The flare-up was the worst fighting between Israel and Gaza militant groups since Israel and Hamas fought an 11-day war last year, and adds to the destruction and misery that have plagued blockaded Gaza for years. Israeli aircraft have pummelled targets in Gaza since Friday, while the Iran-backed Palestinian Jihad militant group has fired hundreds of rockets at Israel in response. Palestinians held Israel responsible, while Israel said it was investigating whether the area was struck by an errant rocket. Jerusalem is typically a flashpoint during periods of cross-border fighting between Israel and Gaza. Israel has issued 12,000 work permits to Gaza labourers, and has held out the prospect of granting another 2,000 permits.

Source: The Hindu August 07, 2022 23:31 UTC