.occupation.question/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Hamas]] is a Palestinian [[Islamist]] armed group designated as a [[List of designated terrorist organizations|terrorist organization]] by the United States,<ref name=SD1>[https://2009-2017.state.gov/documents/organization/65462.pdf "Country reports on terrorism 2005"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715154955/https://2009-2017.state.gov/documents/organization/65462.pdf |date=15 July 2019 }}, [[United States Department of State]]. Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism. US Dept. of State Publication 11324. April 2006. p 196</ref> the European Union,<ref name="eu">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3100518.stm|title=EU blacklists Hamas political wing|work=BBC News|date=11 September 2003|access-date=18 November 2012|archive-date=7 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207203122/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3100518.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Canada,<ref name="canadaterror">{{cite web|url=http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/prg/ns/le/cle-eng.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120816003232/http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/prg/ns/le/cle-eng.aspx|archive-date=16 August 2012|title=Currently listed entities|date=5 March 2010|publisher=Public Safety Canada|access-date=3 December 2012}}</ref> and Japan.<ref name="Japan's Diplomatic Bluebook 2005">{{cite web|url=http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/other/bluebook/2005/ch3-a.pdf|title=Japan's Diplomatic Bluebook 2005|year=2005|access-date=21 November 2012|archive-date=23 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110223183108/http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/other/bluebook/2005/ch3-a.pdf|url-status=live}}."In accordance with the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Law, it <nowiki>[Japan]</nowiki> has frozen the assets of a total of 472 terrorists and terrorist organizations, including ..., as well as those of Hamas ..."</ref> It has called for the destruction of Israel since 1988.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-palestinians-qaeda-idUSL1229777020070312 Hamas says still seeks Israel's destruction] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423002530/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-palestinians-qaeda-idUSL1229777020070312 |date=23 April 2023 }}, Reuters 12 March 2007</ref> Russia,<ref>{{cite news|last=Eke|first=Steven|title=Moscow risks anger over Hamas visit|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4769204.stm|publisher=BBC|access-date=18 May 2010|date=3 March 2006|archive-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707232103/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4769204.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Turkey,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/default.aspx?pageid=438&n=davutoglu-meets-hamas-chief-in-damascus-2010-07-20|title=Turkish FM Davutoğlu meets Hamas chief amid Israel row|publisher=Hurriyetdailynews.com|date=7 July 2010|access-date=2 August 2011|archive-date=16 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916210207/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/default.aspx?pageid=438&n=davutoglu-meets-hamas-chief-in-damascus-2010-07-20|url-status=live}}</ref> and Norway<ref name="norway1">{{cite news|title=Norway turns down US request over Hamas representatives' visit|url=http://english.people.com.cn/200604/25/eng20060425_260826.html|publisher=Peoples Daily China|date=25 April 2006|access-date=19 July 2008|archive-date=15 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515144502/http://english.people.com.cn/200604/25/eng20060425_260826.html|url-status=live}}</ref> do not designate Hamas as a terrorist organization.
After a week in which dozens of rockets struck Israel and Israeli conducted strikes against militant targets in Gaza in response,<ref name="rocketsquad"/> in a major escalation on 24 October, Gazans fired 80 rockets and mortars into southern Israel in a 24-hour period. Thirty-two missiles struck the Lachish region and 28 the western Negev. A rocket strike on the agricultural area of the Eshkol region severely wounded two Thai workers. Earlier that day 3 Palestinians were killed by airstrikes and Israeli tanks returned fire at launching sites in Gaza. Hamas promised to "continue carrying the rifle...until the liberation of Palestine and the defeat of the occupation." <ref>[http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=289057 Palestinians fire 34 projectiles into s. Israel], Jerusalem Post 24 October 2012</ref><ref>[http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=289058 Three injured from Palestinian rocket attacks in Eshkol], Jerusalem Post 24 October 2012</ref><ref>[http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=289059 Fresh rocket, mortar barrage brings total to 72; 5 hurt], Jerusalem Post 24 October 2012</ref> There were no more casualties on either side until 2 November.


Tensions between Israel and the Hamas-governed Gaza Strip continued as the two sides experienced periodic fighting, which saw a major escalation in late 2008.<ref name=BBCGI>{{cite news|title=Rockets fired after Gaza clashes|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7709603.stm|access-date=18 November 2012|work=BBC News|date=5 November 2008|archive-date=29 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121129042138/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7709603.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Israel launched [[Operation Cast Lead]] in three weeks of air and ground assaults. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the action was a response to repeated [[Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel|rocket and mortars fire into Israel]] starting in December 2008, rising to 2,378 attacks over an eleven-month period leading to the operation.<ref name="Rockets2008-1">[http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/foreignpolicy/terrorism/palestinian/pages/missile%20fire%20from%20gaza%20on%20israeli%20civilian%20targets%20aug%202007.aspx#statistics The Hamas terror war against Israel] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418191353/http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/foreignpolicy/terrorism/palestinian/pages/missile%20fire%20from%20gaza%20on%20israeli%20civilian%20targets%20aug%202007.aspx#statistics|date=18 April 2023}}. [http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/ Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020203814/http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA|date=20 October 2017}}. 1 January 2009. ''See Statistics of Kassam rocket and mortar fire from the Gaza Strip subsection. Update: subsection has been removed. Cached website can be found here [https://web.archive.org/web/20111114125918/http://www.donga.com/e-county/sssboard/board.php?tcode=01001&s_work=view&no=343743&p_page=1&p_choice=&p_item=&p_category]''</ref> In the aftermath of the operation, there was a significant reduction in rocket and mortar fire from Gaza into Israel.
On 2 November a 22-year-old Palestinian was seriously wounded by Israeli tank fire on the central Gaza Strip. <ref> {{cite news|url=http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=533173|title=Israeli tank fire on central gaza strip}} </ref> On 5 November, Israeli soldiers shot and killed an unarmed 20-year-old Palestinian who approached a fence near Gaza's side of the border with Israel, reportedly ignoring warning shots and instructions to leave the area. He reportedly suffered from learning difficulties.<ref>[http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=290521 IDF fires on Palestinian approaching Gaza fence], Jerusalem Post 05-011-2012</ref><ref>[http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=533909 Soldiers shoot dead 20-year-old man near Gaza border]</ref><ref>{{Cite news| url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=290521|title=IDF fires on Palestinian approaching Gaza fence| newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|date=5 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news| date=6 November 2012|url=http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=533909| title=Soldiers shoot dead 20-year-old man near Gaza border| newspaper=Maan}}</ref> On 5 November a Palestinian road side bomb exploded and Israeli soldiers were injured. On 8 November, the IDF made a short-range incursion into Gaza after finding more bombs along the border, leading to a gunfight with the [[Popular Resistance Committees]].<ref name="barrage">{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=291278|title=Barrage of rocket attacks slam southern Israel|publisher=Jerusalem Post|accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref> During the clash, a 13-year-old Palestinian boy was killed according to Palestinians "by machine-gun fire, either from IDF helicopters or tanks that took part in the incident."<ref name="thirteen">{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=291094|title=Palestinian report: IDF kills 13-year-old in Gaza|work=The Jerusalem Post|date=2012‐11‐8|first=Yaakov|last=Lappin|accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="Reuters">{{Cite news|accessdate =15 November 2012| first1=Nidal|last1=Almughrabi|first2=Jeffrey|last2=Heller|editor-first=Mark|editor-last=Heinrich|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/08/us-palestinians-israel-violence-idUSBRE8A711O20121108|title=Israeli gunfire kills Palestinian boy in Gaza clash: medics|agency=Reuters|date=8 November 2012}}</ref> Later that day, Palestinian militants detonated an explosives-packed tunnel they had dug on the border, wounding four Israeli soldiers.<ref>{{Cite news| last=Lappin|first=Yaakov|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=291120|title=Gazans set off explosives in massive tunnel|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|date=9 November 2012}}</ref><ref name=globe/><ref name="Reuters"/> Hamas' military wing claimed responsibility for the blast, stating that it was in response to the killing of the boy.<ref name=BBCGaza>{{cite news|title=Gaza: Palestinians killed and Israeli soldiers injured|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20282793|accessdate=17 November 2012|newspaper=BBC|date=11 November 2012}}</ref>


After the 2008–2009 escalation the two sides observed an informal and uneasy cease-fire, although rocket fire from Gaza never completely stopped and Israel conducted raids in Gaza. The IDF noted a steady increase in the number of rockets fired into southern Israel by militant groups in Gaza. By [[List of Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel, 2011|2011]], there were 680,<ref name=Rockets2011-1>{{cite web|url=http://www.idf.il/1283-14436-en/Dover.aspx|title=IDF Spokesperson|publisher=Israel Defense Forces|date=5 January 2012|access-date=3 June 2013|archive-date=12 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012054345/https://www.idf.il/1283-14436-en/Dover.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[List of Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel, 2012|in 2012]], 797 (through 13 November).{{citation needed|date=December 2012}} Hamas demanded that Israel end the naval [[2007–present blockade of the Gaza Strip|blockade]] of Gaza's coastline as a condition to end rocket fire.<ref>{{cite news|title=Gaza rockets strain Israel–Hamas truce|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2008/0625/p25s04-wome.html|newspaper=[[The Christian Science Monitor]]|access-date=21 November 2012|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002064547/https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2008/0625/p25s04-wome.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Hamas may consider new truce with Israel|url=http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2008/12/23/62633.html|publisher=[[Al Arabiya]]|date=23 December 2008|access-date=21 November 2012|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002064732/https://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2008/12/23/62633.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Israeli Official Arrives in Cairo for 'Gaza Truce Talks' as Hamas Demands End to 'Aggression, Assassinations'|url=http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/61263-israeli-official-arrives-in-cairo-for-gaza-truce-talks-as-hamas-demands-end-to-aggression-assassinations|date=18 November 2012|access-date=21 November 2012|archive-date=1 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001220633/http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/61263-israeli-official-arrives-in-cairo-for-gaza-truce-talks-as-hamas-demands-end-to-aggression-assassinations|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Fares|last=Akram|title=Hamas Confirms Commitment to Cease-Fire|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/25/world/middleeast/25mideast.html?_r=0|work=The New York Times|date=24 December 2010|access-date=25 February 2017|archive-date=1 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001223758/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/25/world/middleeast/25mideast.html?_r=0|url-status=live}}</ref> According to Israeli human rights group, [[B'Tselem]], the Israeli security forces killed 273 Palestinians in the Gaza strip between the end of [[Operation Cast Lead]] and 30 October 2012, 113 of whom were civilians not taking part in hostilities.<ref name="B'TselemCL">{{cite web|title=Fatalities after operation "Cast Lead" |url=http://www.btselem.org/statistics/fatalities/after-cast-lead/by-date-of-event |work=B'Tselem |access-date=18 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308112551/http://www.btselem.org/statistics/fatalities/after-cast-lead/by-date-of-event |archive-date=8 March 2013 }}</ref>
According to [[Arutz Sheva]], 2 [[Qassam rocket]]s were fired into Israel on 9 November, exploding in open ground.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Elad|last=Benari|url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/161911|title=Gaza Rockets Explode in Eshkol Region|publisher=Arutz Sheva|date=9 November 2012}}</ref>


According to Israeli security officials, Hamas, aided by Iranian technical experts and the Sudanese government, smuggled into Gaza Iranian-made [[Fajr-5]] rockets with increased range and lethality. This move placed the highly populated Israeli central district and other metropolitan areas in range of rocket attacks.<ref name="NYT Rockets Bolster Hamas">{{cite news|title=With Longer Reach, Rockets Bolster Hamas Arsenal|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/18/world/middleeast/arms-with-long-reach-bolster-hamas.html|access-date=18 November 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=17 November 2012|first=Ethan|last=Bronner|archive-date=18 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118024628/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/18/world/middleeast/arms-with-long-reach-bolster-hamas.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto"/> However, the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, Major General [[Mohammad Ali Jafari]] stated, "We haven't sent any weapons to Gaza because it is under blockade, but we are honoured to announce that we gave them the technology of how to make Fajr-5 missiles."<ref name="theguardian.com">[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/nov/21/iran-supplied-hamas-missile-technology Iran supplied Hamas with Fajr-5 missile technology] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001220519/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/nov/21/iran-supplied-hamas-missile-technology |date=1 October 2018 }} ''[[The Guardian]]'' 21 November 2012</ref> [[Ali Larijani]] said Iran was "honored" to help Gaza's Hamas with "material and military aspects".<ref name="NASSER KARIMI Associated Press 21 November 2012">{{cite news|url=http://tehrantimes.com/politics/103510-iran-transferred-fajr-5-missile-technology-to-gaza-irgc-chief-|title=Senior Iranian commander: Iran transfers Fajr-5 missile technology to Gaza's Hamas|agency=Associated Press|date=21 November 2012|access-date=21 November 2012|first=Nasser|last=Karimi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127184339/http://www.tehrantimes.com/politics/103510-iran-transferred-fajr-5-missile-technology-to-gaza-irgc-chief-|archive-date=27 November 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> According to Reuters, there were roughly 35,000 Palestinian militants in Gaza as of November 2012.<ref name=Reuters14/> Israel, which receives billions of dollars of military aid from the US, has a conscript army of 175,000, with 450,000 in reserve equipped with modern weapons systems including [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 fighter-bombers]], [[Apache helicopter]] gun ships, and [[Merkava]] tanks.<ref name="Reuters14">{{cite news|title=Israel hammers Hamas in Gaza offensive|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-palestinians-israel-hamas-idUSBRE8AD0WP20121114|access-date=20 November 2012|newspaper=Reuters|date=14 November 2012|quote=But their estimated 35,000 Palestinian fighters are still no match for Israel's F-16 fighter-bombers, Apache helicopter gun ships, Merkava tanks and other modern weapons systems in the hands of a conscript force of 175,000, with 450,000 in reserve.|archive-date=22 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422013711/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-palestinians-israel-hamas-idUSBRE8AD0WP20121114|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Rs16>{{cite news|title=Israel authorizes more reservists after rockets target cities|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-palestinians-israel-hamas-idUSBRE8AD0WP20121116|access-date=20 November 2012|work=Reuters|date=16 November 2012|quote=Egypt and Israel both receive billions of dollars in U.S. military aid|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305051840/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-palestinians-israel-hamas-idUSBRE8AD0WP20121116|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Gaza rocket November 2012.PNG|thumb|right|A rocket fired from the Gaza strip in mid-November 2012]]
On 10 November, militants fired an [[anti-tank missile]] at an IDF [[AIL Storm|Jeep]] on routine patrol near Israel's side of the border, wounding four soldiers, one of whom is in critical condition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idfblog.com/2012/11/14/live-updates-idf-terror-targets-gaza/|title=Live Updates: IDF Launches Widespread Attack on Gaza Terror Targets|date=14–6 November 2012|publisher=Israel Defense Forces|accessdate=16 November 2012}}</ref><ref name=globe>{{cite news|last=Martin|first=Patrick|title=Israel and Gaza step back from the brink|url=http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/israel-and-gaza-step-back-from-the-brink/article5261905/?cmpid=rss1|accessdate=15 November 2012|newspaper =The Globe and Mail|date=13 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="pound">{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=291300|title=Gaza groups pound Israel with over 100 rockets|work=The Jerusalem Post|date=12 November 2012|accessdate=14 November 2012|last=Lappin|first=Yaacov}}</ref><ref name="Barzak">{{cite news|url=http://news.yahoo.com/attack-jeep-israeli-army-kills-4-gaza-175914332.html|title=After attack on jeep, Israeli army kills 4 in Gaza|last=Barzak|first=Ibrahim|date=10 November 2012|agency=Associated Press|accessdate=14 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Akram|first1=Kershner|last2=Fares|first2=Isabel|title=Violence Surges on Israeli-Gaza Border|date=2011‐11‐10–1|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/11/world/middleeast/israel-uses-tanks-and-machine-guns-to-fire-into-gaza-palestinians-say.html?_r=0|work=The New York Times|accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref> The IDF shelled the source of the fire and pre-chosen targets in the [[Shuja'iyya|Sa'ajiya]] area. Hamas spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said that four teenagers were killed.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=291231|title=Gazan anti-tank missile hits IDF jeep, injuring four|last=Lappin|first=Yaakov|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post| date=10 November 2012|accessdate=2012‐11‐16}}</ref><ref name="Barzak"/> Gaza militants then fired at least 30 rockets and several mortar shells into southern Israel, causing the [[Color Red]] siren to sound in [[Ashdod]], Ashkelon, Gan Yavne and surrounding areas causing Israelis within seven kilometers of the Gaza Strip to remain near protected areas. The Gan Yavne regional council canceled school because of the rocket barrage.<ref name="barrage"/><ref>{{Cite news| first1=Gili|last1=Cohen|first2=Yaniv|last2=Kubovich|first3=Jack|last3=Khoury|first4=Avi|last4=Issacharoff|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/four-idf-soldiers-wounded-when-gaza-anti-tank-missile-hits-jeep-on-border.premium-1.476521|title=Four IDF soldiers wounded when Gaza anti-tank missile hits jeep on border|newspaper=Haaretz|date=10 November 2012|location=[[Israel|IL]]}}</ref>


According to Israeli security officials, Hamas, with aid from Iranian technical experts and the Sudanese government, smuggled into Gaza Iranian-made [[Fajr-5]] rockets with increased range and lethality, placing the highly populated Israeli central district, and other metropolitan areas in range.<ref name="NYT Rockets Bolster Hamas" /><ref name="auto">{{cite web|first=John|last=Pike|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/para/hamas-qassam.htm|title=HAMAS Rockets|publisher=Globalsecurity.org|access-date=20 November 2012|archive-date=5 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905075208/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/para/hamas-qassam.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, Major General [[Mohammad Ali Jafari]] stated "We haven't sent any weapons to Gaza because it is under blockade, but we are honoured to announce that we gave them the technology of how to make Fajr-5 missiles."<ref name="theguardian.com"/> Meanwhile, [[Ali Larijani]] said Iran was "honored" to help Gaza's Hamas with "material and military aspects".<ref name=autogenerated3>{{cite news|url=http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/089e1adbfa5f4aeea01551ef4e1e9ba6/ML--Iran-Gaza |title=Senior Iranian commander: Iran transfers Fajr-5 missile technology to Gaza's Hamas |agency=Associated Press |date=21 November 2012 |access-date=21 November 2012 |author=Karimi, Nasser}}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> There are roughly 35,000 Palestinian militants in Gaza.<ref name=Reuters14/> Israel, which receives billions of dollars of military aid from the US, has a conscript army of 175,000, with 450,000 in reserve equipped with modern weapons systems including [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 fighter-bombers]], [[Apache helicopter]] gun ships and [[Merkava]] tanks.<ref name="Reuters14"/><ref name=Rs16 />
The sides continued to exchange fire for several days after the incident. Palestinian militants fired more than 100 [[Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel|rockets]], striking homes in Israeli cities, one landing near a school. Several Israelis were wounded by shrapnel in a barrage designed to coincide with the morning commute to work. Two people were injured when their car sustained a direct hit.<ref name="pound"/><ref name="homes">{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/air-force-strikes-multiple-terror-targets-in-gaza/|title=Rockets hit homes in south as fire continues for second day|publisher=Times of Israel|accessdate=14 November 2012}}</ref> Schools across southern Israel were closed. The mayor of [[Beersheba]], Ruvik Danilovich, explained, "we have experienced hits on our education institutions in the past ... 40,000 children will remain at home today because of the attack that hit us out of the blue."<ref name="today">{{cite web|url=http://www.israeltoday.co.il/NewsItem/tabid/178/nid/23383/Default.aspx|title=Schools closed after rockets hit Israel|publisher=Israel Today|accessdate=14 November 2012}}</ref> Israel carried out further airstrikes in Gaza. Six Palestinian militants were killed, including one militant belonging to the [[Palestinian Islamic Jihad]].<ref name="Barzak"/>


==Pre-operation events==
In the days before the operation, Prime Minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] and Defense Minister [[Ehud Barak]] said that "Israel's reaction will come at the appropriate time." However, following a cabinet meeting in the morning before the operation, Minister [[Benny Begin]] said that "the current exchange of hostilities seems to be over". According to one Israeli analyst, these mixed messages, the expected diplomatic repercussions from Egypt and the risks of a war on the eve of the Israeli elections are three factors designed to foster a [[laissez-faire]] atmosphere for Gaza's Palestinian leaders.{{vague|date=November 2012}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mako.co.il/news-military/security/Article-812624f87c00b31004.htm|title=Under the surface: The Israeli deception that preceeded the operation in the Gaza Strip|date=15 November 2012|agency=Channel 2 News|accessdate=15 November 2012|last=Segal|first=Udi|location=IL|language=Hebrew}}</ref>
[[File:Gaza Strip Access Restrictions.pdf|thumbnail|[[Gaza Strip]], with Israeli-controlled borders and limited fishing zone]]


Several factors acted to increase tensions between Israel and Hamas.
On 12 November, Hamas and [[Palestinian Islamic Jihad|PIJ]] officials indicated a willingness to discuss a ceasefire. A PIJ spokesman said, "The ball is in Israel's court. The resistance factions will observe Israel's behavior on the ground and will act accordingly." However, the Israeli military claims Palestinians fired 12 rockets on 12 November.<ref name="balmer1">{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/12/us-palestinians-israel-violence-idUSBRE8AB07Y20121112|title=Gaza militants signal truce with Israel after rockets|last=Balmer|first=Crispian|coauthors=Nidal al-Mughrabi|date=12 November 2012|agency =[[Reuters]]|accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref> A factory and a house was hit, and three civilians were wounded.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-11-12/rocket-hits-israeli-yard-after-overnight-lull|title=Gaza fire increases pressure on Israel to hit back}}</ref> Israel asked the UN Security Council to condemn the rocket attacks, with Barak saying that Israel "would not accept the harm to daily life of our civilians".<ref name="balmer1" /><ref name="uneasy">{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=291678|title=Egypt mediates tacit truce on Gaza border|work=The Jerusalem Post|accessdate=15 November 2012|first=Yaakov|last=Lappin|date=2012‐11‐11}}</ref>


Israel restricted Gazan fishing due to concerns the fishing boats could be used for smuggling arms and other contraband.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/25/world/middleeast/gaza-cease-fire-expands-fishing-area-but-risks-remain.html Gaza Cease-Fire Helps Fishermen, but Risks Remain] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001223803/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/25/world/middleeast/gaza-cease-fire-expands-fishing-area-but-risks-remain.html |date=1 October 2018 }}, NY Times, December 2012</ref><ref>[http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4125226,00.html Navy prevents tobacco smugglers from reaching Gaza] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002070110/https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4125226,00.html |date=2 October 2018 }}, YNET, September 2011</ref> [[Palestinian Centre for Human Rights]] reported 92 Israeli attacks within the 3 miles zone against Palestinian fishermen in the first half of 2012 with 43 men arrested, 18 boats confiscated and 4 times equipment damaged and confiscated.<ref name=PCHR_June_2012>[http://pchrgaza.org/en/?p=5013 "Israeli Attacks on Palestinian Fishermen in the Gaza Sea"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002020357/https://pchrgaza.org/en/?p=5013 |date=2 October 2018 }}, Fact Sheet June 2012. PCHR, 2 July 2012</ref> Israel has imposed a limited fishing zone, limiting Gazan fishermen to fishing within three nautical miles instead of the twenty stipulated in the [[Oslo Accords]].<ref name=PCHR_bufferzone>[http://pchrgaza.org/en/?p=5003 "Gaza Strip: Attacks and their Consequences"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120140950/https://pchrgaza.org/en/?p=5003 |date=20 January 2019 }}, Fact Sheet September 2012. PCHR, 2 October 2012</ref> [[Fishery]] provides Gaza with a large share of its food production and provided more than 12,000 jobs. According to [[Amira Hass]], the Israeli Navy routinely fire on Palestinian fishermen, sometimes detaining and transferring them for a minor interrogation at the Shin Bet security service's offices in Ashdod.
An Israeli peace activist, Gershon Baskin, who was a mediator between Israel and Hamas in the negotiations that resulted in the release of [[Gilad Shalit]], reported that hours before the strike that killed [[Ahmed Jabari]], he received a draft of a permanent truce agreement between Israel and Hamas.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hasson|first=Nir|title=Israeli peace activist: Hamas leader Jabari killed amid talks on long-term truce|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israeli-peace-activist-hamas-leader-jabari-killed-amid-talks-on-long-term-truce.premium-1.478085|work=Haaretz|accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref><ref name=JTA>{{cite news|title=Israeli peace activist says Hamas' Jabari received truce document—and Israel knew|url=http://www.jta.org/news/article/2012/11/15/3112001/israeli-peace-activist-says-jabari-received-truce-document|accessdate=17 November 2012|newspaper=JTA|date=15 November 2012}}</ref><ref name=ToI>{{cite news|title=Israeli involved in talks with Hamas says Jabari supported long-term ceasefire|newspaper=The Times of Israel|date=15 November 2012}}</ref>
<ref name=Haaretz_blame_mullet>[http://www.haaretz.com/news/features/why-the-mullet-not-the-israel-navy-are-to-blame-for-the-death-of-a-gaza-fisherman.premium-1.472845 "Why the mullet, not the Israel Navy, are to blame for the death of a Gaza fisherman"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513222259/http://www.haaretz.com/news/features/why-the-mullet-not-the-israel-navy-are-to-blame-for-the-death-of-a-gaza-fisherman.premium-1.472845 |date=13 May 2015 }}. Amira Hass, Haaretz, 29 October 2012 (premium article)</ref>


According to the [[Palestinian Centre for Human Rights]], in July and August, 11 Israeli attacks took place and 2 fishermen were detained. One boat was confiscated.<ref name=PCHR_July-August_2012>[http://pchrgaza.org/en/?p=5010 "Israeli Attacks on Palestinian Fishermen in Gaza Sea"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419205427/http://pchrgaza.org/en/?p=5010 |date=19 April 2018 }}, Fact Sheet July–August 2012. PCHR, 3 September 2012</ref> On 28 September 2012, Israeli soldiers entered the Gaza Strip and attacked a group of Palestinian fishermen who were fishing at the beach near the border, wounding one of them and mortally wounding his brother.<ref name=PCHR_September_2012>[http://pchrgaza.org/en/?p=5002 "Israeli Attacks on Palestinian Fishermen in Gaza Sea"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924070650/https://pchrgaza.org/en/?p=5002 |date=24 September 2018 }}, Fact Sheet September 2012. PCHR, 1 October 2012</ref> The Israeli army said they had fired on two Palestinians who had entered a restricted zone near the security barrier.<ref name=Haaretz_blame_mullet/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ioN43hW5vfWvhLReATBl4YQzcR5Q?docId=CNG.f4d4fec426309741ec996fb87c31f219.1391 |title=Israelis kill Palestinian fisherman in Gaza: medics |publisher=AFP |date=29 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301205212/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ioN43hW5vfWvhLReATBl4YQzcR5Q?docId=CNG.f4d4fec426309741ec996fb87c31f219.1391 |archive-date=1 March 2014}}</ref> The family of the killed fisherman said that the fishers used to fish there and that the soldiers knew who they were and used to watch the Palestinian fishermen.<ref name=Maan_fish>[http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=531953 ''′No reason′ to shoot Gaza fisherman, family says''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006071906/http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=531953 |date=6 October 2014 }}. Ma'an News Agency, 24 October 2012</ref> In one of 11 other attacks in September, the Israeli Navy reportedly tried to drown two fishing boats.<ref name=PCHR_September_2012/> In October, PCHR documented 11 Israeli attacks against fishermen in which 8 fishermen were arrested while fishing approximately 2 miles off the shore. Two fishing boats and equipment were confiscated.<ref name=PCHR_October_2012>[http://pchrgaza.org/en/?p=4998 "Israeli Attacks on Palestinian Fishermen in the Gaza Sea"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012112523/http://pchrgaza.org/en/?p=4998 |date=12 October 2017 }}, Fact Sheet October 2012. PCHR, 13 November 2012</ref>
==The operation==
===14 November===
[[Image:Apartment building in the Israeli town of Kiryat Malachi that took a direct hit from a Hamas rocket. 3 residents were killed, and several others seriously wounded including a 1.5 year old baby.jpg|thumb|right|Israeli apartment building in [[Kiryat Malakhi]] hit by rockets]]
[[File:Burning car in Gaza after Israeli strike 2012.PNG|thumb|right|The operation began with an airstrike targeting the car of [[Ahmed Jabari]], chief of Hamas's military wing.]]
The operation began about 16h (Israel time) with an airstrike targeting [[Ahmed Jabari]], chief of Hamas's military wing.<ref name=telegraph /> Osama Hamdan, a Hamas representative in Lebanon, claimed that the airstrike also killed Jabari's son. Hamdan's claim was quickly shown to be false.<ref>[http://www.aljazeera.com/video/middleeast/2012/11/2012111418187773579.html Hamas spokesman: We will respond], Al Jazeera 14-11-2012</ref> The IDF released a video of this airstrike.<ref>{{cite web|title=Israeli air strike on Hamas military chief – video released by IDF| date=15 November 2012|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/video/2012/nov/15/israeli-air-strike-hamas-video-idf| work =The Guardian|location=UK|accessdate =16 November 2012}}</ref> The IDF also struck against 20 Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, including underground rocket launchers and an ammunition warehouse stocking Iranian-made, long-range [[Fajr-5]] missiles.<ref name=haaretz/> The IDF said that many of the targeted weapon stashes were in residential areas and evidenced "the pattern of Hamas to use the population in Gaza as human shields." Israel claims to have destroyed most of this long-range capability.<ref name="Lappin" /> An IDF spokesman said that the goal of the operation is to "bring back quiet to southern Israel, and... to strike at terror organizations."<ref name="Lappin">{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=291779|title=Israeli air strike kills Hamas military chief|last=Lappin|first=Yaakov|date=14 November 2012|work =[[The Jerusalem Post]]|accessdate =14 November 2012}}</ref> At the same time, Israeli spokespersons said that it would try "to avoid civilian casualties."<ref name=callup>{{cite news| title=Gaza rocket fire persists; gov't okays IDF reserves call-up|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4305624,00.html|newspaper=Ynet news|date=15 November 2012|location =[[Israel|IL]]|accessdate =15 November 2012}}</ref> On the same day, 11-month-old Omar Misharawi, son of Jihad Misharawi, a [[BBC Arabic]] video editor residing in Gaza, was reportedly killed. A colleague said Misharawi told him that his son was killed by an Israeli shell and that there had been no fighting in his neighborhood at the time.<ref>{{cite news|title=The story behind the photo: Journalist's 11-month-old son killed in Gaza strikes|first=Max|last=Fisher|accessdate=16 November 2012|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2012/11/15/the-story-behind-the-photo-journalists-11-month-old-son-killed-in-gaza-strikes/|work=The Washington Post|date=15 November 2012}}</ref>


Also in October 2012, there were several mutual Israeli–Palestinian attacks, each a response to a previous response/attack by the other side.<ref name=Haaretz_blame_mullet/> Palestinian farmers accused Israeli forces of opening fire on them and on local and international activists while they harvested olives near the border in the northern Gaza Strip. Israel said the army had no record of an attack in that area.<ref name=hrwbuild /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=529397|title=Israel 'opens fire' on olive harvesters in Gaza|date=17 October 2012|access-date=6 December 2012|publisher=Ma'n News Agency|archive-date=13 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213223113/http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=529397|url-status=live}}</ref> Palestinian groups planted bombs alongside the border and attacked Israeli farmers with rockets.<ref name="rocketsquad">{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/IAF-hits-3-rocket-launching-terror-squads-overnight|title=IAF hits 3 rocket-launching terror squads overnight|work=The Jerusalem Post|date=24 October 2012|access-date=18 November 2012|archive-date=6 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006201442/http://www.jpost.com/Defense/IAF-hits-3-rocket-launching-terror-squads-overnight|url-status=live}}</ref> According to a summary by [[Shin Bet]], 92 separate attacks occurred in October 2012, with 171 rockets and mortar shells fired against Israel.<ref name=CSMDM>{{cite news|last=Murphy|first=Dan|title=How many rockets were fired from Gaza at Israel this year?|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Security-Watch/Backchannels/2012/1115/How-many-rockets-were-fired-from-Gaza-at-Israel-this-year|work=Christian Science Monitor|access-date=18 November 2012|date=15 November 2012|archive-date=14 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114040442/http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Security-Watch/Backchannels/2012/1115/How-many-rockets-were-fired-from-Gaza-at-Israel-this-year|url-status=live}}</ref> Gazan groups alleged retaliation against Israeli attacks that had killed or wounded civilians and militants alike.
Gazan militants continued to fire rockets towards the Israeli cities of [[Beersheba]], [[Ashdod]], [[Ofakim]] and the [[Shaar Hanegev]] and [[Eshkol Regional Council]]. The [[Iron Dome]] missile defense system made 130 interceptions.<ref>{{Cite news|newspaper=Ynet news|title=Gaza op: IDF attacked 310 targets; 120 rockets intercepted|date=2012‐11‐15|place=[[Israel|IL]]|type=tweet|quote=IDF sources said that since the beginning of Operation Pillar of Defense 320 terror targets were successfully attacked in Gaza. In addition they stated that the defensive missile system Iron Dome has successfully intercepted 130 rockets fired at Israel.|first=Yoav|last=Zitun|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4306366,00.html}}</ref> About 55 rockets were launched on the evening of 14 November, including a [[Grad rocket]] fired in the direction of the [[Negev Nuclear Research Center]] near [[Dimona]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=291859|title=Iron Dome intercepts 13 Gaza rockets; 6 land near Beersheba|date=14–5 November 2012|work=The Jerusalem Post|accessdate=16 November 2012}}</ref> On the night of 14 November, Prime Minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] announced that the [[Israeli cabinet]] had authorized a partial call-up of reservists in case they were needed for a large ground-based operation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-prepared-to-broaden-operation-to-protect-southern-israel-netanyahu-says/|title=Wider offensive and possible ground operation on the table, as cabinet okays reserves call-up|last=Ben Zion|first=Ilan|date=14 November 2012|work=The Times of Israel|accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref>


An arms factory in [[Khartoum]], Sudan, alleged to have participated in arms-smuggling to Hamas, [[Yarmouk munitions factory explosion|exploded]] on 23 October 2012. The Israeli government refused to either confirm or deny its involvement, though the explosion was widely believed to be a long-range attack by the [[Israeli Air Force]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/sudan/9631769/Israeli-jets-bombed-weapons-factory-in-Khartoum-Sudan-claims.html|title=Israeli jets 'bombed weapons factory in Khartoum', Sudan claims|date=24 October 2012|access-date=20 November 2012|work=Daily Telegraph|location=London|first=David|last=Blair|archive-date=2 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102113713/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/sudan/9631769/Israeli-jets-bombed-weapons-factory-in-Khartoum-Sudan-claims.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Ian Black|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/oct/25/israeli-sudanese-factory-secret-war|title='Israeli attack' on Sudanese arms factory offers glimpse of secret war|work=The Guardian|date=25 October 2012|access-date=3 June 2013|archive-date=18 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118063826/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/oct/25/israeli-sudanese-factory-secret-war|url-status=live}}</ref>
===15 November===
[[File:Children under fire.jpg|thumb|Children in Israeli town run for shelter as the air-siren sounds, warning of incoming rockets]]


On 24 October, after a week in which dozens of rockets struck Israel and Israel conducted strikes against militant targets in Gaza,<ref name="rocketsquad" /> 80 rockets and mortars were fired from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel over a 24-hour period. Thirty-two missiles struck the [[Lachish|Lachish region]] and 28 the [[Negev|western Negev]]. A rocket strike on the agricultural area of the [[Eshkol Regional Council|Eshkol region]] severely wounded two Thai workers. Earlier that day three members of a Palestinian rocket-launching squad had been killed by airstrikes, and Israeli tanks had returned fire at launching sites in Gaza. Hamas promised to "continue carrying the rifle...until the liberation of Palestine and the defeat of the occupation."<ref>[http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Palestinians-fire-34-projectiles-into-s-Israel Palestinians fire 34 projectiles into s. Israel] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204024650/http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Palestinians-fire-34-projectiles-into-s-Israel |date=4 February 2016 }}, ''Jerusalem Post'' 24 October 2012</ref><ref>[http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Three-injured-from-Palestinian-rocket-attacks-in-Eshkol Three injured from Palestinian rocket attacks in Eshkol] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204024650/http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Three-injured-from-Palestinian-rocket-attacks-in-Eshkol |date=4 February 2016 }}, ''Jerusalem Post'' 24 October 2012</ref><ref>[http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Gazans-fire-80-rockets-at-Israel-in-24-hours Fresh rocket, mortar barrage brings total to 72; 5 hurt] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215023340/http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Gazans-fire-80-rockets-at-Israel-in-24-hours |date=15 December 2013 }}, ''Jerusalem Post'' 24 October 2012</ref> On 25 October, a ceasefire was allegedly negotiated by Egypt, but the existence of any truce was disputed both by Israeli and Palestinian officials.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/as-israel-hamas-ceasefire-takes-hold-life-in-the-south-goes-back-to-normal/|title=As Israel-Hamas ceasefire takes hold, life in the south goes back to normal|first1=Ron|last1=Friedman|first2=T. O. I.|last2=staff|website=www.timesofisrael.com|access-date=19 November 2012|archive-date=1 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001222124/http://www.timesofisrael.com/as-israel-hamas-ceasefire-takes-hold-life-in-the-south-goes-back-to-normal/|url-status=live}}</ref> Although aggression continued in the following days,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pchrgaza.org/portal/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8966:weekly-report-on-israeli-human-rights-violations-in-the-occupied-palestinian-territory-24-oct-07-nov-2012&catid=84:weekly-2009&Itemid=183|title=Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (24 Oct. -7 Nov. 2012)|publisher=Palestinian Center for Human Rights|date=8 November 2012|access-date=20 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924070307/http://www.pchrgaza.org/portal/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8966:weekly-report-on-israeli-human-rights-violations-in-the-occupied-palestinian-territory-24-oct-07-nov-2012&catid=84:weekly-2009&Itemid=183|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> there were no more casualties on either side until 2 November.
Israel continued its offensive through the night, carrying out over 100 strikes on targets in Gaza. An IDF spokesperson stated that seven militants had been killed in the overnight attacks.<ref name=ToI15>{{cite news|title=IDF pummels Gaza, orders call-up, after rockets encroach on Tel Aviv|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/southern-israel-under-fire-air-force-strikes-terrorist-targets-in-gaza/|accessdate=18 November 2012|date=15 November 2012}}</ref>


On 2 November, a 22-year-old Palestinian who, according to the [[Israel Defense Forces|IDF]], was suspected of attempting to place an explosive device on the Gaza-Israel border, was seriously wounded on Friday morning by Israeli tank fire.<ref>[http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/idf-fires-at-suspect-trying-to-place-explosive-device-on-gaza-border-1.474005 IDF fires at suspect trying to place explosive device on Gaza border] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513222303/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/idf-fires-at-suspect-trying-to-place-explosive-device-on-gaza-border-1.474005 |date=13 May 2015 }}, ''Haaretz'' 2 November 2012</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.maannews.com/Content.aspx?ID=533173|title=Palestinian seriously wounded by Israeli fire on central Gaza|website=Maan News Agency|access-date=7 August 2019|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002064729/http://www.maannews.com/Content.aspx?id=533173|url-status=dead}}</ref> According to the IDF, he had been suspected of attempting to place an explosive device on the Gaza-Israel border. On 5 November, Israeli soldiers shot and killed a 20-year-old Palestinian man who approached a fence near Gaza's side of the border with Israel, reportedly ignoring warning shots and instructions to leave the area. Palestinians said that the man was unarmed, suffered from mental issues, and was constantly on medication.<ref name="JPost IDF Fence">[http://www.jpost.com/Defense/IDF-fires-on-Palestinian-approaching-Gaza-fence IDF fires on Palestinian approaching Gaza fence] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002072024/https://www.jpost.com/Defense/IDF-fires-on-Palestinian-approaching-Gaza-fence |date=2 October 2018 }}, ''Jerusalem Post'' 05-011-2012</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=533909|title=Soldiers shoot dead 20-year-old man near Gaza border|publisher=Maannews.net|date=5 November 2012|access-date=20 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006080606/http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=533909|archive-date=6 October 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> His relatives later said that he had approached the border before, and that at those times, Israeli soldiers used to take him back to Gazan authorities.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/06/world/middleeast/gaza-israeli-forces-kill-palestinian-man.html|title=Gaza: Israeli Forces Kill Palestinian Man|work=The New York Times|date=5 November 2012|access-date=22 November 2012|archive-date=29 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121129213314/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/06/world/middleeast/gaza-israeli-forces-kill-palestinian-man.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 15 November, Thirteen Israelis were treated for injuries suffered during the morning. Three Israelis, a man and two women, were killed when a rocket struck a four-storey building in [[Kiryat Malachi]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Kristin Deasy|url=http://www.salon.com/2012/11/15/rocket_strike_in_israels_kiryat_malachi_kills_3/|title=Rocket strike in Israel's Kiryat Malachi kills 3|publisher=Salon|date=15 November 2012|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref>[[Magen David Adom]] paramedics treated five wounded people at the scene, including a 11-month-old child who was critically injured. A further five missiles were fired at the town as emergency services attempted to rescue those trapped inside the debris. A residence in Ashdod and a school in Ofakim were struck by rockets.<ref>{{cite web|author=Yaakov Lappin|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=291954|title=Gaza terrorists fire two rockets at Tel Aviv|publisher=The Jerusalem Post|date=16 November 2012|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref> During the morning the Israeli air force continued flying sorties to both to identify and destroy targets in the Gaza strip. The attacks included an airstrike on Khan Younis, in the Southern Gaza Strip, that led to the injury of four people including a woman and two children, according to Palestinian sources.<ref name=ToI15/>


On 5 November, a Palestinian roadside bomb exploded and Israeli soldiers were injured. On 7 November, the armed wing of the Hamas movement and the [[Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine|Islamic Jihad]] group fired a volley of rockets at Israel, a day after an Israeli strike against targets in the Gaza Strip. In the Israeli strike, one Islamic Jihad fighter had been wounded, as well as four children at a suspected rocket launch area. It also damaged a mosque and a water tower.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/10/2012107232838573238.html|title=Israel strikes Gaza after Hamas retaliation|date=8 October 2012|access-date=22 November 2012|publisher=Al Jazeera|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002064611/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/10/2012107232838573238.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 8 November, the IDF made a short-range incursion into Gaza after finding more bombs along the border, leading to a gunfight with the [[Popular Resistance Committees]].<ref name="barrage">{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Barrage-of-rocket-attacks-slam-southern-Israel|title=Barrage of rocket attacks slam southern Israel|work=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=15 November 2012|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002064715/https://www.jpost.com/Defense/Barrage-of-rocket-attacks-slam-southern-Israel|url-status=live}}</ref> During the clash, a 13-year-old Palestinian boy was killed. Palestinians claimed that his death occurred "by machine-gun fire, either from IDF helicopters or tanks that took part in the incident."<ref name="thirteen">{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Palestinian-report-IDF-kills-13-year-old-in-Gaza|title=Palestinian report: IDF kills 13-year-old in Gaza|work=The Jerusalem Post|date=8 November 2012|first=Yaakov|last=Lappin|access-date=15 November 2012|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002021911/https://www.jpost.com/Defense/Palestinian-report-IDF-kills-13-year-old-in-Gaza|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Reuters">{{cite news|access-date=15 November 2012|first1=Nidal|last1=Almughrabi|first2=Jeffrey|last2=Heller|editor-first=Mark|editor-last=Heinrich|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-palestinians-israel-violence-idUSBRE8A711O20121108|title=Israeli gunfire kills Palestinian boy in Gaza clash: medics|work=Reuters|date=8 November 2012|archive-date=15 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115090719/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-palestinians-israel-violence-idUSBRE8A711O20121108|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that day, Palestinian militants detonated an explosives-packed tunnel they had dug on the border, wounding four Israeli soldiers.<ref name="Reuters"/><ref>{{Cite news|last=Lappin|first=Yaakov|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Gazans-set-off-explosives-in-massive-tunnel|title=Gazans set off explosives in massive tunnel|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|date=9 November 2012|access-date=13 December 2013|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002064718/https://www.jpost.com/Defense/Gazans-set-off-explosives-in-massive-tunnel|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=globe/> Hamas's military wing claimed responsibility for the blast, stating that it was in response to the killing of the boy.<ref name=BBCGaza>{{cite news|title=Gaza: Palestinians killed and Israeli soldiers injured|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20282793|access-date=17 November 2012|work=BBC News|date=11 November 2012|archive-date=13 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113044646/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20282793|url-status=live}}</ref>
Israel put all of its communities with less than 15 seconds of warning from mortar/rocket attack in lockdown and closed all schools in less than 60-second warning radius.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=291906|title=Gazans fire 95 rockets after Jabari hit|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|date=15 November 2012|first1=Yaakov|last1=Lappin|first2=Tovah|last2=Lazaroff|postscript=}}</ref> The Israeli air force distributed leaflets over Gaza telling residents to keep a distance from away from Hamas facilities and their forces.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=537704|title=Israel army drops leaflets over Gaza Strip|date=15 November 2012|newspaper=Maan}}</ref>


According to [[Arutz Sheva]], 2 [[Qassam rocket]]s were fired into Israel on 9 November, exploding on open ground.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Elad|last=Benari|url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/161911|title=Gaza Rockets Explode in Eshkol Region|publisher=Arutz Sheva|date=9 November 2012|access-date=15 November 2012|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002020037/http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/161911|url-status=live}}</ref>
Two [[Fajr-5|Fajr]] rockets landed in the suburbs of [[Tel Aviv]] metropolis. No injuries were reported. This was the first time that [[Gush Dan]] has been targeted by missiles since the [[Persian Gulf War]], when [[Saddam Hussein]] launched a number of [[Scud]] missiles at Israel.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/southern-israel-under-fire-air-force-strikes-terrorist-targets-in-gaza/|title=IDF pummels Gaza, orders call-up, after rockets encroach on Tel Aviv area|date=15 November 2012|work=The Times of Israel|accessdate =15 November 2012}}</ref> On the night of 15 November, the Israeli Air Force launched a series of 70 bombing runs to destroy what it said were underground medium-range rocket launchers.<ref>{{cite news|last=Lappin|first=Yaakov|date=2012‐11‐15|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=292102|title=Air Force hits 70 Gaza Strip targets in an hour|work=[[The Jerusalem Post]]|accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref> Palestinian sources said that 15 people were killed in Gaza as a result of the IAF strikes, including five militants and two children during the airstrikes.<ref name="malachi">{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/rockets-rain-down-on-south-after-israel-launches-operation-pillar-of-defense/|title=Three dead in rocket attack on Kiryat Malachi|work=The Times of Israel| date=14 November 2012|accessdate=2012‐11‐16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Kevin|last=Connolly|title=Three Israelis killed by Gaza rocket as violence escalates|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-20336811|publisher=BBC|location=UK|accessdate=15 November 2012|date=2012‐11‐14}}</ref><ref name="TA">{{cite web|title=Gaza terrorists fire two rockets at Tel Aviv|first=Yaakov|last=Lappin|date=15 November 2012|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=291954|work=The Jerusalem Post|accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref><ref name=WP1115>{{cite news|title=Brief truce quickly collapses as Egypt's PM visits Gaza|first=Karin|last=Brulliard|accessdate=16 November 2012|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/3-israelis-killed-in-rocket-strike-from-gaza-intensive-israeli-assault-leaves-13-palestinians-dead/2012/11/15/22023084-2f1e-11e2-ac4a-33b8b41fb531_story.html|date=15 November 2012|work=The Washington Post}}</ref>


On 10 November, militants fired an [[anti-tank missile]] at an IDF [[AIL Storm|Jeep]] on routine patrol near Israel's side of the border. Four soldiers were wounded, one of whom was in critical condition following the attack.<ref name="JPost 100 rockets" /><ref name=globe>{{cite news|last=Martin|first=Patrick|title=Israel and Gaza step back from the brink|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/israel-and-gaza-step-back-from-the-brink/article5261905/|access-date=15 November 2012|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|date=13 November 2012|location=Toronto|archive-date=18 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118092115/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/israel-and-gaza-step-back-from-the-brink/article5261905/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Barzak">{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/attack-jeep-israeli-army-kills-4-gaza-175914332.html|title=After attack on jeep, Israeli army kills 4 in Gaza|last=Barzak|first=Ibrahim|date=10 November 2012|agency=Associated Press|access-date=14 November 2012|archive-date=14 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114002135/http://news.yahoo.com/attack-jeep-israeli-army-kills-4-gaza-175914332.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Akram|first1=Kershner|last2=Fares|first2=Isabel|title=Violence Surges on Israeli-Gaza Border|date=10 November 2011|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/11/world/middleeast/israel-uses-tanks-and-machine-guns-to-fire-into-gaza-palestinians-say.html|work=The New York Times|access-date=15 November 2012|archive-date=14 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114051750/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/11/world/middleeast/israel-uses-tanks-and-machine-guns-to-fire-into-gaza-palestinians-say.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The IDF shelled the source of the fire and pre-chosen targets in the [[Shuja'iyya|Sa'ajiya]] area. Four teenagers, aged 16 to 18, were killed by an Israeli airstrike in a sports stadium while they played soccer.<ref name="Barzak"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Gazan-anti-tank-missile-hits-IDF-jeep-injuring-four|title=Gazan anti-tank missile hits IDF jeep, injuring four|last=Lappin|first=Yaakov|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|date=10 November 2012|access-date=16 November 2012|archive-date=26 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726025356/http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Gazan-anti-tank-missile-hits-IDF-jeep-injuring-four|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/nov/30/footballers-u21-european-championship-israel|title=Footballers condemn plans to hold U21 European championship in Israel|work=The Guardian|date=30 November 2012|access-date=30 November 2012|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002233952/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/nov/30/footballers-u21-european-championship-israel|url-status=live}}</ref> Gaza militants then fired at least 30 rockets and several mortar shells into southern Israel, The [[Color Red]] siren was sounded in [[Ashdod]], Ashkelon, Gan Yavne, and surrounding areas causing Israelis within seven kilometers of the Gaza Strip to remain near protected areas. The Gan Yavne regional council canceled school because of the rocket barrage.<ref name="barrage"/><ref>{{cite news|first1=Gili|last1=Cohen|first2=Yaniv|last2=Kubovich|first3=Jack|last3=Khoury|first4=Avi|last4=Issacharoff|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/four-idf-soldiers-wounded-when-gaza-anti-tank-missile-hits-jeep-on-border.premium-1.476521|title=Four IDF soldiers wounded when Gaza anti-tank missile hits jeep on border|newspaper=Haaretz|date=10 November 2012|location=IL|access-date=15 November 2012|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716213041/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/four-idf-soldiers-wounded-when-gaza-anti-tank-missile-hits-jeep-on-border.premium-1.476521|url-status=live}}</ref>
===16 November===
[[Image:Flickr - The Israel Project - Israeli first responders remove one of three victims killed Nov 15 by a Hamas rocket. (5).jpg|thumb|right|Israeli paramedics remove one of three victims killed by a Hamas rocket]]
A rocket struck a home in Ashdod wounding five Israeli civilians.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=292277|title=Iron Dome intercepts 2 Fajr-5 missiles aimed at Tel Aviv|publisher=Jerusalem Post|accessdate=17 November 2012}}</ref> The prime minister of Egypt, [[Hisham Qandil]], paid a visit to the Gaza Strip on 16 November. His official purpose of the visit was to "show solidarity with the Palestinian people." He arranged for a 3-hour ceasefire to accommodate his visit.<ref>{{cite news|title=اسرائيل تعلن وقف عملياتها في غزة خلال زيارة رئيس وزراء مصر|language=Arabic|publisher=RT|date=2012‐11‐16|url=http://arabic.rt.com/news_all_news/news/599878/}}</ref><ref> {{cite news|last=Sherwood|first=Harriet|title=Gaza hospital draws on emergency reserves and waits for worse to come|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/nov/16/gaza-hospital-emergency-reserves|accessdate=16 November 2012|newspaper =Guardian|date=16 November 2012}}</ref> About 50 rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip during this window hitting sites in southern Israel. Hamas argued that the IDF bombed a Hamas commander's house in Gaza during the ceasefire,<ref>{{cite news|language=Arabic|date=2012‐11‐16|title=قتيلان و 7 جرحى في غارة اسرائيلية شمال غزة خلال زيارة رئيس الوزراء المصري الى القطاع|url=http://arabic.rt.com/news_all_news/news/599883/|publisher=RT }}</ref> something the IDF strongly denied, and accused Hamas of violating the cease fire.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/9681562/Israel-and-Gaza-conflict-rockets-from-Gaza-land-near-Jerusalem.html|title=Israel and Gaza conflict: rocket from Gaza lands near Jerusalem|last1=Greenwood|first1=Phoebe| first2=Damien|last2=McElroy|first3=Richard|last3=Spencer|date=16 November 2012|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|accessdate=16 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/11/16/egypt-led-truce-hopes-crumble-as-gaza-rocket-rattles-tel-aviv/|title=Egypt-led truce hopes crumble as Gaza rocket rattles Tel Aviv|publisher=National Post|accessdate=17 November 2012}}</ref>


The sides continued to exchange fire for several days after the incident. Palestinian militants fired more than 100 [[Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel|rockets]], striking homes in Israeli cities, one landing near a school. Several Israelis were wounded by shrapnel in a barrage designed to coincide with the morning commute to work. Two people were injured when their car sustained a direct hit.<ref name="JPost 100 rockets" /><ref name="homes">{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/air-force-strikes-multiple-terror-targets-in-gaza/|title=Rockets hit homes in south as fire continues for second day|work=Times of Israel|access-date=14 November 2012|archive-date=13 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113211957/http://www.timesofisrael.com/air-force-strikes-multiple-terror-targets-in-gaza/|url-status=live}}</ref> Schools across southern Israel were closed. The mayor of [[Beersheba]], Ruvik Danilovich, explained, "We have experienced hits on our education institutions in the past ... 40,000 children will remain at home today because of the attack that hit us out of the blue."<ref name="today">{{cite web|url=http://www.israeltoday.co.il/NewsItem/tabid/178/nid/23383/Default.aspx|title=Schools closed after rockets hit Israel|work=Israel Today|access-date=14 November 2012|archive-date=1 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001220530/http://www.israeltoday.co.il/NewsItem/tabid/178/nid/23383/Default.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> Israel carried out further airstrikes in Gaza. Six Palestinian militants were killed, including one militant belonging to the [[Palestinian Islamic Jihad]].<ref name="Barzak"/>
Through the evening of 16 November, around 500 rockets were fired from Gaza. [[Iron Dome]] intercepted 184 of these. Israel at this point had bombed about 500 targets in Gaza.<ref name="AFP">{{cite news|url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iZV78IKMHWZyqLrBYuEoor0MPZ9Q?docId=CNG.2cf3bc7be53e2f556cc0a63105c9224a.6f1|title=AFP: Israel's Iron Dome plays growing role in Gaza conflict|date=16 November 2012|agency=Agence France-Presse|publisher=Google|accessdate=16 November 2012}}</ref> Palestinan militants fired a rocket aimed at Jerusalem setting off air raid sirens in the city.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hamas fires rocket at Jerusalem|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/world-news/israel-vow-as-egypt-pm-visits-gaza-16238525.html|newspaper=[[The Belfast Telegraph]]|date=16 November 2012|accessdate=16 November 2012}}</ref> Hamas claimed that its militants have downed an Israeli [[F-16]] fighter;<ref>{{cite news|title=Palestinians shoot down Israeli fighter jet in Gaza|url=http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_11_16/Palestinians-shoot-down-Israeli-fighter-jet-in-Gaza/|publisher=[[The Voice of Russia]]|date=16 November 2012|accessdate=17 November 2012}}</ref> this was denied by Israel.


In the days before the operation, Prime Minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] and Defense Minister [[Ehud Barak]] said that Israel's reaction would come "at the appropriate time." However, following a cabinet meeting in the morning before the operation, Minister [[Benny Begin]] said that "the current exchange of hostilities seems to be over." According to one Israeli analyst, these mixed messages, the expected diplomatic repercussions from Egypt and the risks of a war on the eve of the Israeli elections were three factors designed to foster a [[laissez-faire]] atmosphere for Gaza's Palestinian leaders.{{vague|date=November 2012}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mako.co.il/news-military/security/Article-812624f87c00b31004.htm|title=Under the surface: The Israeli deception that preceded the operation in the Gaza Strip|date=15 November 2012|agency=Channel 2 News|access-date=15 November 2012|last=Segal|first=Udi|location=IL|language=he|archive-date=18 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118084353/http://www.mako.co.il/news-military/security/Article-812624f87c00b31004.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
Also that evening, the Israeli cabinet approved expanding the cap on reservist call-ups from 30,000 to 75,000.<ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=292195|title=Cabinet OKs 75,000 reservists for possible Gaza operation|last=Lappin|first=Yaakov|date=16 November 2012|work=[[The Jerusalem Post]]|accessdate=16 November 2012}}</ref> Foreign Minister [[Avigdor Lieberman]] said that the government was not considering an overthrow of the Hamas-led government in Gaza.<ref name=autogenerated2 />


On 12 November, Hamas and [[Palestinian Islamic Jihad]] (PIJ) officials indicated a willingness to discuss a ceasefire. A PIJ spokesman said, "The ball is in Israel's court. The resistance factions will observe Israel's behavior on the ground and will act accordingly." However, Palestinians fired 12 rockets at Israel throughout the day.<ref>[http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-will-not-accept-reality-of-gaza-rocket-fire-netanyahu-says.premium-1.477169 Israel will not accept reality of Gaza rocket fire, Netanyahu says] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150512145246/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-will-not-accept-reality-of-gaza-rocket-fire-netanyahu-says.premium-1.477169 |date=12 May 2015 }}, ''Haaretz'' 12 November 2012</ref><ref name="balmer1">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-palestinians-israel-violence-idUSBRE8AB07Y20121112|title=Gaza militants signal truce with Israel after rockets|last=Balmer|first=Crispian|author2=Nidal al-Mughrabi|date=12 November 2012|work=[[Reuters]]|access-date=15 November 2012|archive-date=6 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306094524/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-palestinians-israel-violence-idUSBRE8AB07Y20121112|url-status=live}}</ref> A factory and a house were hit, and three civilians were wounded.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-11-12/rocket-hits-israeli-yard-after-overnight-lull |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130118182832/http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-11-12/rocket-hits-israeli-yard-after-overnight-lull |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 January 2013 |title=Gaza fire increases pressure on Israel to hit back }}</ref> Israel asked the UN Security Council to condemn the rocket attacks, with Minister Barak saying that Israel "would not accept the harm to daily life of our civilians."<ref name="balmer1" /><ref name="uneasy">{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/Egypt-mediates-tacit-truce-on-Gaza-border|title=Egypt mediates tacit truce on Gaza border|work=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=15 November 2012|first=Yaakov|last=Lappin|date=11 November 2012|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002064913/https://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/Egypt-mediates-tacit-truce-on-Gaza-border|url-status=live}}</ref>
===17 November===
[[File:IronDome246.jpg|upright|thumb|[[Iron Dome]] intercepting a rocket above populated Israeli area during the fourth day of the operation]]
The IDF broadened its targets in the offensive from military targets to include Hamas government sites,<ref>{{cite news|last=Rodoren|first=Jodi|title=Israel Broadens Its Bombing in Gaza to Include Government Sites|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/18/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-conflict.html|publisher=New York Times|accessdate=17 November 2012}}</ref> with an Israeli air strike destroying the office building of the Hamas Prime Minister [[Ismail Haniyeh]] in Gaza. 30 people were rescued from the rubble of the building.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sherwood|first=Harriet|title=Israeli air strike hits Hamas PM's office|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/nov/17/israeli-air-strike-hamas-pm-office|publisher=The Guardian|accessdate=17 November 2012}}</ref> [[Tunisia]]n foreign minister [[Rafik Abdessalem]] visited [[Gaza]], and called on the world to stop Israel's "blatant aggression", saying it was "no longer acceptable or legal by any standards".<ref name=tunisslams>[http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jtGDPts4HoBMVR-RMU8P4u5-CWjg Tunisia foreign minister slams Israel on Gaza visit], AFP</ref>


Gershon Baskin, an Israeli peace activist who was a mediator between Israel and Hamas in the negotiations that resulted in the release of [[Gilad Shalit]], reported that hours before the strike that killed [[Ahmed Jabari]], Jabari had received a draft of a long-term ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.<ref>{{cite news|last=Baskin|first=Gershon|title=Assassinating The Chance For Calm|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/11/15/assassinating-the-chance-for-calm.html|work=The Daily Beast|date=15 November 2012|access-date=15 February 2013|archive-date=7 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507152532/http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/11/15/assassinating-the-chance-for-calm.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Baskin>{{cite news|last=Hasson|first=Nir|title=Israeli peace activist: Hamas leader Jabari killed amid talks on long-term truce|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israeli-peace-activist-hamas-leader-jabari-killed-amid-talks-on-long-term-truce.premium-1.478085|work=Haaretz|access-date=15 November 2012|archive-date=8 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508070310/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israeli-peace-activist-hamas-leader-jabari-killed-amid-talks-on-long-term-truce.premium-1.478085|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=JTA>{{cite news|title=Israeli peace activist says Hamas' Jabari received truce document—and Israel knew|url=http://www.jta.org/2012/11/15/news-opinion/israel-middle-east/israeli-peace-activist-says-hamas-jabari-received-truce-document-and-israel-knew|access-date=17 November 2012|newspaper=JTA|date=15 November 2012|archive-date=18 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218161112/http://www.jta.org/2012/11/15/news-opinion/israel-middle-east/israeli-peace-activist-says-hamas-jabari-received-truce-document-and-israel-knew|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=ToI>{{cite news|title=Israeli involved in talks with Hamas says Jabari supported long-term ceasefire|newspaper=The Times of Israel|date=15 November 2012}}</ref> According to Reuven Pedatzur, the negotiations had been conducted with the consent of [[Ehud Barak]], and a week before the strike IDF officials had asked to be briefed on their progress, but permission for the briefing was denied.<ref>Reuven Pedatzur, [http://www.haaretz.com/opinion/why-did-israel-kill-jabari.premium-1.482224 'Why did Israel kill Jabari?,'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013220710/https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/why-did-israel-kill-jabari.premium-1.482224 |date=13 October 2017 }} at ''Haaretz'', 4 December 2012.</ref>{{citation needed|reason=looking for non-premium source I can validate|date=January 2013}}
The [[World Health Organization]] reported that "Gaza hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties from Israel's bombings and face critical shortages of drugs and medical supplies." According to the Health Ministry officials in Gaza "382 people have been injured - 245 adults and 137 children."<ref>{{cite web|title=Gaza hospitals stretched, need supplies to treat wounded: WHO|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/17/us-palestinians-israel-who-idUSBRE8AG0I120121117|publisher=Reuters|accessdate=17 November 2012}}</ref>
Israel's Defense Ministry announced it will open the [[Kerem Shalom]] border crossing to allow civilian supplies to reach Gaza.<ref>{{cite web|title=Israel to open Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza for aid|url=http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=292313|accessdate=17 November 2012}}</ref> According to [[Magen David Adom]], Palestinian rocket attacks injured sixteen Israelis in the last 12 hours and twenty Israelis have been treated for shock.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=292325|title=16 Israelis injured in last 12 hours from rocket attacks|publisher=Jerusalem Post|accessdate=17 November 2012}}</ref>


==Operation timeline==
According to CNN, the Israeli government is moving tanks and soldiers in preparation for what could be a ground invasion of Gaza. <ref name="CNN ES brink">{{cite web|title=Israel on the brink of war: Violence escalating with Palestinian militants in Gaza - Early Start with John Berman & Zoraida Sam|url=http://earlystart.blogs.cnn.com/2012/11/16/israel-on-the-brink-of-war-violence-escalating-with-palestinian-militants-in-gaza/?iref=allsearch|work=CNN Early Start|publisher=CNN|accessdate=17 November 2012}}</ref> In the West Bank, several demonstrations in support of Gaza led to dozens of protesters injured and several arrested by Israeli forces.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dozens injured in West Bank rallies for Gaza|url=http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=538693|newspaper=Ma'an News Agency|date=17 November 2012|accessdate=17 November 2012}}</ref>
{{main|Timeline of Operation Pillar of Defense}}


===18 November===
==Ceasefire==
The two main parties, Israel and Hamas, refused to deal with each other directly. Instead, negotiations were conducted thorough intermediaries. Officials from the US and Egypt acted as the facilitators.<ref name="diplomacy">{{cite news|title=Israel and Hamas, the diplomatic dance behind the deal|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/israel-and-hamas-the-diplomatic-dance-behind-the-deal-1.1150712|date=22 November 2012|publisher=CBC News|access-date=13 December 2013|archive-date=12 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012111320/http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/israel-and-hamas-the-diplomatic-dance-behind-the-deal-1.1150712|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Ashkelon.jpg|thumb|Damage to property in Ashkelon caused by a rocket fired from Gaza on 18 November 2012.]]
Israel continued to bombard the Gaza Strip, and, for the first time, Israeli ships fired shells too. The IDF killed the head of Hamas' rocket program, Yahyia Byya, who according to IDF sources, had been responsible for most of the rocket attacks.<ref name="head">{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=292421|title=IDF assassinates head of Hamas' rocket program|publisher=Jerusalem Post|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref> A media tower was hit, with reports of 7 injured Palestinian journalists.<ref>{{cite news|title=Israel Bombs Gaza Media and Government Sites, Warning of ‘Expansion'|author=Jodi Rudoren, Isabel Kershner, and Alan Cowell|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/19/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-conflict.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=18 November 2012|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref> The tower contained the offices of [[Al-Quds TV]], [[Sky News]], [[Press TV]]<ref>{{cite web|author=|url=http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2012/11/18/273005/press-tv-building-in-gaza-hit-twice/|title=Press TV building in Gaza hit twice in Israeli bombings|date=18 November 2012|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref>, [[ARD (broadcaster)|ARD]], [[Kuwait Television|Kuwait TV]], [[RAI]] and [[ITN]], and had previously also been used by [[BBC]].<ref name=Nov18>{{cite news|title=Israel pounds Gaza for fifth day|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20383001|publisher=[[BBC News]]|date=18 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/office-of-prohamas-tv-bombed-by-israel-3-injured/article4108066.ece|title=Office of pro-Hamas TV bombed by Israel, 3 injured|publisher=Xinhua via The Hindu|date=18 November 2012|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref> The IDF said that it targeted Hamas communications devices located on the roofs of two media buildings. It condemned Hamas for using journalists as human shields.<ref name=toi5a/>


===Attempts at ceasefire===
Rockets were launched from Gaza towards Tel-Aviv, which was intercepted by Tel Aviv's iron dome.<ref>{{cite web|author=|url=http://www.sfgate.com/news/world/article/Israeli-police-say-2-more-rockets-fired-toward-4047359.php|title=Israeli police say 2 more rockets fired toward Tel Aviv, intercepted by defense system|publisher=AP via San Francisco Gate|date=18 November 2012|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref> According to Hamas television, the rockets were launched by the [[Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades|Qassam Brigades]]. Several rockets were fired at the south of Israel, one struck a building in Ashkelon injuring two people. The Iron Dome intercepted another two rockets fired at the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=292368|title=Iron Dome intercepts rockets over TA; 2 injured in Ashkelon|publisher=Jerusalem Post|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref>
Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas were mediated by Egypt. Egyptian president [[Mohamed Morsi]] predicted the negotiations would lead to positive results very soon. By contrast, [[US Secretary of State]] [[Hillary Clinton]], after meeting with Netanyahu, said that the process would take place in the "days ahead." [[UN Secretary-General]] [[Ban Ki-moon]] also met with Netanyahu to attempt to end the violence. Turkish foreign ministers and Arab League diplomats were sent to Gaza to promote a truce between the warring parties.<ref name=ceasefire>{{cite news|title=Ceasefire elusive as Israel-Hamas clash rages on|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ceasefire-elusive-as-israel-hamas-clash-rages-on-1.1172428|date=20 November 2012|publisher=CBC News|access-date=13 December 2013|archive-date=27 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627023447/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ceasefire-elusive-as-israel-hamas-clash-rages-on-1.1172428|url-status=live}}</ref>
A man from the Sha'ar Hanegev was seriously wounded by a rocket that struck the area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=292396|title=Rocket seriously wounds man in Sha'ar Hanegev region|publisher=Jerusalem Post|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref> Three rockets struck the city of Beersheba and a home in Sderot.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=292404|title=3 rockets strike Beersheba; no injuries|publisher=Jerusalem Post|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=292403|title=Rocket from Gaza strikes home in Sderot|publisher=Jerusalem Post|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref> Two rocket hit Ashdod after coming under fire from a large rocket salvo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=292407|title=Two rockets fired from Gaza hit Ashdod|publisher=Jerusalem Post|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=292411|title=Several Grad rockets fired at Ashdod, one hits building|publisher=Jerusalem Post|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref>In [[Ofakim]], a rocket struck a car wounding four people.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=292419|title=Gaza rocket strikes car in Ofakim, injures four|publisher=Jerusalem Post|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref> An elderly woman was injured by shrapnel from a rocket that struck a building in the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=292415|title=MDA: Elderly woman lightly injured in Ofakim rocket strike|publisher=Jerusalem Post|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref>


According to reports in Cairo, Israel made six demands for a ceasefire:<ref name="ynet">{{cite news|title=Palestinians: Israel demands 15-year lull, Morsi guarantee|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4308099,00.html|date=19 November 2012|publisher=YNet news|first=Elior|last=Levy|access-date=21 November 2012|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002024906/https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4308099,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
Israel facilitated the passage of eighty trucks loaded with medical supplies and food into the Gaza Strip through the [[Kerem Shalom]] crossing.<ref name=toi5a>[http://www.timesofisrael.com/peres-we-have-received-no-truce-offers-says-hamas-must-cease-rocket-fire-before-any-agreement-is-reached/ LIVE BLOG: OPERATION PILLAR OF DEFENSE, DAY 5, PART 2], Times of Israel 18 November 2012</ref>
# No violence for a period of more than 15 years.
# No smuggling or transfer of arms to Gaza.
# End of all rocket fire and attacks on Israeli soldiers.
# Israel reserves the right to attack terrorists in case of an attack or of a potential attack.
# Israeli-Gaza crossings will remain closed (although Gaza-Egypt crossings may remain open)
# Egypt's politicians must guarantee the above demands.

Hamas's demands for a ceasefire included the lifting of the naval blockade of Gaza, international community guarantees for the cessation of targeted killings, an end to IDF cross-border raids, and the cessation of attack.<ref name="ynet" /><ref>{{cite news|first=Lauren|last=Hood |title=Hamas lists demands for truce with Israel |url=http://www.itn.co.uk/World/61942/hamas-lists-demands-for-truce-with-israel |publisher=[[ITN]] |date=19 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130129082712/http://www.itn.co.uk/World/61942/hamas-lists-demands-for-truce-with-israel |archive-date=29 January 2013 }}</ref> Hamas leader [[Khaled Meshaal]] additionally wanted "international guarantees" for the lifting of the blockade.<ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt says truce 'soon' in Gaza|url=http://www.smh.com.au/world/egypt-says-truce-soon-in-gaza-20121118-29jvp.html|date=18 November 2012|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=21 November 2012|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002064527/https://www.smh.com.au/world/egypt-says-truce-soon-in-gaza-20121118-29jvp.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Ceasefire of 21 November===
On 21 November, [[Mohamed Kamel Amr]], the Egyptian Foreign Minister, and [[Hillary Clinton]], the US Secretary of State, announced a ceasefire that would take effect at 21:00 [[GMT]]+2.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=US Dept of State |title=Remarks With Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr |date=21 November 2012 |access-date=24 November 2012 |url=https://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2012/11/200960.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128095050/http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2012/11/200960.htm |archive-date=28 November 2012 }}</ref><ref>''Haaretz'', 21 November 2012; [http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/netanyahu-cease-fire-with-hamas-is-the-right-thing-for-israel-1.479654 ''Netanyahu: Cease-fire with Hamas is the right thing for Israel''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150512153227/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/netanyahu-cease-fire-with-hamas-is-the-right-thing-for-israel-1.479654 |date=12 May 2015 }}</ref> The agreement distributed by the Egyptian presidency reads:<ref>Haaretz, 21 November 2012; [http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/text-cease-fire-agreement-between-israel-and-hamas.premium-1.479653 "TEXT: Cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331081912/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/text-cease-fire-agreement-between-israel-and-hamas.premium-1.479653 |date=31 March 2015 }}</ref><ref name=EgyptianBrokered>{{cite news|title=Egyptian-brokered Hamas-Israel ceasefire takes hold|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/palestinians-israel-idUSL5E8MLKCV20121121|work=[[Montreal Gazette]]|date=21 November 2012|access-date=5 July 2021|archive-date=23 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423181848/https://www.reuters.com/article/palestinians-israel-idUSL5E8MLKCV20121121|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{Quote box
|align = center
|title = Understanding Regarding Ceasefire in Gaza Strip
|quote = 1.a. Israel shall stop all hostilities in the Gaza Strip land, sea and air including incursions and targeting of individuals.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;b. All Palestinian factions shall stop all hostilities from the Gaza Strip against Israel including rocket attacks, and all attacks along the border.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;c. Opening the crossings and facilitating the movements of people and transfer of goods, and refraining from restricting residents' free movements, and targeting residents in border areas and procedures of implementation shall be dealt with after 24 hours from the start of the ceasefire.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;d. Other matters as may be requested shall be addressed.<br />2. Implementation Mechanism:<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;a. Setting up the zero hour for the Ceasefire Understanding to enter into effect.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;b. Egypt shall receive assurances from each party that the party commits to what was agreed upon.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;c. Each party shall commit itself not to perform any acts that would breach this understanding. In case of any observations, Egypt&nbsp;– as the sponsor of this understanding&nbsp;– shall be informed to follow up.
|source =<small>Authored and distributed by: Office of the Egyptian president</small>}}

[[Khaled Mashal]], the exiled leader of Hamas, thanked Egypt for mediating the ceasefire and claimed that Israel had been defeated. He also praised Iran for providing militants with financing and arms.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mashaal: Gazans to respect truce if Israel does|url=http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/Mashaal-Gazans-to-respect-truce-if-Israel-does|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=13 December 2013|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002064843/https://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/Mashaal-Gazans-to-respect-truce-if-Israel-does|url-status=live}}</ref> Israeli Prime Minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] declared that Operation Pillar of Defense had been successful and thanked US President Obama for his "unwavering support for Israel's right to defend itself."<ref>{{cite news|title=PM: Cease-fire will allow Israelis to get back to routine|url=http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/PM-Cease-fire-will-allow-Israelis-to-get-back-to-routine|access-date=22 November 2012|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|archive-date=18 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130318160507/http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/PM-Cease-fire-will-allow-Israelis-to-get-back-to-routine|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Post-ceasefire incidents===
{{See also|2014 Israel–Gaza conflict#Violations of the truce}}
An explosion took place in Gaza in unclear circumstances after the ceasefire; no casualties were reported.<ref name=EgyptianBrokered/> A Palestinian man was killed and three others wounded by stray gunfire as gunmen in Gaza fired in the air to celebrate the ceasefire deal.<ref>{{cite news|title=Man killed by celebratory gunfire in Gaza|url=http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=540905|agency=Ma'an News Agency|date=22 November 2011|access-date=23 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121201062409/http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=540905|archive-date=1 December 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the hour after the ceasefire was declared, twelve rockets were launched from Gaza into Israel. All of them landed in open areas.<ref name=EgyptianBrokered /><ref>{{cite news|title=Gaza rockets hit Israel after ceasefire: police|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-palestinians-israel-rockets-idUSBRE8AK1B320121121|work=Reuters|access-date=25 November 2012|date=21 November 2012|archive-date=20 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220063212/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-palestinians-israel-rockets-idUSBRE8AK1B320121121|url-status=live}}</ref>
Air raid sirens sounded in Eshkol, Sderot, Hof Ashkelon, Ashdod, Kiryat Malachi and Sha'ar Hanegev. One rocket over Ashdod was intercepted by the Iron Dome.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4310174,00.html|title=Gaza rockets hit south after truce; IDF holds fire|work=Ynet|access-date=21 November 2012|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002021848/https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4310174,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The day after the ceasefire Israeli soldiers shot dead a Palestinian farmer and wounded another 19. The survivors, who thought the terms of the truce allowed them access to their land, said they ventured into the Israeli-established "[[buffer zone]]" inside Gaza's border to pray, while climbing on the Israeli Defense Wall.<ref>Jodi Rudoren and Isabel Kershner,[https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/24/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-conflict.html?hp 'Tension and Confusion Linger in Gaza Strip After Cease-Fire,'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924040652/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/24/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-conflict.html?hp |date=24 September 2018 }} ''[[The New York Times]]'', 23 November 2012:' The buffer zone was established in 2005, when Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip, which it had occupied since the 1967 war. Human rights organizations say that Israel drops leaflets warning residents to stay out of the area, and that its security forces killed 213 Palestinians near the fence between September 2005 and September 2012, including 154 who were not taking part in hostilities, 17 of them children'</ref> The Palestinian ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, complained to the organization that the attack was a violation of the ceasefire.<ref>{{cite web|title=Palestine complains to UN after Israel violates Gaza ceasefire|url=http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=541450|date=25 November 2012|access-date=2 December 2012|publisher=[[Ma'an News Agency]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213223505/http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=541450|archive-date=13 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 28 November, Israel opened fire on two fishing boats off the coast of Gaza and detained nine Gazan fishermen. According to Mahfouth al-Kabriti, the head of Gaza's fishing association, the fishermen were six miles off the coast{{spaced ndash}}the limit within which, as Israel agreed in the ceasefire deal, Gazan fishermen could sail. According to the Israeli Navy, the fishermen had ventured beyond the area designated as allowable for fishing, and did not heed requests to return to the area before being detained.<ref>{{cite web|title=Israel's navy arrests 9 fishermen off Gaza coast|url=http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=542900|date=29 November 2012|access-date=2 December 2012|publisher=[[Ma'an News Agency]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140721033917/http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=542900|archive-date=21 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 30 November, another young Gazan man, 21-year-old Mahmoud Jaroun, was shot dead by Israeli forces in Rafah. According to [[Ma'an News Agency]], Israeli forces had already violated the ceasefire several times by the beginning of December 2012 by firing at Palestinian farmers.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gaza man dies after being shot by Israeli troops in Rafah|url=http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=543756|date=1 December 2012|access-date=2 December 2012|publisher=[[Ma'an News Agency]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101031307/http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=543756|archive-date=1 November 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 1 December, Islamic Jihad warned that more "Israeli violations of a ceasefire deal" would move the group to respond.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jihad brigades warn Israel over 'truce violations'|url=http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=543927|date=1 December 2012|access-date=2 December 2012|publisher=[[Ma'an News Agency]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101121413/http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=543927|archive-date=1 November 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Spillover==

===West Bank===
The conflict sparked widespread protests in the West Bank, leading to an upsurge in clashes between Palestinians and the IDF.<ref name=toi7b/><ref name=AFP20>{{cite news|title=Israelis, Palestinians clash in West Bank |url=http://www.france24.com/en/20131118-palestinians-settlers-clash-west-bank/ |access-date=21 November 2012 |agency=AFP |date=20 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131119235725/http://www.france24.com/en/20131118-palestinians-settlers-clash-west-bank |archive-date=19 November 2013 }}</ref> On 14 November, two Israelis were lightly injured when their vehicle was stoned near [[Gush Etzion]]. The road from Jerusalem to Gush Etzion was closed as a result of fierce protests.<ref>[http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4305323,00.html Palestinians protest in West Bank; 2 Israelis injured] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214122847/https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4305323,00.html |date=14 December 2018 }}, Ynet News 14 November 2012</ref>

On 18 November, a 31-year-old Palestinian man participating in a demonstration in [[Nabi Salih]] was killed by Israeli fire. The IDF, which described the protest as "illegal and violent", launched an investigation into the incident.<ref>[http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/Palestinian-dies-after-being-shot-during-protest Palestinian dies after being shot during protest] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214003148/http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/Palestinian-dies-after-being-shot-during-protest |date=14 December 2013 }}, ''Jerusalem Post'' 19 November 2012</ref><ref>[http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=539840 Israeli forces kill Palestinian in Hebron clashes] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031120634/http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=539840 |date=31 October 2014 }}. [[Ma'an News Agency]]. 18 November 2012. Retrieved 18 November 2012.</ref> By 19 November, over 50 Palestinians had been reported injured during solidarity protests held in [[East Jerusalem]], [[Ramallah]], [[Bethlehem]], [[Beit Ummar]], and [[Qalandia]].<ref>[http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=539392 West Bank clashes continue over Gaza war] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213223556/http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=539392 |date=13 December 2013 }}. Ma'an News Agency. 18 November 2012. Retrieved 18 November 2012.</ref>

On 19 November, thousands marched in response to the killing of a protester the previous day.<ref name="AFP20"/> An Israeli civilian vehicle was [[Firebombing|firebombed]] on Highway 60 in the West Bank. The passengers managed to flee before the vehicle was incinerated.<ref name=judea>[http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=6467 Hamas attacks against Israelis on the rise in Judea, Samaria] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214065706/http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=6467 |date=14 December 2018 }}, ''Israel Hayom'' 20 November 2012</ref> According to ''[[Israel Hayom]]'', a protester in [[Halhul]] who attempted to attack an Israeli soldier was shot and killed.<ref name=judea/> [[Agence France-Presse]] (AFP) stated that the circumstances of the killing were unclear. The Palestinian police and ambulance service stated that no clashes had taken place where the man was killed.<ref name=AFP20/> The IDF launched an investigation into the incident. Five firebombs were thrown at an Israeli Border Police base in [[Atarot]]. Assailants opened fire on Israeli soldiers at a military base near [[Jenin]]. Palestinians tried to infiltrate [[Nahliel]] by cutting through the security fence surrounding the Israeli town. Palestinians stoned Israeli vehicles on Route 443, a main highway connecting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. A 22-year-old Palestinian in [[Hebron]] attempting to throw a firebomb at a soldier was shot and wounded. A Border Police officer was injured during a demonstration in [[Qalandiya]].<ref name=judea/>

On 20 November, an Israeli soldier was lightly wounded in clashes with Palestinian protesters near [[Gush Etzion]], and an Israeli civilian woman was moderately injured in a stoning attack on a vehicle near [[Husan]].<ref name=toi7b/> Palestinian demonstrations throughout the West Bank that day praised the rocket strikes and called for a new uprising and the abandonment of diplomacy with Israel. According to ''[[The Christian Science Monitor]]'', the demonstrations signaled a blow to the prestige of Palestinian President [[Mahmoud Abbas]], who has supported talks with Israel.<ref>Joshua Mitnick, [http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2012/1120/West-Bank-Palestinians-cheer-on-their-Gaza-counterparts "West Bank Palestinians cheer on their Gaza counterparts"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214115350/https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2012/1120/West-Bank-Palestinians-cheer-on-their-Gaza-counterparts |date=14 December 2018 }}, ''Christian Science Monitor'' 20 November 2012</ref>

Further protests and clashes occurred throughout the West Bank on 21–22 November. Thousands of Palestinians protested the death of Rushdi al-Tamimi, whose funeral procession passed through [[Ramallah]] and [[Birzeit University]] before ending in Tamimi's hometown of Nabi Salih. Several protesters attending the funeral lobbed stones at Israeli troops manning the entrance of the village, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. Hundreds of mourners attended the funeral of the Palestinian man killed in Hebron on 20 November. Following his burial many young protesters approached an [[Israeli settlement]] near Bab al-Zawiya Square, sparking clashes with Israeli forces who fired rubber bullets and tear gas. About 40 Palestinians were injured.<ref name="Maanclashes">[http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=540307 Clashes across West Bank as 2 protesters buried] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101121200/http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=540307 |date=1 November 2014 }}. [[Ma'an News Agency]]. 22 November 2012.</ref> In the city of [[Nablus]], hundreds of protesters waved Hamas flags.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-palestinians-israel-protests-idUSBRE8AK0YC20121121 Violent protests in West Bank over Gaza conflict] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423181900/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-palestinians-israel-protests-idUSBRE8AK0YC20121121 |date=23 April 2023 }}. [[Reuters]]. 21 November 2012.</ref> The entrance to [[Bani Naim]] was closed by the IDF after clashes between them and the town's residents. Meanwhile, the northern West Bank village of [[Al Jalama, Tulkarm|al-Jalama]] was declared "a closed military zone" after hundreds of Palestinian demonstrators protested at the village checkpoint. Five Palestinians were arrested in house raids by the Israeli military in [[Ya'bad]] and [[Tubas (city)|Tubas]]. Israel alleged that the detained men had previously thrown stones at Israeli troops.<ref name="Maanclashes"/>

===Other===
On 14 November, the Egyptian military confirmed that four rockets had been fired from [[Sinai Peninsula|Sinai]] toward Israel by militant groups in an area with a history in the prior eighteen months of cross-border shootings and rocket launches.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/egypt-confirms-rockets-fired-at-border-town-came-from-sinai/|title=Egypt confirms rockets fired at border town came from Sinai|work=Times of Israel|first=Joshua|last=Davidovich|date=15 November 2012|access-date=18 November 2012|archive-date=15 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115132555/https://www.timesofisrael.com/egypt-confirms-rockets-fired-at-border-town-came-from-sinai/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=538433|title=Egypt security: 3 rockets fired from Sinai toward Israel|agency=Ma'an News Agency|access-date=18 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118105851/http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=538433|archive-date=18 November 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 20 November, a [[Lebanese army]] patrol discovered two ready-to-launch 107mm Grad rockets between the villages of [[Halta]] and [[Mari, Lebanon|Mari]], about 2 miles from the Israeli border. The forces defused the rockets. IDF official Brigadier General [[Yoav Mordechai]] said Palestinian factions in Lebanon were probably behind the plot. (See: [[List of Lebanese rocket attacks on Israel]].)<ref>[http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2012/11/20/Lebanon-foils-rocket-attack-on-Israel/UPI-47331353409529/ Lebanon foils rocket attack on Israel] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214114555/https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2012/11/20/Lebanon-foils-rocket-attack-on-Israel/UPI-47331353409529/ |date=14 December 2018 }}, UPI 20 November 2012</ref>

On 21 November, the day of the ceasefire, two rockets fired from Lebanon at Israel landed within Lebanon, according to Beirut officials.<ref name=aimed>Stuart Winer, [http://www.timesofisrael.com/lebanese-army-finds-rocket-aimed-at-israel/ For third time, Lebanese army disarms rocket aimed at Israel] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214065430/http://www.timesofisrael.com/lebanese-army-finds-rocket-aimed-at-israel/ |date=14 December 2018 }}, ''Times of Israel'' 22 November 2012</ref> The next day, the Lebanese army disarmed an additional rocket aimed at Israel, this one in [[Marjayoun]], about 10 kilometers from the border.<ref name=aimed/>


==Casualties==
==Casualties==
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===Israeli casualties===
According to an 18 November article in ''[[The Telegraph]]'', citing Hamas official Ashraf al-Kidra, 51 Palestinians had been killed, of which one third were civilians.<ref name=airstrikes/><ref name=morereservists>{{cite news|title=Israel authorizes more reservists after rockets target cities|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/16/us-palestinians-israel-hamas-idUSBRE8AD0WP20121116|accessdate=16 November 2012|newspaper =Reuters|date=16 November 2012}}</ref><ref name=gazaraids>[http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/1237899/1/.html Israel Gaza raids kill 16, Arabs urge policy review]</ref><ref name=deathtoll>[http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/58456/World/Region/UPDATE-Death-toll-reaches--in-Gaza-attacks-as-Egyp.aspx Death toll reaches 49 in Gaza attacks as Egypt seeks truce]</ref> A publication by the [[Palestinian Centre for Human Rights]] on the same day asserted the same number of overall casualties but labelled 27 of them as civilians.<ref>[http://www.pchrgaza.org/portal/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9007:ongoing-israeli-offensive-on-gaza-palestinian-civilian-deaths-rise-to-27-including-10-children-and-5-women-and-520-wounded-including-140-children-and-83-women-&catid=145:in-focus Ongoing Israeli Offensive on Gaza: Palestinian Civilian Deaths Rise to 27, Including 10 Children and 5 Women, and 520 Wounded, Including 140 Children and 83 Women], PCHR 18 November 2012</ref> The most notable Palestinian casualties have been [[Ahmed Jabari]] and [[Yahiya Abiya]], high-level commanders in Hamas.<ref name="humanshield"/>
[[File:Apartment building in the Israeli town of Kiryat Malachi that took a direct hit from a Hamas rocket. 3 residents were killed, and several others seriously wounded including a 1.5 year old baby.jpg|thumb|right|An Israeli apartment building in [[Kiryat Malakhi]] which was hit by a rocket, killing three residents]]
[[File:Terror atack in Tel Aviv 21 November 2012 - 2.jpg|thumb|Aftermath of the Tel Aviv bus bombing incident on 21 November.]]
Four Israeli civilians and two soldiers were killed in Palestinian rocket attacks.<ref name="secondisraeli">{{cite news|date=20 November 2012 |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/1238511/1/.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130119003200/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/1238511/1/.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 January 2013 |title=Second Israeli killed by rocket fire from Gaza |agency=AFP |access-date=20 November 2012 }}</ref> Three of the civilians died in a direct hit on an apartment building in [[Kiryat Malakhi]]. The fourth Israeli civilian death was an [[Arab citizens of Israel|Israeli-Arab]] contractor for the Israeli Defense Ministry who was killed in a rocket attack in the Eshkol Region.<ref name=toi7b/><ref>{{cite news|title=Rockets kill 2 Israelis; Fajr 5 hits near Tel Aviv|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2012/Nov-20/195704-gaza-rocket-fire-kills-israeli-soldier.ashx|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=20 November 2012|access-date=20 November 2012|archive-date=20 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120215102/http://dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2012/Nov-20/195704-gaza-rocket-fire-kills-israeli-soldier.ashx|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Silverman|first=Anav|title=The Strong Hearts of Israel's Rocket-Ravaged Residents|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anav-silverman/gaza-rockets-leave-israel_b_2140175.html|work=The Huffington Post|access-date=18 November 2012|date=16 November 2012|archive-date=17 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121117233325/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anav-silverman/gaza-rockets-leave-israel_b_2140175.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Mirah Scharf, Killed by Missile, Laid to Rest|url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/162133#.UKXJ3YdJOAg|publisher=Arutz Sheva|first=Annie|last=Lubin|date=15 November 2012|access-date=16 November 2012|archive-date=19 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819123903/http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/162133#.UKXJ3YdJOAg|url-status=live}}</ref> Both of the Israeli military fatalities were killed in rocket and mortar barrages on the Eshkol Regional Council. One of them was wounded on the last day of the conflict and died of his injuries on 22 November.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4309432,00.html|title=Israeli soldier, civilian killed by barrages from Gaza|date=20 November 2012|website=Ynetnews|last1=Curiel|first1=Ilana|access-date=1 October 2018|archive-date=29 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129054450/https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4309432,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jta.org/2012/11/22/israel/soldier-dies-of-injuries-from-gaza-mortar|title=Soldier dies of injuries from Gaza mortar|date=22 November 2012|access-date=7 August 2019|archive-date=1 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001142454/https://www.jta.org/2012/11/22/news-opinion/israel-middle-east/soldier-dies-of-injuries-from-gaza-mortar|url-status=live}}</ref> By 20 November, almost 250 Israelis had been injured in rocket attacks,<ref name="soldiercivilians"/> including at least 10 soldiers.<ref name="destroyhamas"/> Another 28 people were injured in a [[2012 Tel Aviv bus bombing|bus bombing in Tel Aviv]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Kevin|last=Connolly|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20425352|title=Israel-Gaza crisis: 'Bomb blast' on bus in Tel Aviv|work=BBC News|date=21 November 2012|access-date=3 June 2013|archive-date=23 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130423214502/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20425352|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Building in Rishon le Zion hit by Hamas rocket in November 2012.jpg|thumb|Building in Rishon le Zion hit by Hamas rocket]]
[[File:Flickr - Israel Defense Forces - Children in Town Under Fire by Rockets from Gaza (2).jpg|thumb|Israeli children running for shelter as an air-raid siren sounds.]]
The IDF credited the low Israeli casualty rate to a number of factors, both offensive and defensive: its preemptive targeting of launching pads and rocket arsenals, its ability to strike militants in the act of launching rockets, the 80%+ success rate of Israel's [[Iron Dome]] missile interception system, the existence of [[Merkhav Mugan|bomb-proof rooms]] in every Israeli house, the implementation of the [[Red Color]] alarm system, and public outreach efforts by its [[Home Front Command]].<ref>[http://www.idfblog.com/2012/11/20/why-is-the-number-of-israeli-casualties-so-low/ Why Is the Number of Israeli Casualties So Low?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012113842/https://www.idfblog.com/2012/11/20/why-is-the-number-of-israeli-casualties-so-low/ |date=12 October 2017 }}, Israel Defense Forces 20 November 2012</ref>


===Palestinian casualties===
Some claims by Palestinian officials regarding casualties have proven controversial with indications that not all the Palestinian casualties have been caused by Israeli air strikes. Hamas officials and relatives said that four-year-old Gazan boy Mahmoud Sadallah, who died on 16 November, was killed in an Israeli airstrike. Israel flatly denied that it carried out any attacks in the area at the time.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/11/16/gaza-children-face-grave-risks-in-crowded-urban-battle-zone/ Gaza's children face grave risks in crowded urban battle zone], AP 16 November 2012</ref>. According to the ''[[New York Times]]'', "the damage was nowhere near severe enough to have come from an Israeli F-16, raising the possibility that an errant missile fired by Palestinian militants was responsible for the deaths."<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/world/middleeast/in-gaza-tragic-result-for-misplaced-hopes-of-cease-fire.html?_r=1&; Mistaken Lull, Simple Errand, Death in Gaza], New York Times 16 November 2012</ref> Experts from the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights examined the site and opined the explosion was caused by a Palestinian rocket, and the boy's mother acknowledged that Palestinian militants may have been responsible.<ref name="prepare">{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/9685564/Israeli-forces-prepare-for-war-as-troops-mass-on-Gaza-border.html|title=Israeli forces prepare for war as troops mass on Gaza border|publisher=Telegraph|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref> In previous flareups, Palestinian children who were killed by errant Palestinian fire or in accidents unrelated to the conflict were falsely claimed to have been victims of Israeli air strikes.<ref name=nayefafp>[http://www.smh.com.au/world/israel-denies-boy-killed-on-way-to-school-was-drone-victim-20120312-1uwev.html Israel denies boy killed on way to school was drone victim], AFP (published in the ''Sydney Morning Herald'') 13 March 2012</ref><ref name=barkaap>[http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hlWw-kVONtvme9kmeBB1zMTXbh1Q?docId=8d0782575ae64ac4bfc73d4eb2f7f02b Palestinians: Gaza boy dies of wounds], AP 14 March 2012</ref><ref name=barkaafp>[http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/israeli-raids-gaza-after-rockets-fired/story-fn3dxity-1226299872840 Israeli raids Gaza after rockets fired], AFP (published in the ''Australian'') 15 March 2012</ref><ref>[http://www.timesofisrael.com/twitter-pictures-from-gaza-proven-to-be-false/ Twitter pictures from Gaza proven to be false], Times of Israel 13 March 2012</ref><ref>[http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=261757 Fake photos of escalation posted on Twitter], Jerusalem Post 13 March 2012</ref>
[[File:Destroyed Gaza service.PNG|thumb|right|The damaged floor of a building in Gaza after Israeli strikes]]
In March 2013 the [[United Nations Human Rights Council]] issued a report stating 174 Palestinians in total died, 107 of them civilians.<ref name="OHCHR" /> According to B'Tselem, 167 Palestinians were killed, including 62 Palestinians who took part in the hostilities and seven other who were targets of assassination.<ref name="Btselem" />
The [[Israel Defense Forces]] have stated that out of 177 Palestinians killed, 120 were militants, and that the IDF never deliberately targets civilians.<ref name="aftereight" /><ref>[http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4316886,00.html "Rights group: Israeli strike on Gaza home unlawful."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214124351/https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4316886,00.html |date=14 December 2018 }} Ynetnews. 7 December 2012.</ref> Based on a large-scale survey, [[Al Mezan Center for Human Rights|Al Mezan]] counted 129 civilians and 39 combatants killed.<ref name=Mezan_report_Pillar>{{cite web|url=http://www.mezan.org/en/uploads/files/17207.pdf|title=Statistical Report on: Persons Killed and Property Damaged in the Gaza Strip by the Israeli Occupation Forces during "Operation Pillar of Cloud" |access-date=4 March 2014 |url-status=live |publisher=Al Mezan Center for Human Rights |date= June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206080414/http://www.mezan.org/en/uploads/files/17207.pdf |archive-date=6 February 2016 |quote=For casualties, see Table 1; for damages, see Tables 15–21}}</ref>
The Israeli air force says that it takes all possible measures to avoid harming Palestinian civilians, utilizing precision strikes and issuing preemptive warnings to Palestinian residents.<ref name="humanshield">{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/IDF-Over-80-terrorist-targets-struck-in-Gaza-Strip|title=IAF assassinates Hamas's rocket chief in Gaza Strip|work=The Jerusalem Post|date=18 November 2012|access-date=18 November 2012|archive-date=20 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120122846/https://www.jpost.com/Defense/IDF-Over-80-terrorist-targets-struck-in-Gaza-Strip|url-status=live}}</ref> The IDF alleges that it disseminated warning leaflets instructing civilians to avoid areas used by Hamas for firing rockets, and also phoned residents in warnings. It says targets were deliberately missed on the first strike to allow the non-combatants to vacate the area and missions were aborted because of a civilian presence.<ref name="dealing"/>


[[File:Destroyed Gaza cars.PNG|thumb|right|Debris in Gaza]]
Three Israeli civilians have been killed in a direct hit by a Palestinian rocket on an apartment building in [[Kiryat Malachi]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Silverman|first=Anav|title=The Strong Hearts of Israel's Rocket-Ravaged Residents|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anav-silverman/gaza-rockets-leave-israel_b_2140175.html|publisher=The Huffington Post|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| title=Mirah Scharf, Killed by Missile, Laid to Rest|url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/162133#.UKXJ3YdJOAg|publisher=Arutz Sheva|first=Annie|last=Lubin|date=15 November 2012}}</ref>
On 19 November 2012, [[al-Dalu family killing|an Israeli airstrike killed ten members of the Dalu family]], including five children as well as two neighbors, in the deadliest single strike of the entire operation.<ref name="Guardian Dalu" /> According to the UN, a relative said to be a member of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades was the target.<ref name="NP"/> [[Human Rights Watch]] stated it had found evidence on the ground in Gaza that supported the Israeli's claim that the suspected target, Mohammad Al-Dalou, was a member of Hamas' armed wing.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2013/04/17/world/meast/israel-gaza-strike-report/?hpt=hp_t3|title=Israel: Mistakes made in war, but no criminal charges in deadly Gaza strike|publisher=CNN|date=17 April 2013|access-date=3 June 2013|archive-date=13 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213222026/http://edition.cnn.com/2013/04/17/world/meast/israel-gaza-strike-report/?hpt=hp_t3|url-status=live}}</ref> A surviving family member denied that a warning had been given to his family to flee the home: "They didn't give us a warning. They just hit the house with the children in it. My daughters were in their youth. What did they do to them?".<ref name="nytwc" /> The IDF policy of targeting family homes of alleged militants has been criticized due to the high potential of creating civilian casualties.<ref name=stadros /> Competing theories for the attack were offered. One Israeli paper stated the IDF believed a militant was inside, while two others said the wrong house was targeted.<ref name="Guardian Dalu" /> IDF spokeswoman [[Avital Leibovich]] at first stated that the event was an accident and the target was a man, Yihia Abayah, supposedly responsible for launching 200–300 rockets into Israel.<ref name="nytwc" /> A relative of the family said that man is not known and rejected his existence.<ref name=reutersdalu /> Later, the IDF changed justification for the attack to say that it was intentional and aimed at Mohamed al-Dalu, a Gazan police officer who died in the strike.<ref name=ahram />

The most notable fatality of a Palestinian militant was that of [[Ahmed Jabari]], a high-level commander in Hamas.<ref>Yossi Arazi and Gal Perl Finkel, [http://www.inss.org.il/uploadImages/systemFiles/Integrating%20Technologies%20to%20Protect%20the%20Home%20Front%20against%20Ballistic%20Threats%20and%20Cruise%20Missiles.pdf Integrating Technologies to Protect the Home Front against Ballistic Threats and Cruise Missiles] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161004204853/http://www.inss.org.il/uploadImages/systemFiles/Integrating%20Technologies%20to%20Protect%20the%20Home%20Front%20against%20Ballistic%20Threats%20and%20Cruise%20Missiles.pdf |date=4 October 2016 }}, "'''[[Institute for National Security Studies (Israel)|Military and Strategic Affairs]]'''", Volume 5, No. 3, December 2013.</ref> The PCHR stated that the number of injured people had reached 1,000.<ref name=resume>{{cite news|agency=The Associated Press|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20444499|title=Gaza and Israel begin to resume normal life after truce|work=BBC News|date=22 November 2012|access-date=22 November 2012|archive-date=28 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128084157/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20444499|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Combatants versus non-combatants ====
The media and combating parties, in counting the casualties, often use different definitions of "combatants" or "militants".<ref name=BTselem_explanation>B'Tselem, [http://www.btselem.org/statistics/casualties_clarifications ''Explanation of statistics on fatalities'']. Accessed March 2014 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327212440/http://www.btselem.org/statistics/casualties_clarifications |date=27 March 2014 }}</ref><ref name=BBC_Sharp>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7811386.stm ''Gaza conflict: Who is a civilian?''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211051521/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7811386.stm |date=11 December 2018 }}. Heather Sharp, BBC, 5 January 2009</ref> The [[International Committee of the Red Cross]] regards persons as civilians if they do not fulfill a "continuous combat function" (for example, many police officers) or do not participate directly in hostilities. Civilians are entitled to protection and may not be the object of an attack. The fact that a person killed was a member of any particular Palestinian organization does not, in and of itself, prove that he took part in the hostilities or that he lost the protection given him as a civilian.<ref name=BTselem_explanation />

Some political or armed groups often declare killed persons, including children, one of their members and adopt them as "martyrs" placing their photographs on their websites and commending their contribution to resisting occupation. Their families may accept this for various reasons, including the willingness of armed groups to provide financial support to the families and pay for funeral costs of the persons killed. This does not mean that those persons killed were involved in militant activities in any way.<ref name=Mezan_report_Pillar/>

====Public execution of alleged informants by Hamas====
Seven Palestinians have been publicly executed by militants for alleged collaboration with Israel.<ref name=toi7b>[http://www.timesofisrael.com/rocket-fired-at-jerusalem-and-south-takes-beating-but-ground-op-off-the-table-for-now/ LIVE BLOG: OPERATION PILLAR OF DEFENSE, DAY 7, PART 2] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103172227/http://www.timesofisrael.com/rocket-fired-at-jerusalem-and-south-takes-beating-but-ground-op-off-the-table-for-now/ |date=3 November 2018 }}, ''Times of Israel'', 20 November 2012</ref> One man, Ashraf Ouaida, was killed on 16 November near a mosque in the [[Sheikh Radwan]] neighborhood of [[Gaza City]]. An eyewitness said he saw two masked men emerge from a Jeep, drag the victim underneath a Hamas billboard and shoot him multiple times in the head, before hanging a poster citing his alleged crimes.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/world/middleeast/suspected-collaborator-with-israel-executed-in-gaza.html?_r=0 Suspected Collaborator With Israel Killed on Gaza Street] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214072325/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/world/middleeast/suspected-collaborator-with-israel-executed-in-gaza.html?_r=0 |date=14 December 2018 }}, ''The New York Times'', 16 November 2012</ref>

Militants shot six other Palestinians in the street on 20 November.<ref name=toi7b/> According to witnesses, the men were pulled out of a van, forced to lie face down on the street and then shot dead. Five of the bodies were left in a pile while a mob stomped and spit on them. A sixth body was tied to a motorcycle and dragged through the main streets of Gaza City as onlookers screamed, "Spy! Spy!". Militants posted a sign naming the six victims. Hamas's radio station, Voice of al-Aqsa, quoted security sources, alleging that they "possessed hi-tech equipment and filming equipment to take footage of positions".<ref name=maan7>[http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=539867 Gaza live report: Day 7] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025214205/http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=539867 |date=25 October 2014 }}, Maan News 20 November 2012</ref><ref>[http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/11/20/hamas-gunmen-execute-six-israeli-spies-on-busy-gaza-street-corner/ Hamas gunmen execute six 'Israeli spies' on busy Gaza street corner] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423163136/https://news.nationalpost.com/2012/11/20/hamas-gunmen-execute-six-israeli-spies-on-busy-gaza-street-corner/ |date=23 April 2023 }}, AP 20 November 2012</ref>

The man whose body was tied to a motorcycle, Ribhi Badawi, was a member of [[Jaljalat]], an Islamist group that maintains a rivalry with Hamas. Badawi's family, neighbors, and friends maintained that the allegations of his having spied for Israel were "absurd", noting that he had spent the previous four years in a Hamas prison under armed guard. His widow stated that he confessed to aiding Israel after being tortured by Hamas for seven months with methods that included being burned, having his jaw and teeth broken, and being hung for 45 days by his arms and legs.<ref>[http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/hamas-victim-dragged-streets-collaborator-widow-article-1.1208004#ixzz2DXulRk00 Hamas victim dragged through the streets of Gaza City Tuesday by motorcycle was no collaborator, widow says] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140828044953/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/hamas-victim-dragged-streets-collaborator-widow-article-1.1208004#ixzz2DXulRk00 |date=28 August 2014 }}, ''New York Daily News'' 26 November 2012</ref>

On 21 November, Hamas deputy leader [[Mousa Abu Marzook]] condemned the killings as "unlawful", adding that any punishments or executions must follow the legal process. He further added that those behind the killings must be punished.<ref name=Unacceptable>{{cite news|title='Completely unacceptable': Hamas leader says killers of 'Israeli spies' must be punished|url=http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/11/21/completely-unacceptable-hamas-leader-says-killers-of-israeli-spies-must-be-punished/|work=[[National Post]]|date=21 November 2012}}</ref>

====Palestinian casualties from Palestinian fire====
Some of the Palestinian civilian deaths are believed to have been caused by a Palestinian rocket that fell short of its target, not by Israel, and two were "high-profile" incidents.<ref name="prepare"/><ref name=gu18>[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/nov/18/israeli-envoy-egypt-gaza-talks Israeli envoy arrives in Egypt for Gaza ceasefire talks] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305010043/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/nov/18/israeli-envoy-egypt-gaza-talks |date=5 March 2017 }}, Guardian 18 November 2012</ref><ref name="NP">{{cite web|url=http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/03/11/despite-media-reports-to-the-contrary-baby-gaza-conflict-was-likely-killed-by-hamas-rocket-un/|title=Despite media reports to the contrary, baby in Gaza conflict was killed by Hamas rocket: UN|work=National Post|access-date=14 March 2013|archive-date=19 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419024622/https://news.nationalpost.com/2013/03/11/despite-media-reports-to-the-contrary-baby-gaza-conflict-was-likely-killed-by-hamas-rocket-un/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="shocking">{{cite web|url=http://www.algemeiner.com/2012/11/18/shocking-evidence-indicates-child-whose-death-was-blamed-on-israel-was-actually-killed-by-hamas-rocket-video/|title=Shocking: Evidence Indicates Child Whose Death Was Blamed on Israel, Was Actually Killed by Hamas Rocket (VIDEO)|publisher=Algemeiner|access-date=19 November 2012|archive-date=7 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807002006/https://www.algemeiner.com/2012/11/18/shocking-evidence-indicates-child-whose-death-was-blamed-on-israel-was-actually-killed-by-hamas-rocket-video/|url-status=live}}</ref> The UN report into the events by the High Commissioner for Human Rights found that of the 174 Palestinians killed, 168 were killed by Israeli military action, while 6 civilians may have been killed by Palestinian armed groups firing rockets from Gaza.<ref name="OHCHR"/>

BBC Arabic photojournalist Jihad Masharawi lost his 11-month-old son and sister-in-law to what appeared to be an Israeli airstrike. Many international organizations condemned Israel for their deaths. Human Rights Watch reported that Israel was responsible for the deaths, based on "news reports and witnesses". The Palestinian Center for Human Rights stated that "an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a house belonging to Ali Nemer al-Mishrawi in the al-Zaytoun neighborhood in the east of Gaza City. Two members of the family (a woman and a toddler) were killed: Hiba Aadel Fadel al-Mishrawi, 19; and Omar Jihad al-Mishrawi, 11 months." The latest investigation by the [[OHCHR|U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights]] suggested that the incident was most likely the result of an errant Palestinian rocket launched towards Israel, but fell back into Gaza. Two members of the family (a woman and a toddler) were initially killed: Hiba Aadel Fadel al-Mishrawi, 19; and Omar Jihad al-Mishrawi, 11 months."<ref name="OHCHR" /><ref>{{cite news|first=Diaa|last=Hadid|url=https://news.yahoo.com/un-palestinian-militants-likely-killed-gaza-baby-143224704.html|title=UN: Palestinian militants likely killed Gaza baby|agency=Associated Press|publisher=Yahoo news|date=11 March 2013|access-date=3 June 2013|archive-date=17 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517035242/http://news.yahoo.com/un-palestinian-militants-likely-killed-gaza-baby-143224704.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="AJ030813">{{cite news|url=http://www.algemeiner.com/2013/03/08/un-verifies-that-hamas-rocket-killed-gaza-child-whose-death-was-blamed-on-israel/|title=UN Verifies That Hamas Rocket Killed Gaza Child Whose Death Was Blamed on Israel|last=Pontz|first=Zach|date=8 March 2013|work=[[Algemeiner Journal]]|access-date=11 March 2013|archive-date=12 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312050407/http://www.algemeiner.com/2013/03/08/un-verifies-that-hamas-rocket-killed-gaza-child-whose-death-was-blamed-on-israel/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="TOI031013">{{cite news|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/un-clears-israel-from-charge-it-bombed-11-month-old-baby/|title=UN clears Israel of charge it killed baby in Gaza|last=Ahren|first=Raphael|date=10 March 2013|work=[[The Times of Israel]]|access-date=11 March 2013|archive-date=13 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313103951/http://www.timesofisrael.com/un-clears-israel-from-charge-it-bombed-11-month-old-baby/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ahmed al-Mishrawi, 18, later died from his injuries.<ref name="NP"/> According to Jihad al-Mishrawi, his residential neighborhood in the [[Sabra, Gaza|Sabra]] district saw no fighting before this incident.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2012/11/15/the-story-behind-the-photo-journalists-11-month-old-son-killed-in-gaza-strikes/|title=The story behind the photo: Journalist's 11-month-old son killed in Gaza strikes|newspaper=The Washington Post|first=Max|last=Fisher|date=15 November 2012|access-date=22 November 2012|archive-date=21 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121121191317/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2012/11/15/the-story-behind-the-photo-journalists-11-month-old-son-killed-in-gaza-strikes/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=unprelim />

The death of four-year-old Mohammed Sadallah after an explosion in Annazla appeared to have been the result of a misfiring home-made rocket, not a bomb dropped by Israel as originally alleged by Hamas. Hamas officials and relatives said that the four-year-old Gazan boy was killed in an Israeli airstrike on 16 November. Israel denied that it carried out any attacks in the area at the time.<ref name="prepare"/><ref name="risks">[https://www.foxnews.com/world/gazas-children-face-grave-risks-in-crowded-urban-battle-zone/ Gaza's children face grave risks in crowded urban battle zone], AP 16 November 2012</ref> According to ''[[The New York Times]]'', "the damage was nowhere near severe enough to have come from an Israeli F-16, raising the possibility that an errant missile fired by Palestinian militants was responsible for the deaths."<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/world/middleeast/in-gaza-tragic-result-for-misplaced-hopes-of-cease-fire.html?_r=1&;;;; Mistaken Lull, Simple Errand, Death in Gaza] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103210140/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/world/middleeast/in-gaza-tragic-result-for-misplaced-hopes-of-cease-fire.html?_r=1&;;;; |date=3 November 2018 }}, ''The New York Times'' 16 November 2012</ref> Experts from the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights examined the site and opined that the explosion was caused by a Palestinian rocket; the boy's mother acknowledged that Palestinian militants might have been responsible.<ref name="prepare"/><ref name="shocking" /> The Associated Press reported that "no one appeared to have witnessed the strike" and that "local security officials quickly took what remained of the projectile, making it impossible to verify who fired it."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2012/Nov-16/195314-gaza-kids-at-risk-in-crowded-urban-battle-zone.ashx#axzz2CZ1vgo30|title=Gaza kids at risk in crowded urban battle zone|work=Daily Star|access-date=19 November 2012|archive-date=18 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118164027/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2012/Nov-16/195314-gaza-kids-at-risk-in-crowded-urban-battle-zone.ashx#axzz2CZ1vgo30|url-status=live}}</ref> A United Nations Report released in March 2013 concluded that Sadallah "[was] killed by what appeared to be a Palestinian rocket that fell short of Israel" and not by an Israeli airstrike.<ref name="NP" />

The UN reported that at least one other child and adult had also been killed by Hamas fire.<ref name="NP"/>

== Damage ==

Based on a large-scale survey by workers in the field, which Al Mezan claims to be extremely accurate, [[Al Mezan Center for Human Rights|Al Mezan]] reported the total destruction of 124 houses located in all of the Gaza Strip, and partial damage of 2,050 homes. In just one week, the Israeli army destroyed numerous public and private premises, including 52 places of worship, 25 [[non-governmental organizations]] (NGOs), 97 schools, 15 health institutions, 14 journalist premises, 8 police stations, 16 government buildings, and 11 political sites. Fifteen factories and 192 trade shops were damaged or destroyed. Twelve water wells as well as agricultural lands were destroyed.<ref name=Mezan_report_Pillar/>

==Alleged war crimes==

===Hamas===

====Targeting of civilians====
Both [[U.N. Secretary-General]] [[Ban Ki-moon]] and [[U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights]] [[Navi Pillay]] condemned the continuing indiscriminate attacks and targeting of civilians in Israel by militants from Gaza.<ref name=UNHCR>{{cite news|first=Stephanie|last=Nebehay|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/palestinians-israel-humanitarian-idUSL5E8MK6MG20121120|title=UN rights boss, Red Cross urge Israel, Hamas to spare civilians|work=Reuters|date=20 November 2012|access-date=20 November 2012|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305052435/http://www.reuters.com/article/palestinians-israel-humanitarian-idUSL5E8MK6MG20121120|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=43470&Cr=gaza&Cr1|title=Ban calls for de-escalation of tensions amid new violence in Gaza and southern Israel|publisher=United Nations|date=12 November 2012|access-date=3 June 2013|archive-date=9 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009125849/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=43470&Cr=gaza&Cr1|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Rocket hitting car Beer Sheva 2012 06.jpg|thumb|A burning car after a [[BM-21 Grad|Grad rocket]] from Gaza hit it near a residential building in the city of [[Beersheba]] during Operation Pillar of Defense, November 2012.]]
[[Human Rights Watch]] stated that armed Palestinian groups fired hundreds of rockets at Israeli cities, violating international humanitarian law, and that statements by Palestinian groups that they deliberately targeted Israeli civilians demonstrated an "intent to commit war crimes." HRW's Middle East director Sarah Leah Whitson said that Palestinian groups made clear that "harming civilians was their aim" and said that the launching rockets at populated areas had no legal justification. International humanitarian law prohibits deliberate attacks on civilians, and intentional violations can be war crimes.<ref name="HRWHamas"/><ref name="HRWreport"/>

A report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights stated that "Palestinian armed groups continuously violated international humanitarian law, by launching indiscriminate attacks on Israel and by attacking civilians".<ref name="OHCHR"/><ref name="TOI031013"/> The report further stated, "While some projectiles were directed at military objectives, many, if not the vast majority of the Palestinian attacks on Israel constituted indiscriminate attacks. Such attacks violate international humanitarian law. ... Most rockets fired by the armed groups did not seem to be directed at a specific military objective. Furthermore, many Palestinian armed groups directly and indirectly indicated their determination to – and took responsibility for – attacks on Israeli civilians or large population centres in Israel. Such acts clearly violate international humanitarian law."<ref name="NP"/>

====Firing rockets from populated areas====
Human Rights Watch stated that Palestinian groups endangered civilians by "repeatedly fir[ing] rockets from densely populated areas, near homes, businesses, and a hotel". Under international law, parties to a conflict may not place military targets in or near densely populated areas. One rocket was launched close to the Shawa and Housari Building, where various Palestinian and international media have offices; another was fired from the yard of a house near the Deira Hotel.<ref name="HRWHamas">{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/HRW-Hamas-rockets-from-Gaza-violated-laws-of-war|title=HRW: Hamas rockets from Gaza violated laws of war|work=The Jerusalem Post|date=24 December 2012|access-date=24 December 2012|archive-date=18 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818120701/https://www.jpost.com//Defense/HRW-Hamas-rockets-from-Gaza-violated-laws-of-war|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="HRWreport">{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2012/12/24/gaza-palestinian-rockets-unlawfully-targeted-israeli-civilians|title=Gaza: Palestinian Rockets Unlawfully Targeted Israeli Civilians|date=24 December 2012|publisher=Human Rights Wwatch|access-date=24 December 2012|archive-date=28 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128091753/https://www.hrw.org/news/2012/12/24/gaza-palestinian-rockets-unlawfully-targeted-israeli-civilians|url-status=live}}</ref> Human Rights Watch said it had not been able to identify any instance where civilians had been warned to evacuate an area before a rocket launch by Palestinian militants.<ref name="HRWreport"/>

Col. [[Richard Kemp]], former Commander of British Forces in Afghanistan, said: "The use of the civilian population by Hamas is undoubtedly a war crime because not only are they hiding themselves under a civilian population, [but] they are also putting the civilian population at risk. In my view, if there are civilian casualties, the responsibility does not lie with the IDF, but with Hamas, who deliberately placed them there."<ref name=kemp>[http://www.idf.il/1283-17660-en/Dover.aspx Col. Richard Kemp: IDF protects civilian rights] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913150415/https://www.idf.il/1283-17660-en/Dover.aspx |date=13 September 2019 }}, Israel Defense Forces 18 November 2012</ref> Richard Landes criticised Hamas for firing from the midst of civilians, a practice leading to casualties blamed on Israeli counter-strikes to garner Western sympathy.<ref name="porn"/> [[Danny Ayalon]] said that Hamas's firing of rockets from built-up civilian areas was a "double war crime", noting that ten percent of them did not reach Israel.<ref name="ayalon">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/nov/19/hamas-leaves-israel-no-choice|title=Hamas leaves Israel no choice|work=Guardian|access-date=19 November 2012|archive-date=27 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827115755/http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/nov/19/hamas-leaves-israel-no-choice|url-status=live}}</ref>

The IDF stated that Hamas makes use of "human shield" tactics and said "By operating from densely populated areas, Hamas willingly endangers its own people, turning their houses and schools into terror sites and weapon depots."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idfblog.com/hamas/2012/10/29/hamas-uses-its-own-civilians-as-human-shields-when-launching-rockets-at-israel/|title=Hamas Uses Gazans as Human Shields When Launching Rockets|access-date=28 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121117052226/http://www.idfblog.com/hamas/2012/10/29/hamas-uses-its-own-civilians-as-human-shields-when-launching-rockets-at-israel/|archive-date=17 November 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[The Jerusalem Post]]'' and [[Fox News]] said Palestinian rocket launch-sites were put next to hospitals, schools, mosques, and playgrounds.<ref name="dealing">{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Dealing-with-Hamass-human-shield-tactics|title=Dealing with Hamas's human shield tactics|work=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=20 November 2012|archive-date=19 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130319122020/http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Dealing-with-Hamass-human-shield-tactics|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/hackers-target-israel-with-millions-of-attacks-as-hamas-rockets-continue-to-fall/|title=Hackers target Israel with millions of attacks as Hamas rockets continue to fall|publisher=Fox News|access-date=19 November 2012|date=19 November 2012|archive-date=19 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119180830/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/11/19/hackers-target-israel-with-millions-attacks-as-hamas-rockets-continue-to-fall/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 21 November a long-range Qassam rocket, of the type Israel has accused Iran of supplying to Hamas, was fired from within 500 yards of the hospital and hit Gush Etzion, southeast of Jerusalem.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/wrath-of-gaza-is-felt-by-those-accused-of-treason-8336223.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/wrath-of-gaza-is-felt-by-those-accused-of-treason-8336223.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|work=Independent|title=Wrath of Gaza is felt by those accused of treason|access-date=28 November 2012|location=London|first=Kim|last=Sengupta|date=21 November 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref> An IDF spokesman stated they had released footage of "rocket fire from a mosque courtyard, prayer houses, public places and homes".<ref name="spokesman">{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Hamas-intensifies-barrage-of-missiles-on-South|title=Hamas intensifies barrage of missiles on South|work=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=19 November 2012|archive-date=26 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726111816/http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Hamas-intensifies-barrage-of-missiles-on-South|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Flickr - Israel Defense Forces - Long-Range Rocket Launch Site in Zeitoun Neighborhood.jpg|thumb|A Hamas rocket launch site and its civilian surroundings.]]
In March 2013, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released a report criticizing Palestinian groups for launching rocket attacks from densely populated areas. The report stated that "The [Palestinian] armed groups failed to take all feasible precautions in attacks, in particular by launching rockets from populated areas, which put the population at grave risk."<ref name="NP"/>

====Allegations that Islamic Jihad members were disguised as journalists====
The IDF accused Gaza militants of abusing the protection afforded to journalists. On 20 November 2012 Muhammed Shamalah, commander of Hamas forces in southern Gaza and head of its militant training programs, was targeted by an Israeli air strike. At the time, he was driving a car which, according to the IDF, was clearly labeled "TV," indicating it to be a press vehicle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idfblog.com/2012/11/20/senior-terrorists-in-gaza-disguises-himself-as-journalist/|title=Senior Terrorist in Gaza Disguises Himself as Journalist|access-date=28 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127222419/http://www.idfblog.com/2012/11/20/senior-terrorists-in-gaza-disguises-himself-as-journalist/|archive-date=27 November 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The [[Palestinian Centre for Human Rights|PCHR]] reported that an Israeli strike had killed [[al-Quds Radio]] journalist Muhammed Abu Eisha. The [[UN]], ''[[The New York Times]]'', [[Reporters without Borders]], and [[Human Rights Watch]] condemned Israel for the attack.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/26/business/media/using-war-as-cover-to-target-journalists.html|title=Using War as Cover to Target Journalists|first=David|last=Carr|newspaper=The New York Times|date=25 November 2012|access-date=25 February 2017|archive-date=29 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429200452/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/26/business/media/using-war-as-cover-to-target-journalists.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Al Jazeera Gaza Journalists">{{cite news|first=Nour|last=Samaha|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2012/11/201211212322418802.html|title=Gaza journalists defiant in face of attacks|work=[[Al Jazeera]]|date=22 November 2012|access-date=3 June 2013|archive-date=1 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801030203/https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2012/11/201211212322418802.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Frankfurter Allgemeine]] reported that PCHR failed to mention that Eisha was also a member of the [[Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine|Islamic Jihad]] and had participated in rocket attacks against Israel.<ref name="last questions">{{cite news|url=https://www.faz.net/aktuell/gazastreifen-letzte-fragen-12020635.html|title=last questions|newspaper=Faz.net|date=18 January 2013|access-date=3 June 2013|last1=Ludwig|first1=Jan|archive-date=28 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528091557/http://www.faz.net/aktuell/gazastreifen-letzte-fragen-12020635.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Eisha's name and photo appeared on the Islamic Jihad's website at the time of his death.<ref name="last questions"/>

====Killing of alleged collaborators====
The March 2013 report by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) criticized Palestinian militant groups for "summarily executing alleged Israeli spies in breach of humanitarian law".<ref name="NP"/>

===Israel===

====Disproportionate force/Targeting of civilians====
A report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights was harshly critical of the conduct of the Israeli army. The report stated that the IDF had "failed in many instances to respect international law", and that it did not "consistently uphold the basic principles of conduct of hostilities, namely, the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions".<ref name="OHCHR"/><ref name="TOI031013"/>

The Israeli airstrike that killed 12 civilians, including [[Al-Dalu family killing|10 members of the Al-Dalu family]], has been called a "disproportionate" use of force and a war crime by [[Human Rights Watch]], which stated that the attack had yet to be justified by Israel, and called for the perpetrators of the strike to be punished and the surviving members of victims' families to be compensated.<ref name=hrwdalu /> [[Palestinian Center for Human Rights]] condemned it as "an example of blatant targeting of civilians".<ref name=pchr /> According to ''The New York Times'', "political leaders and human rights advocates have called the [Dalu family] deaths a massacre and a war crime."<ref name=nytwc>{{cite news|last=Rudoren|first=Jodi|title=Gazans Mourn Family Killed by Israeli Bomb|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/20/world/middleeast/gazans-mourn-dalu-family-killed-by-israeli-bomb.html?_r=0|access-date=20 November 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=19 November 2012|archive-date=19 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119180600/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/20/world/middleeast/gazans-mourn-dalu-family-killed-by-israeli-bomb.html?_r=0|url-status=live}}</ref>

British MP [[Gerald Kaufman]] criticized the Israeli offensive, and its broader context&nbsp;— of occupation of the West Bank and the siege of Gaza&nbsp;— as war crimes.<ref>{{cite web|title=Why I Believe Israel Is Committing War Crimes|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/sir-gerald-kaufman/gaza-israel-palestine_b_2164599.html|date=20 November 2012|access-date=22 November 2012|first=Gerald|last=Kaufman|work=The Huffington Post|archive-date=18 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018221241/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/sir-gerald-kaufman/gaza-israel-palestine_b_2164599.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In an emergency meeting of the Arab League, foreign ministers of member-states accused Israel of perpetrating war crimes and crimes against humanity.<ref>{{cite web|title=Arab Foreign Ministers Blame Israel for Gaza Violence|url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/162181#.UK54doem3tk|date=18 December 2012|access-date=22 November 2012|publisher=Israel National News|archive-date=14 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214065259/http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/162181#.UK54doem3tk|url-status=live}}</ref>

Turkey and Iran accused Israel of committing war crimes and refused to consider the Israeli airstrikes self-defense. Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Israel of committing "ethnic cleansing" of Palestinians.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/11/20/250765.html|title=Turkey and Iran accuse Israel of 'ethnic cleansing' and 'war crimes' in Gaza|date=20 November 2012|access-date=22 November 2012|publisher=Al Arabiya|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121206193419/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/11/20/250765.html|archive-date=6 December 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2012/11/201211219452373927.html|title=Dershowitz versus Gaza|first=Belen|last=Fernandez|date=21 November 2012|access-date=2 December 2012|publisher=Al Jazeera English|archive-date=14 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214115005/https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2012/11/201211219452373927.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Bombing of media facilities====
In four Israeli attacks on media facilities and journalists, ten media workers were wounded, and two cameramen and a two-year-old was killed.<ref name="HRW Unlawful attacks on media" />

The Israeli government stated that each of the attacks were on a legitimate military target. The Israeli army stated that foreign journalists were used as human shields by Hamas, after attacks on two media centers in Gaza containing Hamas communications devices.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.sky.com/story/1013081/gaza-israel-denies-strikes-targeted-media|title=Gaza: Israel Denies Strikes Targeted Media|publisher=Sky News|date=18 November 2012|access-date=18 November 2012|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304051224/http://news.sky.com/story/1013081/gaza-israel-denies-strikes-targeted-media|url-status=live}}</ref>

Human Rights Watch conducted an investigation into these incidents and concluded that "there were no indications that these targets were valid military objectives." and thus "violated the laws of war by targeting civilians and civilian objects that were making no apparent contribution to Palestinian military operations". HRW further stated that journalists and civilian broadcasting facilities were not legitimate military targets simply because they broadcast pro-Hamas or anti-Israel propaganda.<ref name="HRW Unlawful attacks on media" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2012/11/20/q-hostilities-between-israel-and-hamas|title=Q & A on Hostilities between Israel and Hamas|publisher=Human Rights Watch|date=21 November 2012|access-date=2 December 2012|archive-date=29 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429200740/https://www.hrw.org/news/2012/11/20/q-hostilities-between-israel-and-hamas|url-status=live}}</ref>

In one separate incident, according to the IDF, it hit four Islamic Jihad militants hiding out in a media center in Gaza, the Al-Sharouk compound.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/IAF-strikes-4-terrorists-hiding-in-media-building|title=IAF strikes 4 terrorists hiding in media building|work=The Jerusalem Post - JPost.com|date=20 November 2012|access-date=29 June 2015|archive-date=4 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181104085517/https://www.jpost.com/Defense/IAF-strikes-4-terrorists-hiding-in-media-building|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/11/2012111915617518485.html|title=Diplomatic push for Gaza truce|publisher=Al Jazeera English|date=19 November 2012|access-date=19 November 2012|archive-date=4 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181104010221/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/11/2012111915617518485.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine|PIJ]] reported by text message that one of their senior militant operatives, [[Ramez Harb]], was killed in the airstrike.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/media-building-in-gaza-hit-in-israeli-airstrike/|title=Leading Islamic Jihad operative killed in strike on media center|last=Kalman|first=Aaron|date=19 November 2012|work=Times of Israel|access-date=19 November 2012|archive-date=26 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121126055419/http://www.timesofisrael.com/media-building-in-gaza-hit-in-israeli-airstrike/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="hide">{{cite news|url=http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4309068,00.html|title=עיתונאי זר בעזה זועם: מבנה שלנו – מקלט לטרור|work=Ynet|access-date=22 November 2012|archive-date=25 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725114305/https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4309068,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Telegraph">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/palestinianauthority/9688326/Israeli-air-strike-hits-Gaza-media-centre-killing-senior-militant.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119201055/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/palestinianauthority/9688326/Israeli-air-strike-hits-Gaza-media-centre-killing-senior-militant.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 November 2012|title=Israeli air strike hits Gaza media centre killing senior militant|work=Telegraph|access-date=22 November 2012|location=London|date=19 November 2012}}</ref> as well as Palestinian cameramen.
Israel warned the foreign journalists to leave the building before the strike.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i0-5VWAmt308BKSElZlPWfRibdcw |title=Israel hit on Gaza media centre kills Jihad militant |publisher=France 24 |access-date=22 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121129015236/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i0-5VWAmt308BKSElZlPWfRibdcw |archive-date=29 November 2012 }}</ref><ref name="Al Jazeera Gaza Journalists" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/israeli-missiles-hit-cars-carrying-journalists-in-gaza-3-killed/|title=Israeli missiles hit cars carrying journalists in Gaza, 3 killed|date=20 November 2012|access-date=23 November 2012|newspaper=The Washington Post|archive-date=21 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121121044945/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/11/20/israeli-missiles-hit-cars-carrying-journalists-in-gaza-3-killed/|url-status=live}}</ref> One foreign journalist that worked there spoke of his anger that the building was being used as a hideout by Palestinian militants, endangering many people.<ref name="hide"/> Human Rights Watch said this attack appeared to be on a military target, and that if Palestinians conducting military operations were present, they were violating international law by placing civilians at unnecessary risk.<ref name="HRW Unlawful attacks on media" />

The Israeli military's alleged targeting of journalists was also condemned by [[Reporters without Borders]].<ref name="Telegraph"/><ref name="hide" /> [[Christophe Deloire]], secretary-general of RWB, said "Even if the targeted media support Hamas, this does not in any way legitimize the attacks. ... Attacks on civilian targets are war crimes and serious violations of the Geneva Conventions. Those responsible must be identified."<ref name=rwb>{{cite news|title=Reporters Without Borders condemns Israeli strikes on building housing media outlets|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/reporters-without-borders-condemns-israeli-strikes-on-building-housing-media-outlets-1.478896|access-date=20 November 2012|newspaper=The Associated Press|date=19 November 2012|archive-date=19 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119094044/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/reporters-without-borders-condemns-israeli-strikes-on-building-housing-media-outlets-1.478896|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.rsf.org/palestinian-terr-rwb-condemns-air-strikes-on-news-18-11-2012,43690.html|title=RWB condemns air strikes on news media in Gaza city|publisher=Reporters Without Borders|date=19 November 2012|access-date=3 June 2013|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304061708/http://en.rsf.org/palestinian-terr-rwb-condemns-air-strikes-on-news-18-11-2012,43690.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Writing for ''[[The New York Times]]'', [[David Carr (journalist)|David Carr]] noted that IDF spokeswoman Avital Leibovich, who said that the journalists were "people who have relevance to terror activity", did not identify the strike as a mistake. Carr accused Israel of deliberately targeting journalists under the cover of war, using "amorphous" phrases such as "relevance to terror activity" to justify the attacks.<ref>{{cite news|first=David|last=Carr|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/26/business/media/using-war-as-cover-to-target-journalists.html?_r=0|title=Using War as Cover to Target Journalists|work=The New York Times|date=25 November 2012|access-date=2 December 2012|archive-date=14 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214074456/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/26/business/media/using-war-as-cover-to-target-journalists.html?_r=0|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[NGO Monitor]] stated that Hamas in Gaza "terrorizes the international press" because it put its own operational communication antennas on top of buildings whose lower floors house foreign media outlets.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2012/11/21/george-jonas-on-the-war-in-gaza-two-can-play-at-terror/|title=George Jonas on the war in Gaza: Two can play at terror|work=National Post|date=21 November 2012|access-date=3 June 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130129135404/http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2012/11/21/george-jonas-on-the-war-in-gaza-two-can-play-at-terror/|archive-date=29 January 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Social media and Internet==
==Social media and Internet==
[[File:Hamas Al Qassam Brigades Twitter Feed 2012.jpg|thumb|right|The military wing of Hamas and the Israeli military both made use of Twitter.<ref>[http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-11-16/israel-twitter-and-the-line-between-free-speech-and-violence Israel, Twitter, and the Line Between Free Speech and Violence] - [[Businessweek]]</ref>]]
[[File:Hamas Al Qassam Brigades Twitter Feed 2012.jpg|thumb|right|The military wing of Hamas and the Israeli military both made use of Twitter.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121118074807/http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-11-16/israel-twitter-and-the-line-between-free-speech-and-violence Israel, Twitter, and the Line Between Free Speech and Violence]&nbsp;– ''[[Businessweek]]''</ref>]]
The IDF made widespread use of [[Twitter]] and a [[liveblog]] to give an up-to-date account of its operations. The military wing of Hamas also made use of Twitter, publicising its rocket and mortar attacks and tweeting when Israeli casualties were reported.<ref name="wired" /><ref name="Twitter">{{cite web| location=[[United Kingdom|UK]]|first=Alex|last=Spillius|date=2012‐11‐15|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/9681645/Israelis-and-Palestinians-in-first-Twitter-war.html|title=Israelis and Palestinians in first Twitter war|work=The Telegraph|accessdate=16 November 2012}}</ref> ''[[Foreign Policy]]'' magazine labeled this effort a "milestone in military communications."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/11/14/israel_defense_forces_live_blogs_gaza_offensive|title=Israel Defense Forces live blogs Gaza offensive|last=Friedman|type=[[World Wide Web]] log|first=Uri|work=Foreign Policy|date=15 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="Twitter" /> Twitter had previously been used to present information regarding military engagements by both the [[Kenya Defence Forces]] and Al Shabaab during the KDF's [[Operation Linda Nchi|operation]] against Al Shabaab in Somalia in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|last=Smith| first=David| title=Al-Shabaab in war of words with Kenyan army on Twitter| date=2011‐12‐13|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/dec/13/al-shabaab-war-words-twitter| work=The Guardian| location=UK|accessdate=16 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| last=Chirchir| first=Major Emmanuel|title=Mj. E Chirchir|url=https://twitter.com/MajorEChirchir| publisher=Twitter| accessdate=16 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Al Shabaab|title=Official account|url=https://twitter.com/HSMPress|publisher=Twitter|accessdate=16 November 2012}}</ref> The IDF's Twitter account gained more than 50,000 new followers in 24 hours.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.boston.com/news/world/middle-east/2012/11/15/israel-and-hamas-battle-social-media-well/O2zOPWK7t3FG4QeMBhxVpL/story.html|title=Israel and Hamas battle on social media as well|last=Bohn| first=Lauren E|date=15 November 2012|agency=Associated Press|work=Boston Globe|accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref> Hamas produced a video that threatened the lives of Israeli citizens and warned "Wait soon for us in the bus stops and cafes" which become a popular parody because of its technical problems and the broken Hebrew, both written and spoken.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/hamas-video-threatening-israelis-draws-more-parody-than-fear-1.478726|title=Hamas video threatening Israelis draws more parody than fear|publisher=Haaretz|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref>
The IDF made widespread use of [[Twitter]] and a [[liveblogging|liveblog]] to give an up-to-date account of its operations. The military wing of Hamas also made use of Twitter, publicising its rocket and mortar attacks and tweeting when Israeli casualties were reported.<ref name="wired" /><ref name="Twitter">{{cite news|location=UK|first=Alex|last=Spillius|date=15 November 2012|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/9681645/Israelis-and-Palestinians-in-first-Twitter-war.html|title=Israelis and Palestinians in first Twitter war|work=The Telegraph|access-date=16 November 2012|archive-date=17 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121117062105/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/9681645/Israelis-and-Palestinians-in-first-Twitter-war.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Foreign Policy]]'' magazine labeled this effort a "milestone in military communications."<ref name="Twitter" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/11/14/israel_defense_forces_live_blogs_gaza_offensive|title=Israel Defense Forces live blogs Gaza offensive|last=Friedman|first=Uri|work=Foreign Policy|date=15 November 2012|access-date=15 November 2012|archive-date=17 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121117002225/http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/11/14/israel_defense_forces_live_blogs_gaza_offensive|url-status=live}}</ref> Twitter had previously been used to present information regarding military engagements by both the [[Kenya Defence Forces]] and Al Shabaab during the KDF's [[Operation Linda Nchi|operation]] against Al Shabaab in Somalia in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|last=Smith|first=David|title=Al-Shabaab in war of words with Kenyan army on Twitter|date=13 December 2011|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/dec/13/al-shabaab-war-words-twitter|work=The Guardian|location=UK|access-date=16 November 2012|archive-date=14 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214071025/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/dec/13/al-shabaab-war-words-twitter|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Chirchir |first=Major Emmanuel |title=Mj. E Chirchir |url=https://twitter.com/MajorEChirchir |publisher=Twitter |access-date=16 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120124160539/http://twitter.com/MajorEChirchir |archive-date=24 January 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Al Shabaab |title=Official account |url=https://twitter.com/HSMPress |publisher=Twitter |access-date=16 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112215609/https://twitter.com/HSMPress |archive-date=12 November 2012 }}</ref> The IDF's Twitter account gained more than 50,000 new followers in 24 hours.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.boston.com/news/world/middle-east/2012/11/15/israel-and-hamas-battle-social-media-well/O2zOPWK7t3FG4QeMBhxVpL/story.html |title=Israel and Hamas battle on social media as well |last=Bohn |first=Lauren E |date=15 November 2012 |agency=Associated Press |work=Boston Globe |access-date=15 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116194700/http://www.boston.com/news/world/middle-east/2012/11/15/israel-and-hamas-battle-social-media-well/O2zOPWK7t3FG4QeMBhxVpL/story.html |archive-date=16 November 2012 }}</ref>

An [[Mobile application software|app]] based on an idea provided by a 13-year-old was developed to supply up-to-date reports of imminent missile attacks and send information of the location and timing of the public "Color Red" alerts. The app allowed users extra time to run to bomb shelters.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/9693812/Gaza-conflict-app-alerts-Israelis-when-rocket-is-fired.html|title=Gaza conflict: app alerts Israelis when rocket is fired|work=Telegraph|access-date=21 November 2012|location=London|first=Jennifer|last=O'Mahony|date=21 November 2012|archive-date=22 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121122121602/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/9693812/Gaza-conflict-app-alerts-Israelis-when-rocket-is-fired.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Hamas produced a video that threatened the lives of Israeli citizens and warned, "Wait soon for us in the bus stops and cafes." The video became a popular target for parody because of its technical problems and the broken Hebrew written and spoken in it.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/hamas-video-threatening-israelis-draws-more-parody-than-fear-1.478726|title=Hamas video threatening Israelis draws more parody than fear|work=Haaretz|access-date=18 November 2012|archive-date=12 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150512171511/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/hamas-video-threatening-israelis-draws-more-parody-than-fear-1.478726|url-status=live}}</ref>

During the campaign, pro-Palestinian hackers launched a concerted effort to cripple Israeli websites. Israeli websites faced over 60 million hacking attempts, which failed to cause any significant damage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/hackers-fail-to-cause-major-cyber-disruption-officials-say/|title=Hackers failing to cause major cyber-disruption, officials say|work=The Times of Israel|access-date=29 June 2015|archive-date=14 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214070210/http://www.timesofisrael.com/hackers-fail-to-cause-major-cyber-disruption-officials-say/|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2013 [[Anonymous (group)|Anonymous]] attacked many Israeli websites in response to the IDF offensive in Gaza. They called the attack [[OpIsrael|#OpIsrael]] and claimed to have taken down at least 700 sites as of 18 November 2012. The Israeli Defense Forces claimed to have deflected 44 million cyber attacks by that date.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}} Many of the websites were replaced with messages condemning the Israeli campaign and expressing support for the citizens of Gaza.<ref>{{Cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|date=15 November 2012|access-date=18 May 2018|first=Nicole|last=Perlroth|url=https://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/15/anonymous-attacks-israeli-web-sites/|title=Anonymous attacks Israeli Web sites|archive-date=5 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705151201/https://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/15/anonymous-attacks-israeli-web-sites/|url-status=live}}</ref> Hackers from [[Kuwait]] disrupted the website of [[Likud]] MK [[Danny Danon]], who had posted an [[online petition]] urging the government of Israel to cease providing the Gaza Strip with electricity.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=292026|title=Danon hacked after he petitions to cut Gaza power|last=Harkov|first=Lahav|date=15 November 2012|work=[[The Jerusalem Post]]|access-date=16 November 2012|archive-date=18 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118031517/http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=292026|url-status=live}}</ref> The Facebook and Twitter accounts of Israeli Vice Prime Minister and Likud MK [[Silvan Shalom]] were hacked by a pro-Palestinian group called ZCompanyHackingCrew.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.jta.org/2012/11/21/news-opinion/israel-middle-east/israeli-vice-prime-ministers-facebook-twitter-accounts-hacked|title=Israeli vice prime minister's Facebook, Twitter accounts hacked|date=21 November 2012|agency=Jewish Telegraphic Agency|access-date=21 November 2012|archive-date=18 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218161117/http://www.jta.org/2012/11/21/news-opinion/israel-middle-east/israeli-vice-prime-ministers-facebook-twitter-accounts-hacked|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Criticism of IDF media campaign===
[[File:Flickr - Israel Defense Forces - Infographics, What Would You Do.jpg|thumb|"What Would You Do" IDF graphic.]]

The IDF's blog incorporates [[gamification]] features where visitors are awarded points and given badges for things such as visiting the blog or sharing its contents on their social networks.<ref name=timegame>{{cite news|last=Gustin|first=Sam|title=The War Will Be Gamified: Israel, Hamas in Social Media Struggle|url=https://newsfeed.time.com/2012/11/16/the-war-will-be-gamified-israel-hamas-in-social-media-struggle/|access-date=16 November 2012|newspaper=Time Magazine|date=16 November 2012|archive-date=19 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119000702/http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/11/16/the-war-will-be-gamified-israel-hamas-in-social-media-struggle/|url-status=live}}</ref> Although the blog had had these features previously, they had been disabled before Operation Pillar of Defense due to "high traffic."<ref name=readwrite/> They were re-enabled shortly after the operation began. Multiple commentators have described the timing of their re-enablement just after the launch of Operation Pillar of Defense as offensive. [[ReadWrite]]'s Jon Mitchell described it as "absolutely horrendous", and ''[[The Atlantic]]'''s Jeffrey Goldberg called it "disgraceful."<ref name=readwrite>{{cite news|last=Mitchell|first=Jon|title=Unbelievable! The IDF Has Gamified Its War Blog|url=http://readwrite.com/2012/11/15/unbelievable-the-idf-has-gamified-its-war-blog|access-date=16 November 2012|newspaper=Read Write|date=15 November 2012|archive-date=16 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116032526/http://readwrite.com/2012/11/15/unbelievable-the-idf-has-gamified-its-war-blog|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=haaretzpr/><ref name=atlanticpr>{{cite news|last=Goldberg|first=Jeffrey|title=The Iron Dome, Press Bias, and Israel's Lack of Strategic Thinking|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/11/the-iron-dome-press-bias-and-israels-lack-of-strategic-thinking/265360/|access-date=18 November 2012|newspaper=The Atlantic|date=16 November 2012|archive-date=17 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121117081734/http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/11/the-iron-dome-press-bias-and-israels-lack-of-strategic-thinking/265360/|url-status=live}}</ref>


Israel's social media campaign around Operation Pillar of Defense has been perceived by some parties as overly aggressive or otherwise inappropriate. ''[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]'' described Israel's efforts as "hyper-pugnacious," and ''[[Foreign Policy]]'''s Michael Koplow expressed fears that Israel's social media campaign might contribute to some people's "fear of Israel run amok with no regard for the collateral damage being caused."<ref name=haaretzpr>{{cite news|last=Sommer|first=Allison|title=Israel's online PR offensive sees blowback|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/israel-s-online-pr-offensive-sees-blowback.premium-1.478639|access-date=18 November 2012|newspaper=Haaretz|date=18 November 2012|archive-date=18 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118093757/http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/israel-s-online-pr-offensive-sees-blowback.premium-1.478639|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[Anonymous (group)|Anonymous]] attacked many Israeli websites in response to the IDF offensive in Gaza and claims to have taken down at least 50 sites.<ref>{{cite web| first=Devin|last=Coldewey|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/technolog/anonymous-targets-israeli-websites-response-gaza-conflict-1C7106339|title=Anonymous targets Israeli websites in response to Gaza conflict|publisher=NBC|work=News| date=15 November 2012|accessdate=16 November 2012}}</ref> Many of the websites were replaced with messages condemning the Israeli campaign and expressing support for the citizens of Gaza.<ref>{{Cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|date=2012‐11‐15|accessdate=2012‐11‐16|type=[[World Wide Web|WWW]] log|first=Nicole Perlroth|url=http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/15/anonymous-attacks-israeli-web-sites/|title=Anonymous attacks Israeli Web sites}}</ref> Hackers from [[Kuwait]] disrupted the website of [[Likud]] MK [[Danny Danon]], who had posted an online petition urging the government of Israel to cease providing the Gaza Strip with electricity.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=292026|title=Danon hacked after he petitions to cut Gaza power|last=Harkov|first=Lahav|date=15 November 2012|work=[[The Jerusalem Post]]|accessdate=16 November 2012}}</ref>


===Allegations of Hamas disinformation===
===Allegations of Hamas disinformation===
Hamas attempted to conduct "psychological warfare" consisting primarily of fake emails and Facebook postings. Many Israelis received a false announcement from an "IDF Spokesman" warning that "terrorists in Gaza can track you and direct their Katyushas to your location!" if they opened their text messages. Thousands received emails in broken Hebrew that "the military censorship of military intelligence" was concealing information about attacks on soldiers and urged them to view the "picture of the field of death in which our soldiers are falling in Gaza." The attached YouTube videos, though claiming to show an IDF jeep struck by a missile, was in fact a vehicle of the Reuters news agency that had been hit on the border.<ref name="bogus">{{cite news|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/features/psychological-warfare-on-the-digital-battlefield.premium-1.478984|title=Psychological warfare on the digital battlefield|newspaper=Haaretz|access-date=19 November 2012|archive-date=12 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150512171452/http://www.haaretz.com/news/features/psychological-warfare-on-the-digital-battlefield.premium-1.478984|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-script-kiddies-send-israelis-threatening-email-messages/|title=Hamas launches email assault|newspaper=Times of Israel|access-date=20 November 2012|archive-date=14 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214070136/http://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-script-kiddies-send-israelis-threatening-email-messages/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Hamas were accused of fabricating achievements and using pictures of children that have been injured or killed in Syria and presenting them in the social media as Palestinian dead. One of its tweets about the Israeli strikes contained a picture of a dead girl that previously been posted on the Syrians & Friends Facebook page in October.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/busted-hamas-caught-posting-months-old-picture-from-rebel-attack-in-syria-2012-11|title=Busted: Hamas Tweeted Months-Old Picture From Rebel Attack In Syria|publisher=Business Insider|first=Robert|last=Johnson|date=15 November 2012|accessdate=16 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="recycle">{{cite web|url=http://www.tabletmag.com/scroll/116907/hamas-recycles-pictures-of-syrian-dead|title=Hamas Recycles Pictures of Syrian Dead, and claims them as Palestinian dead|work=Tablet Magazine|accessdate=16 November 2012|first=Adam|last=Chandler}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theglobaldispatch.com/hamas-uses-photo-of-dead-syrian-girl-to-provoke-anti-israel-support-83209/|first=Brandon|last=Jones|title=Hamas uses photo of dead Syrian girl to provoke anti-Israel support|publisher=The Global Dispatch|accessdate=16 November 2012|date=15 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/surprise-rocket-fire-toward-jerusalem-shows-hamas-flailing-but-still-seeking-to-escalate-the-conflict/|title=‘Surprise' rocket fire at Jerusalem shows Hamas flailing but still seeking to escalate the conflict|publisher=Times of Israel|accessdate=17 November 2012}}</ref> Another photo of explosions that was uploaded to the Facebook page affiliated with Hamas appeared to be digitally altered.<ref name="wired">{{cite web|first1=Noah|last1=Shachtman|first2=Robert|last2=Beckhusen|date=2012‐11‐15|url=http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/11/gaza-social-media-war/?utm_source=Contextly&utm_medium=RelatedLinks&utm_campaign=MoreRecently|title=Hamas Shoots Rockets at Tel Aviv, Tweeting Every Barrage|work=Wired|accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref> There were suggestions that a Gazan man had feigned injury, being seen carried by Palestinians in apparent discomfort, and yet moments later walking on his own.<ref>{{cite web|author=|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/world/pr-war-israel-hamas/story-fnd134gw-1226518018463|title='PALLYWOOD': Israel accuses enemies of fake casualties|publisher=Herald Sun|date=16 November 2012|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref>


Hamas warned Gazans civilians from spreading information without a source, claiming that such behavior harmed national security and aided Israel's "psychological war". The Interior Ministry said that it would convey any "needed information" in order to "safeguard the truth." This came after a Gaza resident was publicly shot multiple times in the head for collaborating with Israeli authorities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-government-warns-gazans-against-spreading-rumors/|title=Hamas warns Gazans against ‘spreading rumors' that help Israel|publisher=Times of Israel|accessdate=17 November 2012}}</ref>
Hamas warned Gazan civilians against spreading unsourced information, claiming that such behavior harmed national security and aided Israel's "psychological war". The Interior Ministry said that it would convey any "needed information" in order to "safeguard the truth." The statement came after Hamas gunmen publicly shot a Gaza resident multiple times in the head for allegedly collaborating with Israeli authorities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-government-warns-gazans-against-spreading-rumors/|title=Hamas warns Gazans against 'spreading rumors' that help Israel|work=Times of Israel|access-date=17 November 2012|archive-date=7 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807004043/https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-government-warns-gazans-against-spreading-rumors/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Richard Landes]], a blogger and American Associate Professor of history at Boston University, accused Hamas of "brazen hypocrisy" and exploiting a death they had caused in order to garner Western sympathy.<ref name="porn">{{cite news|url=http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/richardlandes/100190395/pallywood-and-the-pornography-of-death-the-western-media-suckered-again/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127183423/http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/richardlandes/100190395/pallywood-and-the-pornography-of-death-the-western-media-suckered-again/|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 November 2012|title=Pallywood and the pornography of death: the Western media suckered again|work=Telegraph|access-date=19 November 2012|location=London|date=19 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="brazen">{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/brazen-faking-of-images-reveals-hamas-desperation/|title=Brazen faking of images reveals Hamas' desperation|publisher=Fox News|access-date=21 November 2012|date=20 November 2012|archive-date=24 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524124543/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/11/20/brazen-faking-images-reveals-hamas-desperation/|url-status=live}}</ref>


Hamas fabricated achievements and used pictures of children injured or killed in Syria, presenting them in the social media as Palestinian dead. One of its tweets about the Israeli strikes contained a picture of a dead girl, previously posted on the "Syrians & Friends" Facebook page in October 2012.<ref name="brazen" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/busted-hamas-caught-posting-months-old-picture-from-rebel-attack-in-syria-2012-11|title=Busted: Hamas Tweeted Months-Old Picture From Rebel Attack in Syria|website=Business Insider|first=Robert|last=Johnson|date=15 November 2012|access-date=16 November 2012|archive-date=9 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909150535/https://www.businessinsider.com/busted-hamas-caught-posting-months-old-picture-from-rebel-attack-in-syria-2012-11|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="recycle">{{cite web|url=http://www.tabletmag.com/scroll/116907/hamas-recycles-pictures-of-syrian-dead|title=Hamas Recycles Pictures of Syrian Dead, and claims them as Palestinian dead|work=Tablet Magazine|access-date=16 November 2012|first=Adam|last=Chandler|archive-date=7 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207100927/https://www.tabletmag.com/scroll/116907/hamas-recycles-pictures-of-syrian-dead|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="flailing">{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/surprise-rocket-fire-toward-jerusalem-shows-hamas-flailing-but-still-seeking-to-escalate-the-conflict/|title='Surprise' rocket fire at Jerusalem shows Hamas flailing but still seeking to escalate the conflict|work=Times of Israel|access-date=17 November 2012|archive-date=14 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214072114/http://www.timesofisrael.com/surprise-rocket-fire-toward-jerusalem-shows-hamas-flailing-but-still-seeking-to-escalate-the-conflict/|url-status=live}}</ref> Another photo of explosions that was uploaded to the Facebook page affiliated with Hamas appeared to be digitally altered.<ref name="wired">{{cite magazine|first1=Noah|last1=Shachtman|first2=Robert|last2=Beckhusen|date=15 November 2012|url=https://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/11/gaza-social-media-war/|title=Hamas Shoots Rockets at Tel Aviv, Tweeting Every Barrage|magazine=Wired|access-date=15 November 2012|archive-date=9 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209030132/http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/11/gaza-social-media-war/|url-status=live}}</ref> Hamas staged several fake deaths and scenes of injury in front of TV crews.<ref name="brazen"/>
==Reactions==
===International===
{|class="wikitable"
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Israel}}'''
|On the first day of the operation, [[Prime Minister of Israel]] [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] said "Today we sent a clear message to Hamas and other terrorist organisations, and if it becomes necessary we are prepared to expand the operation."<ref>{{Cite document|date=2012‐11‐14|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20121114-hamas-military-chief-killed-israeli-air-strike-gaza|title=Hamas military chief killed in Israeli air strike on Gaza|publisher=France 24}}</ref> According to ''[[Haaretz]]'', [[President of Israel|President]] [[Shimon Peres]] updated [[President of the United States|US President]] [[Barack Obama]] by phone and told him "Israel does not want an escalation but for the last five days we were under nonstop bombardment, mothers and children cannot sleep in peace at night. There is a limit to what Israel can withstand. Ahmed Jabari was behind many terror activities."<ref name=significant>{{cite news|title=Jerusalem preparing for 'significant expansion' of Gaza operation, says government official|first=Barak|last=Ravid|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/jerusalem-preparing-for-significant-expansion-of-gaza-operation-says-government-official.premium-1.477871|newspaper=Haaretz|date=14 November 2012|accessdate =14 November 2012}}</ref>


Some{{who|date=December 2012}} argued that Hamas' manipulation effectively undermined their own cause, as readers could not be certain of the authenticity of what they were seeing.<ref name="brazen"/>
Most Israeli political leaders, including [[Tzipi Livni]], [[Shelly Yachimovich]], [[Shaul Mofaz]], and [[Naftali Bennett]] applauded the operation. However, leaders of the left-wing [[Meretz]] party voiced opposition on the radio and online.<ref>{{cite web| last=Harkov|first=Larav|url=http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=291828|title=Politicians voice support for Jabari assassination|date=14 November 2012|work=The Jerusalem Post|accessdate=16 November 2012}}</ref> The [[Israeli Foreign Ministry]] went into semi-emergency mode, canceling all vacations for its Jerusalem staffers.<ref name=significant />
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|[[File:Small hamas logo.gif|22px]] '''[[Hamas]]'''
|Fawzi Barhoum, a spokesman for Hamas, called the assassination of Ahmed Jabari an act of war.<ref name=JPKAT>{{cite news|title=Hamas: Assassination is a declaration of war| newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|date=14 November 2012}}</ref> On 14 November 2012, a statement from the [[Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades]] said "The occupation has opened the gates of hell on itself" and vowed that its militants would "continue the path of resistance".<ref>{{Cite document|date=2012‐11‐14|url=http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_11_14/Israel-launches-Gaza-op/|title=Hamas military chief Ahmed Jabari killed by Israeli air strike, Israel launches Gaza op|publisher=Voice of Russia}}</ref> Similarly Abu Ahmed, a spokesman for the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, called the assassination a "declaration of war" pledging a response within hours.<ref name=JPKAT />
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Palestinian National Authority}}'''
|Palestinian officials have asked the U.N. Security Council to act to halt Israel's military operation in Gaza.<ref>{{cite news|title=Palestinians ask UN Security Council in emergency session to stop Israel's Gaza attacks|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/egypt-asks-for-emergency-un-security-council-meeting-on-gaza-attacks-israeli-actions/2012/11/14/292b823e-2eba-11e2-b631-2aad9d9c73ac_story.html|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=15 November}}</ref> President [[Mahmoud Abbas]] cut short a tour of Europe to return to the West Bank.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=292028|title=Abbas returning to Ramallah due to Gaza crisis|first=15 November 2012|agency=Reuters|work=[[The Jerusalem Post]]|accessdate=16 November 2012}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|United Nations}}'''
|The [[United Nations Security Council]] held an emergency meeting on the situation during the night of 14–15 November and came to no decision. President Pro Tempore of the Council [[Hardeep Singh Puri]] subsequently told reporters: "In short, the message that must resonate from this meeting is ‘the violence has to stop'”.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/15/world/meast/gaza-israel-strike/index.html?hpt=hp_t1|title=Rockets pound Israel, Gaza as Netanyahu alleges 'double war crime'|publisher=CNN|date=15 November 2012|accessdate=16 November 2012|first1=Josh|last1=Levs|first2=Sara|last2=Sidner|first3=Talal|last3=Abu-Rahma}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=November 2012}}
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|European Union}}'''
|EU foreign policy chief [[Catherine Ashton]] said: "The rocket attacks by Hamas and other factions in Gaza, which began this current crisis are totally unacceptable for any government and must stop. Israel has the right to protect its population from these kind of attacks. I urge Israel to ensure that its response is proportionate."<ref name=ashton>{{Cite news|last=Lazaroff|first=Tovah|url=http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=292162|title=Ashton, Merkel say Israel has right to defend itself|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|date=16 November 2012}}.</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Afghanistan}}'''
| Afghan President [[Hamid Karzai]] condemned Israel's airstrikes on Gaza and called for an "immediate stop" to violence against civilians.<ref>[http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gg2Va_msAQEggLSM9SIxzK22L6hA?docId=CNG.88850324e7c3208122c93d91f62fb22d.1b1 Karzai condemns strikes on Gaza, supports ceasfire] - [[AFP]]</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Algeria}}'''
|Algeria strongly condemned, through Ministry of Foreign Affairs' spokesman Amar Belani the "Israeli aggression against Gaza strip" and urged the United Nations Security Council and the international community to assume their responsibilities and "put an end to this dangerous escalation"<ref>{{cite web|title=Gaza: Nouakchott denounces Israeli attack on Gaza strip|url=http://www.aps.dz/Algeria-strongly-condemns-Israeli.html|publisher=Algeria Press Service|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Australia}}'''
|The [[Prime Minister of Australia]], [[Julia Gillard]], stated that "The government condemns the repeated rocket and mortar attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip and calls on Hamas to cease these immediately. Australia supports Israel's right to defend itself against these indiscriminate attacks. Such attacks on Israel's civilian population are utterly unacceptable."<ref>{{cite press release|title=Gillard condemns attacks on Israel| publisher=Fairfax Media|location=AU|date=16 November 2012| first=Bianca|last=Hall|url=http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/political-news/gillard-condemns-attacks-on-israel-20121116-29fx8.html|accessdate=16 November 2012}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Bahrain}}'''
|Bahrain reiterated its strong condemnation of the "brutal Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip." The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs [[Ghanim bin Fadl Al Buainain]] urged the international community to step up efforts to halt the "repeated and unjustified Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip."<ref>{{cite press release|title=Minister of State for Foreign Affairs affirms Bahrain's position in supporting the Palestinian case|publisher=Bahrain Ministry of Foreign Affairs|date=17 November 2012|url=http://www.mofa.gov.bh/Default.aspx?tabid=7824&ItemId=2102|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Belgium}}'''
|[[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Belgium)|Belgian Foreign Minister]] [[Didier Reynders]] stressed "Israel's legitimate right to defend its population against these attacks" and called for a "measured response".<ref>{{Cite document|url=http://m.euractiv.com/details.php?aid=516096|language=French|title=Les ministres européens mettent en garde Israël quant à l'escalade de la violence à Gaza|trans_title=European ministers warn Israel about escalade of violence in Gaza|publisher=EurActiv|date=16 November 2012}}}.</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Bulgaria}}'''
|[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Bulgaria)|Bulgarian Foreign Minister]] [[Nikolay Mladenov]] defended "the right of Israeli citizens to live peacefully" and condemned the rocket attacks by "Hamas and other militant groups". At the same time he urged Israel to take "strict measures to avoid civilian casualties among the Palestinian population" and expressed condolences to the families of victims among the civilian population on both sides.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mfa.government.bg/en/events/73/4/539/index.html|title=Foreign minister Nikolay Mladenov commenting on the situation in southern Israel and the Gaza Strip|publisher=[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Bulgaria)]]|date=15 November 2012|accessdate=16 November 2012}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Canada}}'''
|[[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Canada)|Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs]], [[John Baird (Canadian politician)|John Baird]], issued a statement stating, "We fundamentally believe that Israel has the right to defend itself and its citizens from terrorist threats. Far too often, the Jewish people find themselves on the front lines in the struggle against terrorism, the great struggle of our generation. Just last weekend, more than 100 rockets rained down on civilians in southern Israel from positions in the Gaza Strip. Canada condemns the terrorist group Hamas and stands with Israel as it deals with regional threats to peace and security.”<ref>{{cite press release|title=Canada Condemns Hamas and Stands with Israel|publisher=Foreign Affairs and International Trade|location=[[Canada|CA]]|date=14 November 2012|url=http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2012/11/14a.aspx?lang=eng&view=d|accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|China}}'''
|A spokesperson from the [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China]] told reporters in a news conference that China expressed "concern" to the clashes and urge all sides, particularly Israel, to display "restraint" and avoid civilian casualties.<ref>{{cite web|title=外交部:中方严重关切以色列对加沙发动军事行动|work=China Daily|location=China|date=16 November 2012|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/hqzx/2012-11/16/content_15934878.htm|accessdate=16 November 2012}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Czech Republic}}'''
|The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Czech Republic)|Czech Foreign Ministry]] released a statement saying: "The Czech Republic deeply regrets the loss of civilian lives in Israel and Gaza as well as the current escalation of the situation. The Czech Republic fully recognizes Israel's right to self defense against rocket barrage carried out by the militant organizations in the Gaza Strip while underlining importance of avoiding civilian casualties. The Czech Republic calls on both sides to refrain from all forms of violence and provocative actions and to bring quiet to the civilian population of both sides.<ref>[http://www.mzv.cz/jnp/en/issues_and_press/statements/x2012_11_15_prohlaseni_mzv_cr_k_aktualnimu_vyvoji_situace_v_izraeli_a_pasmu_gazy.html Statement of MFA on Israel and the Gaza Strip], Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic 15 November 2012</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Egypt}}'''
|[[Egyptian President]] [[Mohamed Morsi]] sated that "The Israelis must realise that this aggression is unacceptable and would only lead to instability in the region" and expressed solidarity with the people of Gaza.<ref>{{cite web|last=Harriet|first=Sherwood|title=Egyptian president condemns Israel's 'aggression' in Gaza|location=UK|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/nov/15/egyptian-president-condemns-israel-gaza|work=The Guardian|accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref> The [[Foreign Ministry of Egypt]] berated the operation and called on Israel to halt its attacks. According to ''[[The Guardian]]'', the chairman of the [[Freedom and Justice Party (Egypt)|Freedom and Justice party]], [[Saad El-Katatni]], said: "The Egyptian people revolted against injustice and will not accept an attack on Gaza. The brutal aggression on Gaza proves that Israel has not yet learned that Egypt has changed".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/nov/14/egypt-israeli-air-strikes-gaza-morsi|title=Egypt condemns Israeli air strikes in Gaza and demands ceasefire|newspaper=The Guardian|date=2012‐11‐14|place=UK}}.</ref> The recently appointed Egyptian ambassador to Israel, [[Yasser Reda]], has been summoned back to his capital, for briefing, in reaction to the strikes.<ref>{{cite news| location=[[Israel|IL]]|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4305587,00.html|title=Egypt recalls ambassador after Jabari hit|last=Kais|first=Roi|date=14 November 2012|work=[[Ynetnews]]|accessdate =14 November 2012}}</ref> An Egyptian official reported that Egyptian hospitals are ready to receive wounded Palestinians and that the [[Rafah Crossing]] will remain open.<ref>{{cite web|title=Egyptian hospitals prepare for Gaza victims|url=http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=537708|publisher=Ma'an|accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref> Egyptian Prime Minister [[Hisham Qandil]] visited Gaza on Friday, 16 November.<ref>{{cite web|title=Egyptian delegation to visit Gaza on Friday|url=http://blogs.aljazeera.com/topic/gaza/egyptian-delegation-expected-visit-gaza-friday|publisher=Al Jazeera|accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|France}}'''
|French Foreign Minister [[Laurent Fabius]] acknowledged Israel's right to defend itself, but called for restraint.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4305899,00.html|title=ynet צרפת: לישראל זכות להגנה, אבל די לאלימות - חדשות|publisher=Ynet.co.il|date=|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref> He said:"It would be a catastrophe if there is an escalation in the region. Israel has the right to security, but it won't achieve it through violence".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/15/palestinians-israel-idUSL5E8MF10320121115|title=UPDATE 8-Rockets hits near Tel Aviv as Gaza death toll rises|publisher=Reuters|date=14 November 2012|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref> The [[Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (France)|French Foreign Ministry]] released a statement saying: "France is exceedingly worried about the deteriorating situation in Gaza and the South of Israel. It is calling on the parties to refrain from any escalation of violence since the Israeli and the Palestinian civilian population would inevitably pay the price." French ambassador to Israel [[Christophe Bigot]] visited [[Kiryat Malachi]], where three Israeli civilians were killed, and expressed his solidarity with Israeli victims of rocket attacks.<ref name=chorus />
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Germany}}'''
|[[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Germany)|German Foreign Minister]] [[Guido Westerwelle]] said: "It is obvious that Israel has a legitimate right to defend itself and protect its own citizens against rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip... Now it is necessary that everyone contributes to deescalating the situation. Everybody needs to understand that we need to prevent worse things from happening. We call upon all parties to act wisely and in a deescalating manner."<ref name=chorus>{{Cite news|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/egypt-jordan-turkey-and-russia-chorus-condemnation-of-israels-resort-to-force-us-leads-western-supporters/|title=Egypt, Jordan, Turkey and Russia chorus condemnation of Israel's resort to force, US leads Western supporters|newspaper=The Times of Israel|date=15 November 2012}}.</ref> A spokesperson for Chancellor [[Angela Merkel]] said: "Hamas in Gaza is responsible for the outbreak of violence. There is no justification for the shooting of rockets at Israel, which has led to massive suffering of the civilian population. The Chancellor urges those responsible in the Gaza Strip to immediately stop firing on Israel. At the same time she calls on the Egyptian government to use its influence on Hamas to limit the violence and bring it to an end."<ref name=ashton/>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Hungary}}'''
|The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Hungary)|Hungarian Foreign Ministry]] issued a statement saying that it was "following developments in the Middle East with deep concern, in particular the rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip against Israel and the ensuing military response in protection of the population. We regard it as a necessity that the sides exercise self-restraint and desist from the use of violence. We support all efforts which facilitate the termination of fighting."<ref name=HungMin>{{cite news|title=Statement on the latest developments in the Middle East|url=http://www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-of-foreign-affairs/news/statement-on-the-latest-developments-in-the-middle-east|accessdate=16 November 2012|newspaper=Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs|date=16 November 2012}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Iran}}'''
|[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Iran)|Foreign Ministry spokesman]] [[Ramin Mehmanparast]] berated the Israeli strikes, saying that they were a "sign of [[Zionist entity|the regime's]] brutal nature".<ref name=Fars>{{cite news|title=Iran Condemns Israel's Fresh Strikes on Gaza|url=http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=9107119328|accessdate=14 November 2012|agency=Fars News Agency|date=14 November 2012}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Iraq}}'''
| Iraq's envoy to the [[Arab League]] called on the Arab countries to "use the weapon of oil, with the aim of asserting real pressure on the United States and whoever stands with Israel".<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/16/us-palestinians-israeli-iraq-oil-idUSBRE8AF0UG20121116 Iraq envoy says Arabs should use oil to press Israel over Gaza] - [[Reuters]] - 17 November 2012</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Ireland}}'''
|Irish Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade [[Eamon Gilmore]] said that "This latest round of violence, which was triggered by sustained rocket attacks on towns in Israel and has escalated with the targeted killing of a senior Hamas leader, could lead to the further death and suffering of innocent Israeli and Palestinian civilians. The risks from an escalation of violence on either side are all too apparent. I urge both sides to immediately cease these attacks and remove the threat they pose to the lives and safety of innocent people."<ref>{{cite web|title=Tánaiste calls for end to Gaza violence|url=http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=88779|publisher=Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade|accessdate=17 November 2012}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Italy}}'''
|Italian Foreign Minister [[Giulio Terzi]] said that Hamas missile attacks posed "serious risks for the population" of Israel and invoked them as justification of Israel's response.<ref>[http://www.ejpress.org/article/news/western_europe/63251 Italian FM: 'In the face of strong tensions, Israel had to assassinate Hamas' Jabari'], European Jewish Press 16 November 2012</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Jordan}}'''
|Jordanian Information Minister Sameeh Maaytah said: "Israel's aggressive policy placed the area again in a cycle of violence and instability. This additional hostility... closes all doors on negotiations and the achievement of political arrangements. Israel deprives the Palestinian people of their political and national right to create an independent state... Israel's aggression needs to be stopped and the Palestinian people need to be protected."<ref name=chorus/>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Kuwait}}'''
|Foreign minister of Kuwait expressed sorrow for the "bloody developements in Gaza which was in violation of all international laws and agreements".<ref>{{cite web|title=Kwait call arabs to reassess int'l community handling of palestinian|url=http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2274961&language=en|publisher=Kuwait News Agency|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Libya}}'''
|Libya condemned Israeli attacks on Gaza, calling them "criminal". Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that "these criminal attacks which resulted in the killing and wounding of dozens of the Palestinian people" were a challenge to the international community and to "resolutions of international legitimacy". The statement said the attacks exposed Israel's "aggressive, expansionist and terrorist" intentions and merited condemnation by the whole world.<ref>{{cite web|title=Libya condemns Israeli attacks on Gaza|url=http://www.libyaherald.com/2012/11/15/libya-condemns-israeli-attacks-on-gaza/|publisher=Libya Herald|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Mauritania}}'''
|The Mauritanian government denounced and condemned the "wicked Israeli attack on the Gaza strip". A [[communique]] issued by the [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mauritania)|Mauritanian Foreign Ministry]] extended condolences to the families of those killed in the Gaza strip. [[Nouakchott]] also urged the [[UN Security Council]] "to take up their responsibilities and take the needed measures to protect the Palestinian people against such attacks which jeopardizes security and stability in the region".<ref>{{cite web|title=Gaza: Nouakchott denounces Israeli attack on Gaza strip|url=http://www.afriquejet.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1677:gaza-nouakchott-denounces-israeli-attack-on-gaza-strip&catid=2:news&Itemid=111|publisher=Actualité Afrique|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Morocco}}'''
|Morocco on expressed its deep concern and strong condemnation regarding Israel's ongoing large-scale military operation in the Gaza Strip, urging for "an immediate halt to these raids". According to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement, Morocco "considers that this dangerous escalation is unacceptable and that the continuation of these attacks could have disastrous consequences on the security and stability of the region. As a result, Morocco calls for an immediate halt to these raids and urges the international community to take its responsibility to protect the lives of the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip and their property".<ref>{{cite web|title=Morocco strongly condemns Israel's military operation in Gaza|url=http://www.nzweek.com/world/morocco-strongly-condemns-israels-military-operation-in-gaza-25466/|publisher=NZweek|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Netherlands}}'''
|Dutch Foreign Minister [[Frans Timmermans]] said Hamas is guilty for the escalation: "Hamas has attacked Israel by firing rockets over and over again. Doing this makes Hamas the main actor that is guilty for the Israeli reaction". He also said: "Let it be clear that the current created and unbelievable sorrow of the people in the Gaza strip is in first place the result of Hamas' actions". Beside that he stated: "Israel has the full right to defend itself as long as its does this in a proportional way".
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''[[Non-Aligned Movement]]'''
|A statement released by Iran, which holds the rotating presidency of the bloc, condemned the Israeli air strikes.<ref name=NYT>{{cite news|title=Rocket Attacks and Airstrikes Intensify in Gaza Conflict|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/16/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-assault.html?pagewanted=all|accessdate=15 November 2012| newspaper=The New York Times| date=15 November 2012}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Norway}}'''
|[[Norwegian Foreign Minister]] said he is worried about the escalation of violence between the Palestinians and Israelis of which leader of the Hamas military Ahmed Jabar was killed. He said the rocket attacks on Israel are "clearly unacceptable" and that Israel has a right to defend itself. He added that reactions must be proportional and must distinguish between combatants and non-combatants.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/uriks/Espen-Barth-Eide---Vi-ser-med-stor-bekymring-pa-eskaleringen-av-volden-7045539.html|title=Espen Barth Eide: - Vi ser med stor bekymring på eskaleringen av volden|work=Aftenposten|place=[[Norway|NO]]|language=Norwegian}}</ref>, refusing and postponing to say whether the Israeli response indeed was "within acceptable limits".<ref>{{cite news| url=http://tv.nrk.no/serie/dagsrevyen#t=7m20s|title=NRK|work=TV|place=NO}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Qatar}}'''
|After a meeting in the [[Ryad|Saudi capital]] between [[Gulf Cooperation Council]] Foreign Ministers and their Russian counterpart [[Sergei Lavrov]] to discuss [[Syrian Civil War]], [[Sheikh]] [[Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani]] told journalists "I condemn in the name of Qatar... This filthy crime must not pass without a punishment. The UN Security Council must shoulder its responsibilities in preserving peace and security in the world."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/14/us-palestinians-israel-qatar-idUSBRE8AD1I520121114|title=Qatar wants Israel punished for Gaza attacks|agency=Reuters|date=2012‐11‐14}}.</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Romania}}'''
|[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Romania)|Romanian Foreign Minister]] [[Titus Corlăţean]] issued a [[press release]] stating: "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs ... hopes that Hamas will stop its military aggression and that both parties will refrain from escalating the conflict and will show restraint. It is extremely important to avoid escalation of violence, and this can be exploited on multiple fronts by regional groups with different agendas, which don't promote stability and security in the region."<ref>{{cite press release|title=Comunicat de presă privind violențele din Israel și Fâșia Gaza| location =Romania|publisher=Romanian Foreign Minister|date=16 November 2012| url=http://mae.ro/node/16755 (Romanian)|accessdate=17 November 2012}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Russia}}'''
|[[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Russia)|Russian Foreign Minister]] [[Sergei Lavrov]] called for end to the violence after a meeting held with Gulf Arab foreign ministers in [[Riyadh]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Russia calls for end to attacks, violence in Gaza|first=Asma|last=al-Sharif|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/14/us-palestinians-israel-russia-idUSBRE8AD1JB20121114|agency=Reuters|date=14 November 2012|accessdate=14 November 2012}}</ref> Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said: "The attacks on southern Israel, as well as Israel's disproportionate shelling, are entirely unacceptable. We urge all sides to end the military confrontation immediately and to prevent a new round of bloodshed in the Gaza Strip."<ref name=chorus/>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Saudi Arabia}}'''
|Saudi Arabia expressed its condemnation of the "Israeli assaults on the Gaza Strip" and called for a stronger and more united Arab stance in the face of the "Israeli occupation practices". In his speech before the extraordinary meeting of the Arab League Council at the ministerial level held in Cairo, the Saudi Foreign Minister [[Nizar Madani]] said "It is no longer reasonable or acceptable to pass this new aggression unpunished and that Arab stances earlier which did not exceed words and sought, in vain, binding decisions of the Security Council made Israel careless of observing the Arab and international community's demands". Madani said "The Kingdom sees that it is time for the Palestinians to enjoy, like other peoples of the world, peace and security and to have a homeland free of violence, killing and destruction".<ref>{{cite web|title=Saudi Arabia Condemns the Israeli Assaults on Gaza Strip|url=http://www.spa.gov.sa/English/details.php?id=1049764|publisher=Saudi Press Agency|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Syria}}'''
|The [[Government of Syria|Syrian Government]] called Israel's actions "barbaric, reprehensible crimes" and called on the international community to pressure Israel into halting its strikes.<ref>{{cite news|title=Syrian Government Denounces Barbaric Israeli Crimes against Palestinian People in Gaza|url=http://sana.sy/eng/21/2012/11/14/452554.htm|last=Sabbagh|first=H|agency=[[Syrian Arab News Agency]]|date=14 November 2012|accessdate=14 November 2012}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Tunisia}}'''
|Tunisian foreign minister [[Rafik Abdessalem]] visited [[Gaza]] on [[17 November]], calling on the world to stop Israel's "blatant aggression" in Gaza, saying it was "no longer acceptable or legal by any standards".<ref name=tunisslams/>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Turkey}}'''
|[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Turkey)|Foreign Ministry of Turkey]] condemned the Israeli strikes with a written statement. "We strongly condemn this Israeli attack and immediately demand that it be stopped," the statement said, adding that no country, Israel included, is above international law.<ref>{{cite news|title=Turkey condemns Israeli attack on Gaza, demands halt|url=http://www.todayszaman.com/news-298230-turkey-condemns-israeli-attack-on-gaza-demands-halt.html|accessdate=14 November 2012|newspaper=Today's Zaman|date=14 November 2012}}</ref> Prime Minister [[Recep Tayyip Erdogan]] said in a speech in [[Cairo University]] on 17 November 2012, "Everyone must know that sooner or later there will be a holding to account for the massacre of these innocent children killed inhumanely in Gaza,"<ref>{{cite web|author=National Staff|url=http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/middle-east/you-will-pay-for-killings-erdogan-tells-israel|title=You will pay for killings, Erdogan tells Israel|publisher=The National|date=18 November 2012|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref> Erdogan also praised Egypt for recalling their ambassador to Israel.<ref>{{cite web|author=Edmund Blair|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/17/us-palestinians-israel-turkey-egypt-idUSBRE8AG0EG20121117|title=Turkish PM praises Egypt for recalling envoy from Israel|date=17 November 2012|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|United Arab Emirates}}'''
|The United Arab Emirates strongly condemned the "Israeli aggression on Gaza Strip" and urged the international community to "shoulder its responsibility towards the Palestinian people and to put an end to Israel's messing up with regional and international peace and stability".<ref>{{cite news|title=UAE condemns Israeli aggression on Gaza|url=http://www.todayszaman.com/news-298230-turkey-condemns-israeli-attack-on-gaza-demands-halt.html|accessdate=18 November 2012|newspaper=The Gulf Today|date=17 November 2012}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|United Kingdom}}'''
|Foreign Secretary [[William Hague]] said: "Hamas bears principal responsibility for the current crisis. I utterly condemn rocket attacks from Gaza into southern Israel by Hamas and other armed groups. This creates an intolerable situation for Israeli civilians in southern Israel, who have the right to live without fear of attack from Gaza." He also called on all those involved "to avoid any action which risks civilian casualties or escalates the crisis."<ref>{{cite web|title=Foreign Secretary statement on Gaza and southern Israel| location=UK|url=http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/news/latest-news/?view=News&id=835485682|publisher=Foreign & Commonwealth Office| accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref> On 18 November, he warned that "a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip would lose Israel much international sympathy and support"<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/9686058/Gaza-William-Hague-warns-that-ground-invasion-would-damage-Israel.html Gaza: William Hague warns that ground invasion would damage Israel]</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|United States}}'''
|The [[U.S. Department of State]] issued a [[press release]] stating, "We strongly condemn the barrage of rocket fire from Gaza into southern Israel, and we regret the death and injury of innocent Israeli and Palestinian civilians caused by the ensuing violence." The statement offered support for Israel's right to self-defense and urged Israel to avoid civilian casualties in its military operations.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Gaza Rocket Attacks| location =US|publisher=Department of State|date=14 November 2012| url=http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2012/11/200551.htm|accessdate=14 November 2012}}</ref>


==Media coverage==
State Department deputy spokesman Mark Toner said "We ask [[Egypt]] to use its influence in the region to help de-escalate the situation," adding that Hamas must stop its rocket attacks on Israel. "This is a situation that they've created by firing rockets on innocent Israeli civilians. You know, we obviously mourn civilian deaths on both sides. But the onus is on Hamas to stop its rocket attacks,"
{{See also|Media coverage of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict}}
<ref>{{cite news|title=US asks Egypt to use sway to end Gaza violence| date=15 November 2012|url=http://uk.news.yahoo.com/us-asks-egypt-sway-end-gaza-violence-192332943.html|accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|'''{{flag|Yemen}}'''
|According to a statement released to the [[Saba News Agency]] from a government source, "Yemen has announced its strong condemnation and denunciation of the "brutal Zionist aggression on the Gaza Strip, and standing of the Yemeni people with their brothers in Palestine at all times".<ref>{{cite press release|title=Yemen strongly condemns brutal Israeli aggression on Gaza| location =Yemen|publisher=SABA news agency|date=16 November 2012| url=http://www.sabanews.net/en/news287944.htm|accessdate=17 November 2012}}</ref> The unnamed spoken also said that "The Yemeni government calls for the international community to bare their responsibilities towards the Zionist offensive and take swift action to stop this brutal aggression".<ref>{{cite press release|title=Yemen condemns Israel's aggression in Gaza| location =Yemen|agency=Xinhua News Agency|date=16 November 2012| url=http://www.nzweek.com/world/yemen-condemns-israels-aggression-in-gaza-25978/|accessdate=17 November 2012}}</ref> The [[Yemeni parliament]] has denounced the israeli operation, considering it an "aggression against all Arab and Muslim countries" and calling for using oil as a weapon to end the Israeli operation. It called on the Arab [[parliament]]s and shoura councils to hold an urgent meeting to discuss the "Israeli aggression against Gaza", calling for visiting Gaza in sympathy with its people.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Parliament calls to use oil weapon against Israel| location =Yemen|publisher=SABA news agency|date=16 November 2012| url=http://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/arabic/subjects/5/2012/11/17/24463.htm|accessdate=17 November 2012}}</ref> On 17 November, Permanent Representative of Yemen to the Arab League, Mohammed al-Haisami called "all Arab states to put an end to the cruel Zionist aggression on the Gaza Strip and to stop the crimes committed by Israel on the Palestinian people". Al-Haisami demanded "to urgently set up an Arab ministerial committee to evaluate the conditions and move immediately to the Gaza Strip to get acquainted with the situation there".<ref>{{cite press release|title=Yemen calls to put end to cruel Zionist aggression on Gaza| location =cairo, Egypt| publisher =United Press International|date=17 November 2012| url =http://www.breitbart.com/system/wire/upi20121117-230501-3025|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref>


[[Noam Chomsky]], [[Seumas Milne]], [[Glenn Greenwald]], [[John Mearsheimer]], [[Paul Pillar]], and several other writers have blamed Israel for the conflict.<ref name=belenterror /><ref>{{cite web|title=It's Palestinians who have the right to defend themselves|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/nov/20/palestinians-have-right-defend-themselves|date=20 November 2012|access-date=22 November 2012|work=The Guardian|first=Seumas|last=Milne|archive-date=14 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214070031/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/nov/20/palestinians-have-right-defend-themselves|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=5 Lies the Media Keeps Repeating About Gaza|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/omar-baddar/5-lies-the-media-keeps-re_b_2160239.html|date=19 November 2012|access-date=22 November 2012|publisher=The HuffingtonPost|first=Omar|last=Baddar|archive-date=20 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120140240/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/omar-baddar/5-lies-the-media-keeps-re_b_2160239.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Obama's kill list policy compels US support for Israeli attacks on Gaza|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/nov/15/israel-gaza-obama-assassinations|date=15 November 2012|access-date=22 November 2012|work=The Guardian|first=Glenn|last=Greenwald|archive-date=14 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214070129/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/nov/15/israel-gaza-obama-assassinations|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Who is doing the killing in Gaza? Noam Chomsky and others challenge world's media|url=http://stopwar.org.uk/index.php/palestine-and-israel/2027-who-is-doing-the-killing-in-gaza-noam-chomsky-and-others-challenge-the-worlds-media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130121133921/http://stopwar.org.uk/index.php/palestine-and-israel/2027-who-is-doing-the-killing-in-gaza-noam-chomsky-and-others-challenge-the-worlds-media|archive-date=21 January 2013|date=14 November 2012|access-date=22 November 2012|publisher=Stop The War Coalition|author=NoamChomsky & others}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=A Pillar Built on Sand|url=http://www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2012/11/16/john-mearsheimer/a-pillar-built-on-sand/|date=16 November 2012|access-date=22 November 2012|publisher=The London Review of Books (blog)|first=John|last=Mearsheimer|archive-date=6 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806185254/https://www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2012/11/16/john-mearsheimer/a-pillar-built-on-sand/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Symmetry and Asymmetry of Violence in Gaza|url=http://nationalinterest.org/blog/paul-pillar/the-symmetry-asymmetry-violence-gaza-7739|first=Paul|last=PIllar|work=[[The National Interest]]|date=15 November 2012|access-date=2 December 2012|archive-date=10 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810110631/https://nationalinterest.org/blog/paul-pillar/the-symmetry-asymmetry-violence-gaza-7739|url-status=live}}</ref> Former British commander, [[Richard Kemp]], by contrast, said there was a "very effective anti-Israel propaganda machine" that misunderstands what he considers the reality that Hamas is a terrorist organization.<ref name="Kemp">{{cite web|url=http://www.algemeiner.com/2012/11/20/former-afghan-british-troops-commander-on-possible-israel-hamas-ceasefire-i%E2%80%99m-skeptical-of-how-long-it-can-last-exclusive-interview/|title=Former British Troops Commander on Possible Israel-Hamas Ceasefire: "I'm Skeptical" of How Long it Can Last (EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW)|publisher=Algemeiner|access-date=21 November 2012|archive-date=14 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214064916/http://www.algemeiner.com/2012/11/20/former-afghan-british-troops-commander-on-possible-israel-hamas-ceasefire-i%E2%80%99m-skeptical-of-how-long-it-can-last-exclusive-interview/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Demonstrations took place with the participation of Hamas representative in Yemen, Abdul-Muti Zaqqout who said that "honor and dignity will be restored to the Islamic world once the Zionist regime is defeated". The crowed chanted "Palestinians we are with you and will never forget about you".<ref>{{cite web|title=Gaza: Nouakchott denounces Israeli attack on Gaza strip|url=http://www.presstv.com/detail/2012/11/16/272739/yemenis-protest-in-support-of-palestinian-resistance/|publisher=Press TV|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref>
|}


Sharine Tadros, an [[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]] correspondent to the Middle East who covers the conflict from Gaza, criticized several aspects of the media approach to the conflict. Tadros criticized what she said was an uncritical and repetitive use by journalists of Israel's justifications for targeting homes and other civilian structures. Tadros further criticized the use of terms such as "Hamas school". According to her, "Hamas" is used as an adjective by Israel as justification for targeting civilian infrastructure.<ref name=stadros />
===Non-governmental organizations===
* [[Amnesty International]] said that both sides should stop the violence, and Ann Harrison, Deputy Director of Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa Programme, said "The Israeli military must not carry out further indiscriminate attacks, or attacks in densely populated residential areas that will inevitably harm civilians." and "Palestinian armed groups in Gaza meanwhile must not fire indiscriminate rockets into Israel. The international community must put pressure on both sides to fully respect the laws of war and protect civilian lives and property."<ref>{{Cite document|url=http://www.amnesty.org/en/for-media/press-releases/israelgaza-all-sides-must-step-back-brink-protect-civilians-2012-11-14|title=Israel/Gaza: All sides must step back from the brink to protect civilians|publisher=Amnesty International|type=press release|date=2012‐11‐14}}</ref>
* [[Human Rights Watch]] said that "Israeli and Palestinian forces alike need to make all feasible efforts to avoid harming civilians,” and "there is no justification for Palestinian armed groups unlawfully launching rockets at Israeli population centers.”<ref>{{Cite document|date=2012‐11‐15|url=http://www.hrw.org/news/2012/11/15/israelgaza-avoid-harm-civilians|title=Israel/Gaza: Avoid Harm to Civilians|publisher=Human Rights Watch}}</ref>
* The Israeli human rights organization [[B'Tselem]] warned both sides about causing civilian deaths and stated: "Protection of civilians stands at the heart of international humanitarian law. They must never be targeted; all measures must be taken to protect them. B'Tselem demands that the Israeli government respect these principles at all times and under all circumstances."<ref>{{cite web| title=Learning the Lessons of the Past to protect Gaza civilians| date=2012‐11‐15|location=[[Israel|IL]]|url=http://www.btselem.org/gaza_strip/20121115_gaza_operation|publisher =B'Tselem|accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref>
* The [[J Street]] organization said it "stands with Israel and its right to defend itself from all threats to its people and territory. Our sympathies go out to the Israeli victims and families caught in the violence. We reiterate our call on Hamas to immediately cease rocket attacks on Israel and to ensure that other groups in Gaza desist as well." It also urged Israel to avoid civilian casualties and hoped for President Obama to "mobilize international partners to broker a ceasefire quickly."<ref>{{cite web| url=http://jstreet.org/blog/post/reaction-to-escalation-of-violence-in-israel-and-gaza|title=Reaction to escalation of violence in Israel and Gaza|date=15 November 2012|publisher=J Street|accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref>


==Etymology==
===Images===
The Arab news site Alarab Net released a photo on 18 November which depicted three bloodied children and their mother lying on a floor, who were allegedly massacred in Gaza. Inciting a flurry of comments on Facebook, they turned out to be Syrian massacre photos from 19 October reused to depict a "Gaza tragedy".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.algemeiner.com/2012/11/18/another-photo-of-syrian-massacre-falsely-recycled-as-gaza-tragedy/|title=Another Photo of Syrian Massacre Falsely Recycled as Gaza Tragedy|last=Silverman|first=Anav|date=18 November 2012|work=[[Algemeiner Journal]]|access-date=19 November 2012}}</ref>
The [[Hebrew]] code name of the operation, [[Pillar of Cloud]], is a direct [[Hebrew Bible|biblical]] allusion to the divine cloud which guided the Israelites through the desert and shielded them from those who might do them harm. ({{Bibleverse||Exodus|13:21-22|HE}}).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tabletmag.com/scroll/116790/heres-what-pillar-of-defense-actually-means|title=Here's What ‘Pillar of Defense' Actually Means|last=Rosenberg|first=Yair|date=14 November 2012|work=[[Tablet Magazine]]|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref> [[Hamas]] labelled their actions as "Operation Stones of Shale" (Qur'an [[Al-Fil|105]]:4).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=6423|title=Israel, Hamas escalate fire as IDF prepares ground troops|date=15 November 2012|work=[[Israel HaYom]]|accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref>

On 19 November, [[BBC]] Gaza correspondent Jon Donnison retweeted a photograph of a dead or injured child titled "Pain in Gaza", with his own comment "heartbreaking". It was soon shown that the photo was apparently taken in Syria and is dated to 28 October 2012, before the beginning of the events in Gaza. Donnison apologized for the incident.<ref>[http://www.algemeiner.com/2012/11/19/bbc%E2%80%99s-gaza-correspondent-jon-donnison-tweets-picture-of-syria-child-victim-blaming-israel/ BBC's Gaza Correspondent Jon Donnison Tweets Picture of Syria Child Victim, Blaming Israel], Algemeiner 19 November 2012</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecommentator.com/article/2080/bbc_gaza_correspondent_not_fit_for_purpose|title=BBC Gaza correspondent 'not fit for purpose'|work=The Commentator|access-date=19 November 2012}}</ref>

Pro-Palestinian activists co-opted another photograph on Twitter, identifying an injured infant held by a rescue worker as a "young injured Palestinian child". However, Facebook and Twitter users recognized it as that of an Israeli baby wounded by a Hamas rocket attack; "[[Kiryat Malakhi|Kiryat Malachi]]" was printed on the rescue worker's vest.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Features/In-Thespotlight/Hamas-co-opts-photos-of-injured-Syrians|title=Hamas co-opts photos of injured Syrians|last=Harkov|first=Lahav|work=[[The Jerusalem Post]]|access-date=19 November 2012}}</ref>

Photographs of a distraught Palestinian man, Jihad al-Masharawi,<ref name="NP"/> a [[BBC]] journalist, carrying the body of his 11-month-old son, Omar, wrapped in a white shroud were printed in newspapers worldwide and widely distributed on social media. Masharawi, the BBC Middle East bureau chief, and at least two human rights organizations initially blamed Israel for the incident, and the infant's death quickly became a powerful symbol of the conflict. However, in March 2013, the report of the [[Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights]] on the eight-day conflict stated that Omar was most likely the victim of "what appeared to be a Palestinian rocket that fell short of Israel."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/12/world/middleeast/un-ties-gaza-babys-death-to-palestinians.html|title=U.N. Ties Gaza Baby's Death to Palestinians|first=Isabel|last=Kershner|newspaper=The New York Times |date=11 March 2013}}</ref>

===Video===
[[BBC News]] and [[CNN]] broadcast [[Reuters]] footage of an apparently injured Palestinian man being carried away by a group of people. But the BBC's footage later showed the man walking around on his own.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://honestreporting.com/exposed-pallywood-returns-to-gaza|title=Exposed: Pallywood Returns to Gaza|publisher=[[HonestReporting]]|date=15 November 2012|access-date=17 February 2013}}</ref> CNN said that Reuters did not know the source of that film, while the BBC News responded that to the best of their knowledge, the events were not staged, and that the footage had been cut from a longer reel that showed the man lying on the sidewalk, being lifted and receiving treatment, and then walking away having recovered. The BBC said that it had taken steps to ensure that any re-broadcast would make this sequence of events clear to its audience.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://honestreporting.com/update-bbc-and-cnn-react-to-pallywood-video-footage|title= UPDATE: BBC and CNN React to Pallywood Video Footage|publisher=[[HonestReporting]]|date=18 November 2012|access-date=17 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/world/pr-war-israel-hamas/story-fnd134gw-1226518018463|title='PALLYWOOD': Israel accuses enemies of fake casualties|work=[[Herald Sun]]|date=16 November 2012|access-date=18 November 2012}}</ref>

The [[UNRWA|United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)]] expressed concern for the use of footage by the IDF which suggested the agency's complicity in "terrorist activities" targeting Israel.<ref>{{cite news |title=UN Blasts IDF Fake Video Showing Gaza Schools Used By Hamas To Fire Rockets |url=https://www.eurasiareview.com/20112012-un-blasts-idf-fake-video-showing-gaza-schools-used-by-hamas-to-fire-rockets/ |access-date=27 November 2024 |work=[[Voice of Russia]] |publisher=Eurasia Review |date=20 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926145247/https://www.eurasiareview.com/20112012-un-blasts-idf-fake-video-showing-gaza-schools-used-by-hamas-to-fire-rockets/ |archive-date=26 September 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Reactions==
{{main|Reactions to 2012 Gaza War}}


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Israel|Palestine}}
{{portal|Arab–Israeli conflict|2010s}}
* [[Gaza War]]
* [[Timeline of the Israel–Gaza conflict]]
* [[Timeline of the Israel–Gaza conflict]]
* [[Roof knocking]]

{{clear}}
{{clear}}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|30em|refs=
{{Reflist|30em|refs=
<!-- Unused citation <ref name=Rockets2008-1 /> -->
<ref name=telegraph>{{cite news| location=[[United Kingdom|UK]]|url= http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/palestinianauthority/9677782/Hamas-military-chief-killed-in-Gaza-air-strike.html|date=14 November 2012|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Barney|last=Henderson|title=Hamas military chief killed in Gaza air strike}}</ref>
<!-- <ref name=Rockets2009-1>[http://fr.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1261364551100&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull 'Dozens of terror infiltrations foiled'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110916205449/http://fr.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1261364551100&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull |date=16 September 2011 }}, ''Jerusalem Post'' 30 December 2009</ref> -->
<ref name=haaretz>{{cite news|location=[[Israel|IL]]|title=Hamas military chief Ahmed Jabari killed by Israeli strike|first1=Amos|last1= Harel|first2= Avi|last2= Issacharoff|first3= Gili|last3=Cohen|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/hamas-military-chief-ahmed-jabari-killed-by-israeli-strike.premium-1.477819|newspaper=Haaretz|date=14 November 2012|accessdate=14 November 2012}}</ref>


<ref name=stadros>{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sherine-tadros/gaza-war-coverage_b_2167036.html|title=Covering This Gaza War|last=Tadros|first=Sherine|date=20 November 2012|work=The Huffington Post|access-date=28 November 2012}}</ref>
<ref name=Rockets2008-1>[http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Terrorism-+Obstacle+to+Peace/Palestinian+terror+since+2000/Missile+fire+from+Gaza+on+Israeli+civilian+targets+Aug+2007.htm?DisplayMode=print#statistics The Hamas terror war against Israel]. [http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/ Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs]. 1 January 2009. ''See Statistics of Kassam rocket and mortar fire from the Gaza Strip subsection. Update: subsection has been removed. Cached website can be found here [http://www.donga.com/e-county/sssboard/board.php?tcode=01001&s_work=view&no=343743&p_page=1&p_choice=&p_item=&p_category]''</ref>

<ref name=Rockets2008-2>{{cite journal |publisher=[[Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center]] at the Israel Intelligence Heritage & Commemoration Center |title=The Six Months of the Lull Arrangement |date=Dec. 2008 |page=47 |url=http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/pdf/hamas_e017.pdf}}</ref>
<ref name=hrwbuild>{{cite web|date=23 November 2012|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2012/11/23/gaza-build-ceasefire-address-rights-abuses|title=Gaza: Build on Ceasefire to Address Rights Abuses|publisher=Human Rights Watch}}</ref>
<ref name=Rockets2008-3>{{cite journal |publisher=[[Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center]] at the Israel Intelligence Heritage & Commemoration Center |title=Goldstone Report Versus the Factual Findings |date=March 2010 |page=88 |url=http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/pdf/g_report_e1.pdf}}</ref>

<ref name=Rockets2009-1>[http://fr.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1261364551100&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull 'Dozens of terror infiltrations foiled'], ''Jerusalem Post'' 30 December 2009</ref>
<ref name=reutersdalu>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-palestinians-israel-civilians-idUSBRE8AI0IU20121119|title=Israel investigating Gaza attack that killed 11 Palestinians|work=Reuters|date=19 November 2012|access-date=2 December 2012|first=Maayan|last=Lubell}}</ref>
<ref name=Rockets2010-1>[http://www.shabak.gov.il/English/EnTerrorData/Reviews/Pages/2010summary-en.aspx 2010 Annual Summary - Data and Trends in Terrorism], Israel Security Agency</ref>

<ref name=pchr>{{cite web|title=Attempts to Rescue the al-Dalu Family Ongoing; Israeli Occupation Forces Destroy House over Its Residents|url=http://www.pchrgaza.org/portal/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9010:attempts-to-rescue-the-al-dalu-family-ongoing-israeli-occupation-forces-destroy-house-over-its-residents-&catid=145:in-focus|publisher=Palestinian Centre for Human Rights|date=19 November 2012|access-date=2 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121129030704/http://www.pchrgaza.org/portal/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9010:attempts-to-rescue-the-al-dalu-family-ongoing-israeli-occupation-forces-destroy-house-over-its-residents-&catid=145:in-focus|archive-date=29 November 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name=ahram>{{cite web|title=Strike that killed Gaza family was 'no mistake': Israel|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/59317/World/Region/Strike-that-killed-Gaza-family-was-no-mistake-Isra.aspx|date=27 November 2012|access-date=2 December 2012|publisher=[[Agence France Presse]] via Ahram Online}}</ref>

<ref name=belenterror>{{cite web|title=Terror in Gaza|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2012/11/201211168825952495.html|date=16 November 2012|access-date=22 November 2012|publisher=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]]|first=Belen|last=Fernandez}}</ref>

<ref name=hrwdalu>{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2012/12/07/israelgaza-israeli-airstrike-home-unlawful|title=Israel/Gaza: Israeli Airstrike on Home Unlawful|date=7 December 2012|publisher=Human Rights Watch}}</ref>

<!-- Not in use
<ref name=hrwjournos>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2012/dec/20/gaza-israel|title=Israeli attacks on journalists in Gaza 'violated the laws of war'|date=20 December 2012|access-date=20 December 2012|newspaper=The Guardian|author=[[Roy Greenslade]]|location=London}}</ref>
Not in use-->

<ref name="Guardian Dalu">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/nov/19/gaza-conflict-four-children-buried|title=Gaza conflict: family's four children buried as bombardment continues|first=Harriet|last=Sherwood|work=The Guardian|date=19 November 2012|access-date=22 November 2012}}</ref>

<!-- Unused citations
<ref name=Rockets2010-1>[http://www.shabak.gov.il/English/EnTerrorData/Reviews/Pages/2010summary-en.aspx 2010 Annual Summary&nbsp;– Data and Trends in Terrorism], Israel Security Agency</ref>
<ref name=Rockets2010-2>[http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=201611 Iran smuggled hundreds of rockets to Gaza in 2010], Jerusalem Post 30 December 2010</ref>
<ref name=Rockets2010-2>[http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=201611 Iran smuggled hundreds of rockets to Gaza in 2010], Jerusalem Post 30 December 2010</ref>
<ref name=haaretz>{{cite news|location=[[Israel|IL]]|title=Hamas military chief Ahmed Jabari killed by Israeli strike|first1=Amos|last1=Harel|first2=Avi|last2=Issacharoff|first3=Gili|last3=Cohen|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/hamas-military-chief-ahmed-jabari-killed-by-israeli-strike.premium-1.477819|newspaper=Haaretz|date=14 November 2012|access-date=14 November 2012}}</ref>
<ref name=Rockets2011-1>[http://www.idf.il/1283-14436-en/Dover.aspx IDF Spokesperson]</ref>
<ref name=telegraph>{{cite news| location=UK|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/palestinianauthority/9677782/Hamas-military-chief-killed-in-Gaza-air-strike.html|date=14 November 2012|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Barney|last=Henderson|title=Hamas military chief killed in Gaza air strike}}</ref>
-->

<ref name="soldiercivilians">{{cite news|title=IDF soldier, civilian killed as over 140 rockets hit Israel|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/IDF-soldier-civilian-killed-as-over-140-rockets-hit-Israel|work=The Jerusalem Post|date=20 November 2012|access-date=22 November 2012}}</ref>

<ref name="destroyhamas">{{cite news|title=Israel air raids kill 10, destroy Hamas headquarters in Gaza |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Israel-air-raids-kill-10-destroy-Hamas-headquarters-in-Gaza/articleshow/17259046.cms? |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118133718/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Israel-air-raids-kill-10-destroy-Hamas-headquarters-in-Gaza/articleshow/17259046.cms |archive-date=18 November 2012 |work=[[Times of India]] |date=17 November 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
}}
}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Commons category|Operation Pillar of Cloud}}
* [http://www.idf.il/1283-17570-EN/Dover.aspx IDF carries out widespread attack on Gaza terror sites], [[Israel Defense Forces]]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20170417122742/https://www.idfblog.com/2012/11/22/operation-pillar-of-defense-summary-of-events/ Operation Pillar of Defense: Summary of Events], [[Israel Defense Forces]]
* [http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/pressroom/2012/pages/operation_pillar_of_defense-statements.aspx Operation Pillar of Defense&nbsp;– Selected statements] at the [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Israel)|Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs]]
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20383756 Gaza-Israel violence], live coverage by [[BBC News Online]]
* [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20388298 Q&A: Israel-Gaza violence] at [[BBC News Online]]
* [http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/interactive/2012/11/2012111517327712311.html Gaza: A people under siege], interactive map at [[Al Jazeera English]]
* [https://archive.today/20240811141344/https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4306631,00.html Article about the rocket attack in Tel Aviv by Ynet]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20121120010011/http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/spotlight/gazacrisis/ Gaza Crisis] at [[Al Jazeera English]]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140730042112/http://peterfriedlander.org/israel_gaza_palistine-live-tv-radio-webcam-list/ List of Live News Sources Covering the Operation]
* [[Gabi Siboni]], [http://www.inss.org.il/uploadImages/systemFiles/Operations%20Cast%20Lead,%20Pillar%20of%20Defense,%20and%20Protective%20Edge_%20A%20Comparative%20Review.pdf Operations Cast Lead, Pillar of Defense, and Protective Edge: A Comparative Review], a chapter inside "'''The Lessons of Operation Protective Edge'''", eds. Anat Kurz and Shlomo Brom, [[Institute for National Security Studies (Israel)|INSS]], 2014.


{{Gaza crisis}}
{{Gaza crisis}}
{{Israeli–Palestinian conflict}}
{{Israeli–Palestinian conflict}}
{{Israeli wars}}
{{Arab–Israeli armed engagements}}

[[Category:2012 in Israel]]
[[Category:2012 in the Palestinian territories]]
[[Category:Aerial operations and battles involving Israel]]
[[Category:Conflicts in 2012]]
[[Category:Israel–Gaza conflict]]


{{DEFAULTSORT:Gaza 2012}}
[[ar:التصعيد على غزة (2012)]]
[[Category:2012 in Israel|Gaza]]
[[bg:Операция „Облачен стълб“]]
[[Category:2012 in the Gaza Strip|Israeli]]
[[ca:Operació Columna de Núvol]]
[[Category:November 2012 events in Asia|Israeli]]
[[de:Operation Wolkensäule]]
[[Category:Aerial operations and battles involving Israel|Gaza 2012]]
[[es:Operación Columna de Nube]]
[[Category:Conflicts in 2012|Gaza]]
[[fa:عملیات ستون ابر]]
[[Category:Counterterrorism in Israel|Gaza 2012]]
[[fr:Opération Colonne de Nuée]]
[[Category:Gaza–Israel conflict|2012]]
[[it:Operazione Colonna di nuvole]]
[[Category:Israeli attacks against the Gaza Strip]]
[[he:מבצע עמוד ענן]]
[[Category:Battles in 2012]]
[[ka:ოპერაცია ღრუბლიანი სვეტი]]
[[hu:Felhőoszlop hadművelet]]
[[pl:Operacja Filar Obrony]]
[[pt:Operação Coluna de Nuvem]]
[[ru:Операция «Облачный столп»]]
[[sr:Операција Стуб слободе]]
[[fi:Operaatio Puolustuksen tukipylväs]]
[[uk:Операція «Хмарний стовп»]]
[[yi:עמוד ענן אפעראציע]]
[[zh:云柱行动]]

Latest revision as of 06:30, 24 December 2024

Operation Pillar of Defense
Part of the Gaza–Israel conflict and the Israeli–Palestinian conflict

Iron Dome launches during operation Pillar of Defense
Date14–21 November 2012
(1 week)
Location
Gaza Strip and Israel
30°40′N 34°50′E / 30.667°N 34.833°E / 30.667; 34.833
Result

Ceasefire, both sides claim victory[6][7][8]

  • According to Israel, the operation "severely impaired Hamas's launching capabilities."[9]
  • According to Hamas, their rocket strikes led to the ceasefire deal[10]
  • Cessation of rocket fire from Gaza into Israel.[11]
  • Gaza fishermen allowed 6 nmi (11 km) out to sea for fishing;[12] reduced back to 3 nmi (6 km) after 22 March 2013[13]
Belligerents
 Israel

Gaza Strip Gaza Strip (under Hamas government)

Commanders and leaders

Benjamin Netanyahu
Prime Minister
Ehud Barak
Minister of Defense
Benny Gantz
Chief of General Staff
Amir Eshel
Air Force Commander

Yoram Cohen
Director of Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet)

Ismail Haniyeh
(Prime Minister of the Hamas Authority)
Mohammed Deif
(Commander of Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades)
Ahmed Jabari (KIA)
(Deputy commander of Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades)

Ramadan Shallah
(Secretary-General of Palestinian Islamic Jihad)
Abu Jamal[2]
(spokesperson of the Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades)
Strength
Israeli Southern Command and up to 75,000 reservists[14] 10,000 Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades
8,000 Islamic Jihad
Unknown for the rest
10,000 Security forces.[15]
Casualties and losses

Civilians:
4 killed, 219 injured[16]

Combatants:
2 killed, 20 wounded

Civilians:
105 killed, 971 wounded (Palestinian claim)[17]
103 killed (UN preliminary estimate)[18]
57[19]-68[20] killed (Israeli and ITIC claim)
87 killed (B'Tselem claim)[21]

Combatants:
55 killed, 29 wounded
[17] (Palestinian claim)
101[20]-120[19] killed (Israeli claim)
55 killed (UN preliminary estimate)[18]
62 killed (B'Tselem claim)[21]

6 Palestinians killed for allegedly spying for Israel[22]

In November 2012, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched Operation Pillar of Defense (Hebrew: עַמּוּד עָנָן, ʿAmúd ʿAnán, literally: "Pillar of Cloud"),[23] which was an eight-day campaign in the Hamas-governed Gaza Strip, beginning on 14 November 2012 with the killing of Ahmed Jabari, chief of the Gaza military wing of Hamas, by an Israeli airstrike.[24][25][26][27]

The operation was preceded by a period with a number of mutual Israeli–Palestinian responsive attacks.[28] According to the Israeli government, the operation began in response to the launch of over 100 rockets at Israel during a 24-hour period,[29] an attack by Gaza militants on an Israeli military patrol jeep within Israeli borders,[citation needed] and an explosion caused by improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which occurred near Israeli soldiers, on the Israeli side of a tunnel passing under the Israeli West Bank barrier.[30][31] The Israeli government stated that the aims of the military operation were to halt rocket attacks against civilian targets originating from the Gaza Strip[32][33] and to disrupt the capabilities of militant organizations.[26] The Palestinians blamed the Israeli government for the upsurge in violence, accusing the IDF of attacks on Gazan civilians in the days leading up to the operation.[34] They cited the blockade of the Gaza Strip and the occupation of West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as the reason for rocket attacks.[24]

During the course of the operation, the IDF claimed to have struck more than 1,500 sites in the Gaza Strip,[35] including rocket launchpads, weapon depots, government facilities, and apartment blocks.[36] According to a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) report, 174 Palestinians were killed and hundreds were wounded.[37] Approximately 350–700 families were displaced.[38][19][39][40] One airstrike[41] killed ten members of the al-Dalu family. Some Palestinian casualties were caused by misfired Palestinian rockets landing inside the Gaza Strip.[42] Eight Palestinians were executed by members of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades for alleged collaboration with Israel.[43][44][45]

During the operation, Hamas, the al-Qassam Brigades and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) further intensified their rocket attacks on Israeli cities and towns, in an operation code named Operation Stones of Baked Clay (Arabic: حجارة سجيل, ḥijārat sijīl) by the al-Qassam Brigades,[46] firing over 1,456 rockets into Israel, and an additional 142 which fell inside Gaza itself.[47] Palestinian militant groups used weapons including Iranian-made Fajr-5, Russian-made Grad rockets, Qassams, and mortars.[citation needed] Some of these weapons were fired into Rishon LeZion, Beersheba, Ashdod, Ashkelon, and other population centers. Tel Aviv was hit for the first time since the 1991 Gulf War, and rockets were fired at Jerusalem.[48] The rockets killed three Israeli civilians in a direct hit on a home in Kiryat Malachi.[25][44][49] By the end of the operation, six Israelis had been killed, two hundred forty were injured, and more than two hundred had been treated for anxiety by Magen David Adom, an Israeli medical organization.[53] About 421 rockets were intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system, another 142 fell on Gaza itself, 875 fell in open areas, and 58 hit urban areas in Israel.[47][54] A bus in Tel Aviv was bombed by an Arab-Israeli, injuring 28 civilians.[55]

Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other Western countries expressed support for what they considered Israel's right to defend itself, or condemned the Hamas rocket attacks on Israel.[67] China,[68] Iran, Russia, Egypt, Turkey, and several other Arab and Muslim countries condemned the Israeli operation.[72] The United Nations Security Council held an emergency session on the situation, but did not reach a decision.[73] After days of negotiations between Hamas and Israel, a ceasefire mediated by Egypt was announced on 21 November.[74][75][76] Both sides claimed victory. Israel said that it had achieved its aim of crippling Hamas's rocket-launching ability,[77] while Hamas stated that Israel's option of invading Gaza had ended.[78][79] According to Human Rights Watch, both sides violated the laws of war during the fighting.[80][81][82]

Etymology

Although the official English name of the operation is Pillar of Defense, the Hebrew name translates as Pillar of Cloud. Eytan Buchman, head of the IDF's North American media desk, explained that this usage refers to the Pillar of Cloud in the Bible that protected the Israelites during the Exodus and guided them to the Promised Land (Exodus 13:21–22).[83] The Hebrew Bible and the New Testament elaborate on the story, specifying that the Pillar of Cloud shielded the Israelites from the Egyptians' arrows and catapults. The analogy is thus to the Israel Defense Forces, which shielded Israeli citizens from rocket attacks.[84]

Hamas labelled its actions as "Operation Stones of Shale" (Qur'an 105:4).[85]

Background

The Gaza Strip is defined by the 1949 Armistice lines following the 1948 Arab–Israeli war. About 1.1 of 1.5 million residents of Gaza are registered as refugees from the war.[24] Egypt occupied Gaza from 1948 to 1967 and with the Six-Day War Israel became the occupying power.


In 2005, following the conclusion of the Second Intifada, Israel disengaged from the Gaza Strip, which it had previously occupied since 1967. The unilateral withdrawal plan began in August 2005 and was completed in September 2005.[86] Nonetheless, the ICRC,[87] the UN[88] and various human rights organizations[89][90][91] consider Israel still to be the de facto occupying power due to its control of Gaza's borders, air space and territorial waters.[92][93]

In 2006, Hamas won a majority of seats in the Palestinian legislative elections. This outcome surprised Israel and the United States who had anticipated the return of the Fatah opposition to power and, together with the Quartet, they demanded Hamas accept all previous agreements, recognize Israel's right to exist, and renounce violence.[94] When Hamas refused, stating that the demand left it "handcuffed",[95] Israel cut off aid to the Palestinian Authority. In mid-2006, an Israeli soldier was captured by Hamas in a cross-border raid. The United States and Israel, in response to Fatah moves in October 2006 to form a unity government with Hamas, tried to undo the elections by arming and training Fatah to overthrow Hamas in Gaza.[96] In June 2007, Hamas took complete power of Gaza by force.[97][98][99][100][94]

Israel then defined Gaza as a "hostile territory" forming no part of a sovereign state and put Gaza under a comprehensive economic and political blockade,[101] which also denied access to a third of its arable land and 85% of its fishing areas. It has led to considerable economic damage and humanitarian problems in Gaza.[102][103][104][105] The overwhelming consensus of international institutions is that the blockade is a form of collective punishment and illegal.[106][107][108][109][110] Israel maintains that the blockade is legal and necessary to limit Palestinian rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip on its cities and to prevent Hamas from obtaining other weapons.[111][112][113][114][115]

In late December 2008, a series of escalations culminated in Israel launching aerial and naval attacks on Gaza and a few days later, a ground invasion. The conflict resulted in between 1,166 and 1,417 Palestinian and 13 Israeli deaths (4 from friendly fire), with significant damage to infrastructure in Gaza. It ended with a unilateral ceasefire by Israel, followed by Hamas declaring a one-week ceasefire.

The Palestinian-Israeli conflict in its current form dates to the split in the Palestinian Authority in 2006, which precipitated an armed conflict between Hamas and Fatah. By June 2007, Hamas had taken over the Government in Gaza and ousted its rival Fatah.[116] Following the takeover, Israel and Egypt largely sealed their border crossings with Gaza, making Gaza's economic and humanitarian position precarious.[117][118] The International Committee of the Red Cross declared that Israel's blockade of Gaza constituted "collective punishment" and was a violation of international humanitarian law,[119] and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization report on Gaza also concluded that the blockade was illegal.[120] A UN Report of the Secretary-General's Panel of Inquiry described Israel's naval enforcement of the blockade as legal and appropriate.[121] Israel withdrew its civilian and military personnel in 2005. However, the United States, United Nations, and Arab League consider Israel to be an occupying power in the territory, as it controls the Strip's air and sea borders, as well as its contact with the West Bank.[122] Hamas is a Palestinian Islamist armed group designated as a terrorist organization by the United States,[123] the European Union,[124] Canada,[125] and Japan.[126] It has called for the destruction of Israel since 1988.[127] Russia,[128] Turkey,[129] and Norway[130] do not designate Hamas as a terrorist organization.

Tensions between Israel and the Hamas-governed Gaza Strip continued as the two sides experienced periodic fighting, which saw a major escalation in late 2008.[131] Israel launched Operation Cast Lead in three weeks of air and ground assaults. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the action was a response to repeated rocket and mortars fire into Israel starting in December 2008, rising to 2,378 attacks over an eleven-month period leading to the operation.[132] In the aftermath of the operation, there was a significant reduction in rocket and mortar fire from Gaza into Israel.

After the 2008–2009 escalation the two sides observed an informal and uneasy cease-fire, although rocket fire from Gaza never completely stopped and Israel conducted raids in Gaza. The IDF noted a steady increase in the number of rockets fired into southern Israel by militant groups in Gaza. By 2011, there were 680,[133] and in 2012, 797 (through 13 November).[citation needed] Hamas demanded that Israel end the naval blockade of Gaza's coastline as a condition to end rocket fire.[134][135][136][137] According to Israeli human rights group, B'Tselem, the Israeli security forces killed 273 Palestinians in the Gaza strip between the end of Operation Cast Lead and 30 October 2012, 113 of whom were civilians not taking part in hostilities.[138]

According to Israeli security officials, Hamas, aided by Iranian technical experts and the Sudanese government, smuggled into Gaza Iranian-made Fajr-5 rockets with increased range and lethality. This move placed the highly populated Israeli central district and other metropolitan areas in range of rocket attacks.[139][140] However, the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari stated, "We haven't sent any weapons to Gaza because it is under blockade, but we are honoured to announce that we gave them the technology of how to make Fajr-5 missiles."[141] Ali Larijani said Iran was "honored" to help Gaza's Hamas with "material and military aspects".[142] According to Reuters, there were roughly 35,000 Palestinian militants in Gaza as of November 2012.[143] Israel, which receives billions of dollars of military aid from the US, has a conscript army of 175,000, with 450,000 in reserve equipped with modern weapons systems including F-16 fighter-bombers, Apache helicopter gun ships, and Merkava tanks.[143][144]

According to Israeli security officials, Hamas, with aid from Iranian technical experts and the Sudanese government, smuggled into Gaza Iranian-made Fajr-5 rockets with increased range and lethality, placing the highly populated Israeli central district, and other metropolitan areas in range.[139][140] However, the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari stated "We haven't sent any weapons to Gaza because it is under blockade, but we are honoured to announce that we gave them the technology of how to make Fajr-5 missiles."[141] Meanwhile, Ali Larijani said Iran was "honored" to help Gaza's Hamas with "material and military aspects".[145] There are roughly 35,000 Palestinian militants in Gaza.[143] Israel, which receives billions of dollars of military aid from the US, has a conscript army of 175,000, with 450,000 in reserve equipped with modern weapons systems including F-16 fighter-bombers, Apache helicopter gun ships and Merkava tanks.[143][144]

Pre-operation events

Gaza Strip, with Israeli-controlled borders and limited fishing zone

Several factors acted to increase tensions between Israel and Hamas.

Israel restricted Gazan fishing due to concerns the fishing boats could be used for smuggling arms and other contraband.[146][147] Palestinian Centre for Human Rights reported 92 Israeli attacks within the 3 miles zone against Palestinian fishermen in the first half of 2012 with 43 men arrested, 18 boats confiscated and 4 times equipment damaged and confiscated.[148] Israel has imposed a limited fishing zone, limiting Gazan fishermen to fishing within three nautical miles instead of the twenty stipulated in the Oslo Accords.[149] Fishery provides Gaza with a large share of its food production and provided more than 12,000 jobs. According to Amira Hass, the Israeli Navy routinely fire on Palestinian fishermen, sometimes detaining and transferring them for a minor interrogation at the Shin Bet security service's offices in Ashdod. [28]

According to the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, in July and August, 11 Israeli attacks took place and 2 fishermen were detained. One boat was confiscated.[150] On 28 September 2012, Israeli soldiers entered the Gaza Strip and attacked a group of Palestinian fishermen who were fishing at the beach near the border, wounding one of them and mortally wounding his brother.[151] The Israeli army said they had fired on two Palestinians who had entered a restricted zone near the security barrier.[28][152] The family of the killed fisherman said that the fishers used to fish there and that the soldiers knew who they were and used to watch the Palestinian fishermen.[153] In one of 11 other attacks in September, the Israeli Navy reportedly tried to drown two fishing boats.[151] In October, PCHR documented 11 Israeli attacks against fishermen in which 8 fishermen were arrested while fishing approximately 2 miles off the shore. Two fishing boats and equipment were confiscated.[154]

Also in October 2012, there were several mutual Israeli–Palestinian attacks, each a response to a previous response/attack by the other side.[28] Palestinian farmers accused Israeli forces of opening fire on them and on local and international activists while they harvested olives near the border in the northern Gaza Strip. Israel said the army had no record of an attack in that area.[155][156] Palestinian groups planted bombs alongside the border and attacked Israeli farmers with rockets.[157] According to a summary by Shin Bet, 92 separate attacks occurred in October 2012, with 171 rockets and mortar shells fired against Israel.[158] Gazan groups alleged retaliation against Israeli attacks that had killed or wounded civilians and militants alike.

An arms factory in Khartoum, Sudan, alleged to have participated in arms-smuggling to Hamas, exploded on 23 October 2012. The Israeli government refused to either confirm or deny its involvement, though the explosion was widely believed to be a long-range attack by the Israeli Air Force.[159][160]

On 24 October, after a week in which dozens of rockets struck Israel and Israel conducted strikes against militant targets in Gaza,[157] 80 rockets and mortars were fired from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel over a 24-hour period. Thirty-two missiles struck the Lachish region and 28 the western Negev. A rocket strike on the agricultural area of the Eshkol region severely wounded two Thai workers. Earlier that day three members of a Palestinian rocket-launching squad had been killed by airstrikes, and Israeli tanks had returned fire at launching sites in Gaza. Hamas promised to "continue carrying the rifle...until the liberation of Palestine and the defeat of the occupation."[161][162][163] On 25 October, a ceasefire was allegedly negotiated by Egypt, but the existence of any truce was disputed both by Israeli and Palestinian officials.[164] Although aggression continued in the following days,[165] there were no more casualties on either side until 2 November.

On 2 November, a 22-year-old Palestinian who, according to the IDF, was suspected of attempting to place an explosive device on the Gaza-Israel border, was seriously wounded on Friday morning by Israeli tank fire.[166][167] According to the IDF, he had been suspected of attempting to place an explosive device on the Gaza-Israel border. On 5 November, Israeli soldiers shot and killed a 20-year-old Palestinian man who approached a fence near Gaza's side of the border with Israel, reportedly ignoring warning shots and instructions to leave the area. Palestinians said that the man was unarmed, suffered from mental issues, and was constantly on medication.[168][169] His relatives later said that he had approached the border before, and that at those times, Israeli soldiers used to take him back to Gazan authorities.[170]

On 5 November, a Palestinian roadside bomb exploded and Israeli soldiers were injured. On 7 November, the armed wing of the Hamas movement and the Islamic Jihad group fired a volley of rockets at Israel, a day after an Israeli strike against targets in the Gaza Strip. In the Israeli strike, one Islamic Jihad fighter had been wounded, as well as four children at a suspected rocket launch area. It also damaged a mosque and a water tower.[171] On 8 November, the IDF made a short-range incursion into Gaza after finding more bombs along the border, leading to a gunfight with the Popular Resistance Committees.[172] During the clash, a 13-year-old Palestinian boy was killed. Palestinians claimed that his death occurred "by machine-gun fire, either from IDF helicopters or tanks that took part in the incident."[173][174] Later that day, Palestinian militants detonated an explosives-packed tunnel they had dug on the border, wounding four Israeli soldiers.[174][175][176] Hamas's military wing claimed responsibility for the blast, stating that it was in response to the killing of the boy.[177]

According to Arutz Sheva, 2 Qassam rockets were fired into Israel on 9 November, exploding on open ground.[178]

On 10 November, militants fired an anti-tank missile at an IDF Jeep on routine patrol near Israel's side of the border. Four soldiers were wounded, one of whom was in critical condition following the attack.[29][176][179][180] The IDF shelled the source of the fire and pre-chosen targets in the Sa'ajiya area. Four teenagers, aged 16 to 18, were killed by an Israeli airstrike in a sports stadium while they played soccer.[179][181][182] Gaza militants then fired at least 30 rockets and several mortar shells into southern Israel, The Color Red siren was sounded in Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gan Yavne, and surrounding areas causing Israelis within seven kilometers of the Gaza Strip to remain near protected areas. The Gan Yavne regional council canceled school because of the rocket barrage.[172][183]

The sides continued to exchange fire for several days after the incident. Palestinian militants fired more than 100 rockets, striking homes in Israeli cities, one landing near a school. Several Israelis were wounded by shrapnel in a barrage designed to coincide with the morning commute to work. Two people were injured when their car sustained a direct hit.[29][184] Schools across southern Israel were closed. The mayor of Beersheba, Ruvik Danilovich, explained, "We have experienced hits on our education institutions in the past ... 40,000 children will remain at home today because of the attack that hit us out of the blue."[185] Israel carried out further airstrikes in Gaza. Six Palestinian militants were killed, including one militant belonging to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.[179]

In the days before the operation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak said that Israel's reaction would come "at the appropriate time." However, following a cabinet meeting in the morning before the operation, Minister Benny Begin said that "the current exchange of hostilities seems to be over." According to one Israeli analyst, these mixed messages, the expected diplomatic repercussions from Egypt and the risks of a war on the eve of the Israeli elections were three factors designed to foster a laissez-faire atmosphere for Gaza's Palestinian leaders.[vague][186]

On 12 November, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) officials indicated a willingness to discuss a ceasefire. A PIJ spokesman said, "The ball is in Israel's court. The resistance factions will observe Israel's behavior on the ground and will act accordingly." However, Palestinians fired 12 rockets at Israel throughout the day.[187][188] A factory and a house were hit, and three civilians were wounded.[189] Israel asked the UN Security Council to condemn the rocket attacks, with Minister Barak saying that Israel "would not accept the harm to daily life of our civilians."[188][190]

Gershon Baskin, an Israeli peace activist who was a mediator between Israel and Hamas in the negotiations that resulted in the release of Gilad Shalit, reported that hours before the strike that killed Ahmed Jabari, Jabari had received a draft of a long-term ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.[191][192][193][194] According to Reuven Pedatzur, the negotiations had been conducted with the consent of Ehud Barak, and a week before the strike IDF officials had asked to be briefed on their progress, but permission for the briefing was denied.[195][citation needed]

Operation timeline

Ceasefire

The two main parties, Israel and Hamas, refused to deal with each other directly. Instead, negotiations were conducted thorough intermediaries. Officials from the US and Egypt acted as the facilitators.[196]

Attempts at ceasefire

Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas were mediated by Egypt. Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi predicted the negotiations would lead to positive results very soon. By contrast, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, after meeting with Netanyahu, said that the process would take place in the "days ahead." UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also met with Netanyahu to attempt to end the violence. Turkish foreign ministers and Arab League diplomats were sent to Gaza to promote a truce between the warring parties.[197]

According to reports in Cairo, Israel made six demands for a ceasefire:[198]

  1. No violence for a period of more than 15 years.
  2. No smuggling or transfer of arms to Gaza.
  3. End of all rocket fire and attacks on Israeli soldiers.
  4. Israel reserves the right to attack terrorists in case of an attack or of a potential attack.
  5. Israeli-Gaza crossings will remain closed (although Gaza-Egypt crossings may remain open)
  6. Egypt's politicians must guarantee the above demands.

Hamas's demands for a ceasefire included the lifting of the naval blockade of Gaza, international community guarantees for the cessation of targeted killings, an end to IDF cross-border raids, and the cessation of attack.[198][199] Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal additionally wanted "international guarantees" for the lifting of the blockade.[200]

Ceasefire of 21 November

On 21 November, Mohamed Kamel Amr, the Egyptian Foreign Minister, and Hillary Clinton, the US Secretary of State, announced a ceasefire that would take effect at 21:00 GMT+2.[201][202] The agreement distributed by the Egyptian presidency reads:[203][204]

Understanding Regarding Ceasefire in Gaza Strip

1.a. Israel shall stop all hostilities in the Gaza Strip land, sea and air including incursions and targeting of individuals.
  b. All Palestinian factions shall stop all hostilities from the Gaza Strip against Israel including rocket attacks, and all attacks along the border.
  c. Opening the crossings and facilitating the movements of people and transfer of goods, and refraining from restricting residents' free movements, and targeting residents in border areas and procedures of implementation shall be dealt with after 24 hours from the start of the ceasefire.
  d. Other matters as may be requested shall be addressed.
2. Implementation Mechanism:
  a. Setting up the zero hour for the Ceasefire Understanding to enter into effect.
  b. Egypt shall receive assurances from each party that the party commits to what was agreed upon.
  c. Each party shall commit itself not to perform any acts that would breach this understanding. In case of any observations, Egypt – as the sponsor of this understanding – shall be informed to follow up.

Authored and distributed by: Office of the Egyptian president

Khaled Mashal, the exiled leader of Hamas, thanked Egypt for mediating the ceasefire and claimed that Israel had been defeated. He also praised Iran for providing militants with financing and arms.[205] Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Operation Pillar of Defense had been successful and thanked US President Obama for his "unwavering support for Israel's right to defend itself."[206]

Post-ceasefire incidents

An explosion took place in Gaza in unclear circumstances after the ceasefire; no casualties were reported.[204] A Palestinian man was killed and three others wounded by stray gunfire as gunmen in Gaza fired in the air to celebrate the ceasefire deal.[207] In the hour after the ceasefire was declared, twelve rockets were launched from Gaza into Israel. All of them landed in open areas.[204][208] Air raid sirens sounded in Eshkol, Sderot, Hof Ashkelon, Ashdod, Kiryat Malachi and Sha'ar Hanegev. One rocket over Ashdod was intercepted by the Iron Dome.[209]

The day after the ceasefire Israeli soldiers shot dead a Palestinian farmer and wounded another 19. The survivors, who thought the terms of the truce allowed them access to their land, said they ventured into the Israeli-established "buffer zone" inside Gaza's border to pray, while climbing on the Israeli Defense Wall.[210] The Palestinian ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, complained to the organization that the attack was a violation of the ceasefire.[211] On 28 November, Israel opened fire on two fishing boats off the coast of Gaza and detained nine Gazan fishermen. According to Mahfouth al-Kabriti, the head of Gaza's fishing association, the fishermen were six miles off the coast – the limit within which, as Israel agreed in the ceasefire deal, Gazan fishermen could sail. According to the Israeli Navy, the fishermen had ventured beyond the area designated as allowable for fishing, and did not heed requests to return to the area before being detained.[212] On 30 November, another young Gazan man, 21-year-old Mahmoud Jaroun, was shot dead by Israeli forces in Rafah. According to Ma'an News Agency, Israeli forces had already violated the ceasefire several times by the beginning of December 2012 by firing at Palestinian farmers.[213] On 1 December, Islamic Jihad warned that more "Israeli violations of a ceasefire deal" would move the group to respond.[214]

Spillover

West Bank

The conflict sparked widespread protests in the West Bank, leading to an upsurge in clashes between Palestinians and the IDF.[44][215] On 14 November, two Israelis were lightly injured when their vehicle was stoned near Gush Etzion. The road from Jerusalem to Gush Etzion was closed as a result of fierce protests.[216]

On 18 November, a 31-year-old Palestinian man participating in a demonstration in Nabi Salih was killed by Israeli fire. The IDF, which described the protest as "illegal and violent", launched an investigation into the incident.[217][218] By 19 November, over 50 Palestinians had been reported injured during solidarity protests held in East Jerusalem, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Beit Ummar, and Qalandia.[219]

On 19 November, thousands marched in response to the killing of a protester the previous day.[215] An Israeli civilian vehicle was firebombed on Highway 60 in the West Bank. The passengers managed to flee before the vehicle was incinerated.[220] According to Israel Hayom, a protester in Halhul who attempted to attack an Israeli soldier was shot and killed.[220] Agence France-Presse (AFP) stated that the circumstances of the killing were unclear. The Palestinian police and ambulance service stated that no clashes had taken place where the man was killed.[215] The IDF launched an investigation into the incident. Five firebombs were thrown at an Israeli Border Police base in Atarot. Assailants opened fire on Israeli soldiers at a military base near Jenin. Palestinians tried to infiltrate Nahliel by cutting through the security fence surrounding the Israeli town. Palestinians stoned Israeli vehicles on Route 443, a main highway connecting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. A 22-year-old Palestinian in Hebron attempting to throw a firebomb at a soldier was shot and wounded. A Border Police officer was injured during a demonstration in Qalandiya.[220]

On 20 November, an Israeli soldier was lightly wounded in clashes with Palestinian protesters near Gush Etzion, and an Israeli civilian woman was moderately injured in a stoning attack on a vehicle near Husan.[44] Palestinian demonstrations throughout the West Bank that day praised the rocket strikes and called for a new uprising and the abandonment of diplomacy with Israel. According to The Christian Science Monitor, the demonstrations signaled a blow to the prestige of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who has supported talks with Israel.[221]

Further protests and clashes occurred throughout the West Bank on 21–22 November. Thousands of Palestinians protested the death of Rushdi al-Tamimi, whose funeral procession passed through Ramallah and Birzeit University before ending in Tamimi's hometown of Nabi Salih. Several protesters attending the funeral lobbed stones at Israeli troops manning the entrance of the village, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. Hundreds of mourners attended the funeral of the Palestinian man killed in Hebron on 20 November. Following his burial many young protesters approached an Israeli settlement near Bab al-Zawiya Square, sparking clashes with Israeli forces who fired rubber bullets and tear gas. About 40 Palestinians were injured.[222] In the city of Nablus, hundreds of protesters waved Hamas flags.[223] The entrance to Bani Naim was closed by the IDF after clashes between them and the town's residents. Meanwhile, the northern West Bank village of al-Jalama was declared "a closed military zone" after hundreds of Palestinian demonstrators protested at the village checkpoint. Five Palestinians were arrested in house raids by the Israeli military in Ya'bad and Tubas. Israel alleged that the detained men had previously thrown stones at Israeli troops.[222]

Other

On 14 November, the Egyptian military confirmed that four rockets had been fired from Sinai toward Israel by militant groups in an area with a history in the prior eighteen months of cross-border shootings and rocket launches.[224][225]

On 20 November, a Lebanese army patrol discovered two ready-to-launch 107mm Grad rockets between the villages of Halta and Mari, about 2 miles from the Israeli border. The forces defused the rockets. IDF official Brigadier General Yoav Mordechai said Palestinian factions in Lebanon were probably behind the plot. (See: List of Lebanese rocket attacks on Israel.)[226]

On 21 November, the day of the ceasefire, two rockets fired from Lebanon at Israel landed within Lebanon, according to Beirut officials.[227] The next day, the Lebanese army disarmed an additional rocket aimed at Israel, this one in Marjayoun, about 10 kilometers from the border.[227]

Casualties

Israeli casualties

An Israeli apartment building in Kiryat Malakhi which was hit by a rocket, killing three residents
Aftermath of the Tel Aviv bus bombing incident on 21 November.

Four Israeli civilians and two soldiers were killed in Palestinian rocket attacks.[228] Three of the civilians died in a direct hit on an apartment building in Kiryat Malakhi. The fourth Israeli civilian death was an Israeli-Arab contractor for the Israeli Defense Ministry who was killed in a rocket attack in the Eshkol Region.[44][229][230][231] Both of the Israeli military fatalities were killed in rocket and mortar barrages on the Eshkol Regional Council. One of them was wounded on the last day of the conflict and died of his injuries on 22 November.[232][233] By 20 November, almost 250 Israelis had been injured in rocket attacks,[234] including at least 10 soldiers.[235] Another 28 people were injured in a bus bombing in Tel Aviv.[236]

Building in Rishon le Zion hit by Hamas rocket
Israeli children running for shelter as an air-raid siren sounds.

The IDF credited the low Israeli casualty rate to a number of factors, both offensive and defensive: its preemptive targeting of launching pads and rocket arsenals, its ability to strike militants in the act of launching rockets, the 80%+ success rate of Israel's Iron Dome missile interception system, the existence of bomb-proof rooms in every Israeli house, the implementation of the Red Color alarm system, and public outreach efforts by its Home Front Command.[237]

Palestinian casualties

The damaged floor of a building in Gaza after Israeli strikes

In March 2013 the United Nations Human Rights Council issued a report stating 174 Palestinians in total died, 107 of them civilians.[37] According to B'Tselem, 167 Palestinians were killed, including 62 Palestinians who took part in the hostilities and seven other who were targets of assassination.[21] The Israel Defense Forces have stated that out of 177 Palestinians killed, 120 were militants, and that the IDF never deliberately targets civilians.[19][238] Based on a large-scale survey, Al Mezan counted 129 civilians and 39 combatants killed.[239] The Israeli air force says that it takes all possible measures to avoid harming Palestinian civilians, utilizing precision strikes and issuing preemptive warnings to Palestinian residents.[240] The IDF alleges that it disseminated warning leaflets instructing civilians to avoid areas used by Hamas for firing rockets, and also phoned residents in warnings. It says targets were deliberately missed on the first strike to allow the non-combatants to vacate the area and missions were aborted because of a civilian presence.[241]

Debris in Gaza

On 19 November 2012, an Israeli airstrike killed ten members of the Dalu family, including five children as well as two neighbors, in the deadliest single strike of the entire operation.[242] According to the UN, a relative said to be a member of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades was the target.[243] Human Rights Watch stated it had found evidence on the ground in Gaza that supported the Israeli's claim that the suspected target, Mohammad Al-Dalou, was a member of Hamas' armed wing.[244] A surviving family member denied that a warning had been given to his family to flee the home: "They didn't give us a warning. They just hit the house with the children in it. My daughters were in their youth. What did they do to them?".[245] The IDF policy of targeting family homes of alleged militants has been criticized due to the high potential of creating civilian casualties.[246] Competing theories for the attack were offered. One Israeli paper stated the IDF believed a militant was inside, while two others said the wrong house was targeted.[242] IDF spokeswoman Avital Leibovich at first stated that the event was an accident and the target was a man, Yihia Abayah, supposedly responsible for launching 200–300 rockets into Israel.[245] A relative of the family said that man is not known and rejected his existence.[247] Later, the IDF changed justification for the attack to say that it was intentional and aimed at Mohamed al-Dalu, a Gazan police officer who died in the strike.[248]

The most notable fatality of a Palestinian militant was that of Ahmed Jabari, a high-level commander in Hamas.[249] The PCHR stated that the number of injured people had reached 1,000.[250]

Combatants versus non-combatants

The media and combating parties, in counting the casualties, often use different definitions of "combatants" or "militants".[251][252] The International Committee of the Red Cross regards persons as civilians if they do not fulfill a "continuous combat function" (for example, many police officers) or do not participate directly in hostilities. Civilians are entitled to protection and may not be the object of an attack. The fact that a person killed was a member of any particular Palestinian organization does not, in and of itself, prove that he took part in the hostilities or that he lost the protection given him as a civilian.[251]

Some political or armed groups often declare killed persons, including children, one of their members and adopt them as "martyrs" placing their photographs on their websites and commending their contribution to resisting occupation. Their families may accept this for various reasons, including the willingness of armed groups to provide financial support to the families and pay for funeral costs of the persons killed. This does not mean that those persons killed were involved in militant activities in any way.[239]

Public execution of alleged informants by Hamas

Seven Palestinians have been publicly executed by militants for alleged collaboration with Israel.[44] One man, Ashraf Ouaida, was killed on 16 November near a mosque in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood of Gaza City. An eyewitness said he saw two masked men emerge from a Jeep, drag the victim underneath a Hamas billboard and shoot him multiple times in the head, before hanging a poster citing his alleged crimes.[253]

Militants shot six other Palestinians in the street on 20 November.[44] According to witnesses, the men were pulled out of a van, forced to lie face down on the street and then shot dead. Five of the bodies were left in a pile while a mob stomped and spit on them. A sixth body was tied to a motorcycle and dragged through the main streets of Gaza City as onlookers screamed, "Spy! Spy!". Militants posted a sign naming the six victims. Hamas's radio station, Voice of al-Aqsa, quoted security sources, alleging that they "possessed hi-tech equipment and filming equipment to take footage of positions".[254][255]

The man whose body was tied to a motorcycle, Ribhi Badawi, was a member of Jaljalat, an Islamist group that maintains a rivalry with Hamas. Badawi's family, neighbors, and friends maintained that the allegations of his having spied for Israel were "absurd", noting that he had spent the previous four years in a Hamas prison under armed guard. His widow stated that he confessed to aiding Israel after being tortured by Hamas for seven months with methods that included being burned, having his jaw and teeth broken, and being hung for 45 days by his arms and legs.[256]

On 21 November, Hamas deputy leader Mousa Abu Marzook condemned the killings as "unlawful", adding that any punishments or executions must follow the legal process. He further added that those behind the killings must be punished.[257]

Palestinian casualties from Palestinian fire

Some of the Palestinian civilian deaths are believed to have been caused by a Palestinian rocket that fell short of its target, not by Israel, and two were "high-profile" incidents.[42][49][243][258] The UN report into the events by the High Commissioner for Human Rights found that of the 174 Palestinians killed, 168 were killed by Israeli military action, while 6 civilians may have been killed by Palestinian armed groups firing rockets from Gaza.[37]

BBC Arabic photojournalist Jihad Masharawi lost his 11-month-old son and sister-in-law to what appeared to be an Israeli airstrike. Many international organizations condemned Israel for their deaths. Human Rights Watch reported that Israel was responsible for the deaths, based on "news reports and witnesses". The Palestinian Center for Human Rights stated that "an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a house belonging to Ali Nemer al-Mishrawi in the al-Zaytoun neighborhood in the east of Gaza City. Two members of the family (a woman and a toddler) were killed: Hiba Aadel Fadel al-Mishrawi, 19; and Omar Jihad al-Mishrawi, 11 months." The latest investigation by the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights suggested that the incident was most likely the result of an errant Palestinian rocket launched towards Israel, but fell back into Gaza. Two members of the family (a woman and a toddler) were initially killed: Hiba Aadel Fadel al-Mishrawi, 19; and Omar Jihad al-Mishrawi, 11 months."[37][259][260][261] Ahmed al-Mishrawi, 18, later died from his injuries.[243] According to Jihad al-Mishrawi, his residential neighborhood in the Sabra district saw no fighting before this incident.[262][18]

The death of four-year-old Mohammed Sadallah after an explosion in Annazla appeared to have been the result of a misfiring home-made rocket, not a bomb dropped by Israel as originally alleged by Hamas. Hamas officials and relatives said that the four-year-old Gazan boy was killed in an Israeli airstrike on 16 November. Israel denied that it carried out any attacks in the area at the time.[42][263] According to The New York Times, "the damage was nowhere near severe enough to have come from an Israeli F-16, raising the possibility that an errant missile fired by Palestinian militants was responsible for the deaths."[264] Experts from the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights examined the site and opined that the explosion was caused by a Palestinian rocket; the boy's mother acknowledged that Palestinian militants might have been responsible.[42][258] The Associated Press reported that "no one appeared to have witnessed the strike" and that "local security officials quickly took what remained of the projectile, making it impossible to verify who fired it."[265] A United Nations Report released in March 2013 concluded that Sadallah "[was] killed by what appeared to be a Palestinian rocket that fell short of Israel" and not by an Israeli airstrike.[243]

The UN reported that at least one other child and adult had also been killed by Hamas fire.[243]

Damage

Based on a large-scale survey by workers in the field, which Al Mezan claims to be extremely accurate, Al Mezan reported the total destruction of 124 houses located in all of the Gaza Strip, and partial damage of 2,050 homes. In just one week, the Israeli army destroyed numerous public and private premises, including 52 places of worship, 25 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), 97 schools, 15 health institutions, 14 journalist premises, 8 police stations, 16 government buildings, and 11 political sites. Fifteen factories and 192 trade shops were damaged or destroyed. Twelve water wells as well as agricultural lands were destroyed.[239]

Alleged war crimes

Hamas

Targeting of civilians

Both U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay condemned the continuing indiscriminate attacks and targeting of civilians in Israel by militants from Gaza.[32][266]

A burning car after a Grad rocket from Gaza hit it near a residential building in the city of Beersheba during Operation Pillar of Defense, November 2012.

Human Rights Watch stated that armed Palestinian groups fired hundreds of rockets at Israeli cities, violating international humanitarian law, and that statements by Palestinian groups that they deliberately targeted Israeli civilians demonstrated an "intent to commit war crimes." HRW's Middle East director Sarah Leah Whitson said that Palestinian groups made clear that "harming civilians was their aim" and said that the launching rockets at populated areas had no legal justification. International humanitarian law prohibits deliberate attacks on civilians, and intentional violations can be war crimes.[81][82]

A report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights stated that "Palestinian armed groups continuously violated international humanitarian law, by launching indiscriminate attacks on Israel and by attacking civilians".[37][261] The report further stated, "While some projectiles were directed at military objectives, many, if not the vast majority of the Palestinian attacks on Israel constituted indiscriminate attacks. Such attacks violate international humanitarian law. ... Most rockets fired by the armed groups did not seem to be directed at a specific military objective. Furthermore, many Palestinian armed groups directly and indirectly indicated their determination to – and took responsibility for – attacks on Israeli civilians or large population centres in Israel. Such acts clearly violate international humanitarian law."[243]

Firing rockets from populated areas

Human Rights Watch stated that Palestinian groups endangered civilians by "repeatedly fir[ing] rockets from densely populated areas, near homes, businesses, and a hotel". Under international law, parties to a conflict may not place military targets in or near densely populated areas. One rocket was launched close to the Shawa and Housari Building, where various Palestinian and international media have offices; another was fired from the yard of a house near the Deira Hotel.[81][82] Human Rights Watch said it had not been able to identify any instance where civilians had been warned to evacuate an area before a rocket launch by Palestinian militants.[82]

Col. Richard Kemp, former Commander of British Forces in Afghanistan, said: "The use of the civilian population by Hamas is undoubtedly a war crime because not only are they hiding themselves under a civilian population, [but] they are also putting the civilian population at risk. In my view, if there are civilian casualties, the responsibility does not lie with the IDF, but with Hamas, who deliberately placed them there."[267] Richard Landes criticised Hamas for firing from the midst of civilians, a practice leading to casualties blamed on Israeli counter-strikes to garner Western sympathy.[268] Danny Ayalon said that Hamas's firing of rockets from built-up civilian areas was a "double war crime", noting that ten percent of them did not reach Israel.[269]

The IDF stated that Hamas makes use of "human shield" tactics and said "By operating from densely populated areas, Hamas willingly endangers its own people, turning their houses and schools into terror sites and weapon depots."[270] The Jerusalem Post and Fox News said Palestinian rocket launch-sites were put next to hospitals, schools, mosques, and playgrounds.[241][271] On 21 November a long-range Qassam rocket, of the type Israel has accused Iran of supplying to Hamas, was fired from within 500 yards of the hospital and hit Gush Etzion, southeast of Jerusalem.[272] An IDF spokesman stated they had released footage of "rocket fire from a mosque courtyard, prayer houses, public places and homes".[273]

A Hamas rocket launch site and its civilian surroundings.

In March 2013, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released a report criticizing Palestinian groups for launching rocket attacks from densely populated areas. The report stated that "The [Palestinian] armed groups failed to take all feasible precautions in attacks, in particular by launching rockets from populated areas, which put the population at grave risk."[243]

Allegations that Islamic Jihad members were disguised as journalists

The IDF accused Gaza militants of abusing the protection afforded to journalists. On 20 November 2012 Muhammed Shamalah, commander of Hamas forces in southern Gaza and head of its militant training programs, was targeted by an Israeli air strike. At the time, he was driving a car which, according to the IDF, was clearly labeled "TV," indicating it to be a press vehicle.[274]

The PCHR reported that an Israeli strike had killed al-Quds Radio journalist Muhammed Abu Eisha. The UN, The New York Times, Reporters without Borders, and Human Rights Watch condemned Israel for the attack.[275][276] Frankfurter Allgemeine reported that PCHR failed to mention that Eisha was also a member of the Islamic Jihad and had participated in rocket attacks against Israel.[277] Eisha's name and photo appeared on the Islamic Jihad's website at the time of his death.[277]

Killing of alleged collaborators

The March 2013 report by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) criticized Palestinian militant groups for "summarily executing alleged Israeli spies in breach of humanitarian law".[243]

Israel

Disproportionate force/Targeting of civilians

A report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights was harshly critical of the conduct of the Israeli army. The report stated that the IDF had "failed in many instances to respect international law", and that it did not "consistently uphold the basic principles of conduct of hostilities, namely, the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions".[37][261]

The Israeli airstrike that killed 12 civilians, including 10 members of the Al-Dalu family, has been called a "disproportionate" use of force and a war crime by Human Rights Watch, which stated that the attack had yet to be justified by Israel, and called for the perpetrators of the strike to be punished and the surviving members of victims' families to be compensated.[278] Palestinian Center for Human Rights condemned it as "an example of blatant targeting of civilians".[279] According to The New York Times, "political leaders and human rights advocates have called the [Dalu family] deaths a massacre and a war crime."[245]

British MP Gerald Kaufman criticized the Israeli offensive, and its broader context — of occupation of the West Bank and the siege of Gaza — as war crimes.[280] In an emergency meeting of the Arab League, foreign ministers of member-states accused Israel of perpetrating war crimes and crimes against humanity.[281]

Turkey and Iran accused Israel of committing war crimes and refused to consider the Israeli airstrikes self-defense. Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Israel of committing "ethnic cleansing" of Palestinians.[282] [283]

Bombing of media facilities

In four Israeli attacks on media facilities and journalists, ten media workers were wounded, and two cameramen and a two-year-old was killed.[80]

The Israeli government stated that each of the attacks were on a legitimate military target. The Israeli army stated that foreign journalists were used as human shields by Hamas, after attacks on two media centers in Gaza containing Hamas communications devices.[284]

Human Rights Watch conducted an investigation into these incidents and concluded that "there were no indications that these targets were valid military objectives." and thus "violated the laws of war by targeting civilians and civilian objects that were making no apparent contribution to Palestinian military operations". HRW further stated that journalists and civilian broadcasting facilities were not legitimate military targets simply because they broadcast pro-Hamas or anti-Israel propaganda.[80][285]

In one separate incident, according to the IDF, it hit four Islamic Jihad militants hiding out in a media center in Gaza, the Al-Sharouk compound.[286][287] PIJ reported by text message that one of their senior militant operatives, Ramez Harb, was killed in the airstrike.[288][289][290] as well as Palestinian cameramen. Israel warned the foreign journalists to leave the building before the strike.[291][276][292] One foreign journalist that worked there spoke of his anger that the building was being used as a hideout by Palestinian militants, endangering many people.[289] Human Rights Watch said this attack appeared to be on a military target, and that if Palestinians conducting military operations were present, they were violating international law by placing civilians at unnecessary risk.[80]

The Israeli military's alleged targeting of journalists was also condemned by Reporters without Borders.[290][289] Christophe Deloire, secretary-general of RWB, said "Even if the targeted media support Hamas, this does not in any way legitimize the attacks. ... Attacks on civilian targets are war crimes and serious violations of the Geneva Conventions. Those responsible must be identified."[293][294] Writing for The New York Times, David Carr noted that IDF spokeswoman Avital Leibovich, who said that the journalists were "people who have relevance to terror activity", did not identify the strike as a mistake. Carr accused Israel of deliberately targeting journalists under the cover of war, using "amorphous" phrases such as "relevance to terror activity" to justify the attacks.[295]

NGO Monitor stated that Hamas in Gaza "terrorizes the international press" because it put its own operational communication antennas on top of buildings whose lower floors house foreign media outlets.[296]

Social media and Internet

The military wing of Hamas and the Israeli military both made use of Twitter.[297]

The IDF made widespread use of Twitter and a liveblog to give an up-to-date account of its operations. The military wing of Hamas also made use of Twitter, publicising its rocket and mortar attacks and tweeting when Israeli casualties were reported.[298][299] Foreign Policy magazine labeled this effort a "milestone in military communications."[299][300] Twitter had previously been used to present information regarding military engagements by both the Kenya Defence Forces and Al Shabaab during the KDF's operation against Al Shabaab in Somalia in 2011.[301][302][303] The IDF's Twitter account gained more than 50,000 new followers in 24 hours.[304]

An app based on an idea provided by a 13-year-old was developed to supply up-to-date reports of imminent missile attacks and send information of the location and timing of the public "Color Red" alerts. The app allowed users extra time to run to bomb shelters.[305]

Hamas produced a video that threatened the lives of Israeli citizens and warned, "Wait soon for us in the bus stops and cafes." The video became a popular target for parody because of its technical problems and the broken Hebrew written and spoken in it.[306]

During the campaign, pro-Palestinian hackers launched a concerted effort to cripple Israeli websites. Israeli websites faced over 60 million hacking attempts, which failed to cause any significant damage.[307] In April 2013 Anonymous attacked many Israeli websites in response to the IDF offensive in Gaza. They called the attack #OpIsrael and claimed to have taken down at least 700 sites as of 18 November 2012. The Israeli Defense Forces claimed to have deflected 44 million cyber attacks by that date.[citation needed] Many of the websites were replaced with messages condemning the Israeli campaign and expressing support for the citizens of Gaza.[308] Hackers from Kuwait disrupted the website of Likud MK Danny Danon, who had posted an online petition urging the government of Israel to cease providing the Gaza Strip with electricity.[309] The Facebook and Twitter accounts of Israeli Vice Prime Minister and Likud MK Silvan Shalom were hacked by a pro-Palestinian group called ZCompanyHackingCrew.[310]

Criticism of IDF media campaign

"What Would You Do" IDF graphic.

The IDF's blog incorporates gamification features where visitors are awarded points and given badges for things such as visiting the blog or sharing its contents on their social networks.[311] Although the blog had had these features previously, they had been disabled before Operation Pillar of Defense due to "high traffic."[312] They were re-enabled shortly after the operation began. Multiple commentators have described the timing of their re-enablement just after the launch of Operation Pillar of Defense as offensive. ReadWrite's Jon Mitchell described it as "absolutely horrendous", and The Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg called it "disgraceful."[312][313][314]

Israel's social media campaign around Operation Pillar of Defense has been perceived by some parties as overly aggressive or otherwise inappropriate. Wired described Israel's efforts as "hyper-pugnacious," and Foreign Policy's Michael Koplow expressed fears that Israel's social media campaign might contribute to some people's "fear of Israel run amok with no regard for the collateral damage being caused."[313]

Allegations of Hamas disinformation

Hamas attempted to conduct "psychological warfare" consisting primarily of fake emails and Facebook postings. Many Israelis received a false announcement from an "IDF Spokesman" warning that "terrorists in Gaza can track you and direct their Katyushas to your location!" if they opened their text messages. Thousands received emails in broken Hebrew that "the military censorship of military intelligence" was concealing information about attacks on soldiers and urged them to view the "picture of the field of death in which our soldiers are falling in Gaza." The attached YouTube videos, though claiming to show an IDF jeep struck by a missile, was in fact a vehicle of the Reuters news agency that had been hit on the border.[315][316]

Hamas warned Gazan civilians against spreading unsourced information, claiming that such behavior harmed national security and aided Israel's "psychological war". The Interior Ministry said that it would convey any "needed information" in order to "safeguard the truth." The statement came after Hamas gunmen publicly shot a Gaza resident multiple times in the head for allegedly collaborating with Israeli authorities.[317] Richard Landes, a blogger and American Associate Professor of history at Boston University, accused Hamas of "brazen hypocrisy" and exploiting a death they had caused in order to garner Western sympathy.[268][318]

Hamas fabricated achievements and used pictures of children injured or killed in Syria, presenting them in the social media as Palestinian dead. One of its tweets about the Israeli strikes contained a picture of a dead girl, previously posted on the "Syrians & Friends" Facebook page in October 2012.[318][319][320][321] Another photo of explosions that was uploaded to the Facebook page affiliated with Hamas appeared to be digitally altered.[298] Hamas staged several fake deaths and scenes of injury in front of TV crews.[318]

Some[who?] argued that Hamas' manipulation effectively undermined their own cause, as readers could not be certain of the authenticity of what they were seeing.[318]

Media coverage

Noam Chomsky, Seumas Milne, Glenn Greenwald, John Mearsheimer, Paul Pillar, and several other writers have blamed Israel for the conflict.[322][323][324][325][326][327][328] Former British commander, Richard Kemp, by contrast, said there was a "very effective anti-Israel propaganda machine" that misunderstands what he considers the reality that Hamas is a terrorist organization.[329]

Sharine Tadros, an Al Jazeera correspondent to the Middle East who covers the conflict from Gaza, criticized several aspects of the media approach to the conflict. Tadros criticized what she said was an uncritical and repetitive use by journalists of Israel's justifications for targeting homes and other civilian structures. Tadros further criticized the use of terms such as "Hamas school". According to her, "Hamas" is used as an adjective by Israel as justification for targeting civilian infrastructure.[246]

Images

The Arab news site Alarab Net released a photo on 18 November which depicted three bloodied children and their mother lying on a floor, who were allegedly massacred in Gaza. Inciting a flurry of comments on Facebook, they turned out to be Syrian massacre photos from 19 October reused to depict a "Gaza tragedy".[330]

On 19 November, BBC Gaza correspondent Jon Donnison retweeted a photograph of a dead or injured child titled "Pain in Gaza", with his own comment "heartbreaking". It was soon shown that the photo was apparently taken in Syria and is dated to 28 October 2012, before the beginning of the events in Gaza. Donnison apologized for the incident.[331][332]

Pro-Palestinian activists co-opted another photograph on Twitter, identifying an injured infant held by a rescue worker as a "young injured Palestinian child". However, Facebook and Twitter users recognized it as that of an Israeli baby wounded by a Hamas rocket attack; "Kiryat Malachi" was printed on the rescue worker's vest.[333]

Photographs of a distraught Palestinian man, Jihad al-Masharawi,[243] a BBC journalist, carrying the body of his 11-month-old son, Omar, wrapped in a white shroud were printed in newspapers worldwide and widely distributed on social media. Masharawi, the BBC Middle East bureau chief, and at least two human rights organizations initially blamed Israel for the incident, and the infant's death quickly became a powerful symbol of the conflict. However, in March 2013, the report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the eight-day conflict stated that Omar was most likely the victim of "what appeared to be a Palestinian rocket that fell short of Israel."[334]

Video

BBC News and CNN broadcast Reuters footage of an apparently injured Palestinian man being carried away by a group of people. But the BBC's footage later showed the man walking around on his own.[335] CNN said that Reuters did not know the source of that film, while the BBC News responded that to the best of their knowledge, the events were not staged, and that the footage had been cut from a longer reel that showed the man lying on the sidewalk, being lifted and receiving treatment, and then walking away having recovered. The BBC said that it had taken steps to ensure that any re-broadcast would make this sequence of events clear to its audience.[336][337]

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) expressed concern for the use of footage by the IDF which suggested the agency's complicity in "terrorist activities" targeting Israel.[338]

Reactions

See also

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