What’s behind recent escalation between Gaza, Israel?
Egypt and Qatar broker a cease-fire following the deaths of 27 Palestinians and four Israelis, but will the blockade on Gaza ease as a result?
A cease-fire came into effect the morning of May 6 after three days of fighting between Israel and Palestinian militant factions in Gaza that led to the deaths of 27 Palestinians and four Israelis.
The cease-fire, which was mediated by Egypt and Qatar, was based on Israel easing the blockade in accordance with understandings previously reached with Palestinian factions, Palestinian officials said.
Wisam Zoghbor, a senior official from the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, told Al-Monitor, “The cease-fire agreement includes stopping the Israeli aggression on the Palestinian people and the commitment of Israel to implement measures to ease its blockade on Gaza, including the opening of the crossings.”
“The agreement also stipulates that Israel will stop the targeting of fishermen, farmers and peaceful demonstrators in the 'March of Return' protests,” Zoghbor added.
