An 11-day conflict between Israel and Hamas in May 2021 left over 256 Palestinians and 13 Israelis dead before an Egypt-brokered ceasefire halted fighting.
Key Facts
- Palestinian deaths
- At least 256, including 66 children
- Israeli deaths
- At least 13, including 2 children
- Rockets fired toward Israel
- Approximately 4,360
- Palestinians displaced
- At least 72,000 as of 19 May
- Israeli strikes on Gaza
- Around 1,500 aerial, land, and sea strikes
- Duration of conflict
- 11 days (10–21 May 2021)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Tensions escalated on 6 May 2021 when Palestinians in East Jerusalem protested an anticipated Israeli Supreme Court ruling on the eviction of six Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah. Violence intensified on 7 May after Israeli police stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound with tear gas, rubber bullets, and stun grenades, injuring hundreds, mostly Palestinians, and drawing international condemnation.
On 10 May, Hamas issued an ultimatum demanding Israeli forces withdraw from the Temple Mount and Sheikh Jarrah by 6 p.m.; when Israel did not respond, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad launched approximately 4,360 rockets toward Israel. Israel retaliated with around 1,500 strikes on the Gaza Strip, destroying scores of buildings including high-rise towers, schools, hospitals, and medical facilities, over 11 days of sustained fighting.
An Egypt-mediated ceasefire took effect on 21 May 2021, with both sides claiming victory. At least 256 Palestinians and 13 Israelis were killed, over 72,000 Palestinians were displaced, and large portions of Gaza's infrastructure were damaged or destroyed. Fighting briefly resumed on 16 June when incendiary balloons from Gaza prompted renewed Israeli airstrikes.