2012 Gaza War facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 2012 Gaza War |
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| Part of the Gaza–Israel conflict and the Israeli–Palestinian conflict | |||||||
 Iron Dome launches during operation Pillar of Defense |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Israel |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
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Benjamin Netanyahu Director of Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) |
Ismail Haniyeh (Secretary-General of Palestinian Islamic Jihad) Abu Jamal (spokesperson of the Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades) |
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| Strength | |||||||
| Israeli Southern Command and up to 75,000 reservists | 10,000 Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades 8,000 Islamic Jihad Unknown for the rest 10,000 Security forces. |
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| Casualties and losses | |||||||
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Civilians: 2 killed, 20 wounded |
Civilians: |
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In November 2012, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched Operation Pillar of Defense, an eight-day campaign in the Gaza Strip. It began on November 14, 2012, after an Israeli airstrike killed Ahmed Jabari, a leader of Hamas.
This operation followed a period of increasing attacks between Israelis and Palestinians. Israel stated its goal was to stop rocket attacks from Gaza and weaken armed groups. Palestinians, however, blamed Israel's actions and the blockade of the Gaza Strip for the violence.
During the operation, the Israeli army reported striking over 1,500 sites in Gaza. Many Palestinians were killed or injured, and families were displaced. Some Palestinian deaths were caused by rockets fired by Palestinian groups that landed by mistake.
Hamas and other Palestinian groups fired over 1,450 rockets into Israel, reaching cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. These attacks caused damage and hurt people. Six Israelis died, and many were injured. Israel's Iron Dome defense system intercepted many rockets. A bus in Tel Aviv was also attacked, hurting many.
After days of talks, Egypt helped arrange a ceasefire, which began on November 21. Both sides claimed victory. Countries around the world had different views, with some supporting Israel and others criticizing its actions. Some human rights groups stated that both sides did not follow international rules of conflict.
Contents
What's in a Name?
The Israeli operation was officially called Pillar of Defense. In Hebrew, this name means Pillar of Cloud. This name comes from an old story in the Hebrew Bible about a cloud that protected people. It was meant to show that the Israeli army was protecting its citizens from rockets. Hamas called their actions "Operation Stones of Shale".
Why Did the Conflict Happen?
This conflict is part of a longer history between Israelis and Palestinians, especially in the Gaza Strip.
A Look Back at Past Events
In 2007, Hamas took control of Gaza. After this, Israel and Egypt largely closed their borders with Gaza, making life difficult for people there. Some groups called this a "collective punishment."
Tensions continued, leading to fighting. In late 2008, Israel launched an operation called Operation Cast Lead in response to rockets fired from Gaza. Rocket fire from Gaza continued, increasing in the years before 2012.
Hamas asked Israel to end the naval blockade of Gaza's coast as a condition to stop rocket fire. Advanced rockets were brought into Gaza, allowing attacks on more populated areas in Israel. Iran stated they helped Hamas with the technology for these rockets. In November 2012, there were many Palestinian armed fighters in Gaza. Israel has a large, modern army.
Events Leading Up to the Conflict
Tensions between Israel and Hamas grew due to several factors. Israel limited fishing for Gazans, fearing weapon smuggling. Human rights groups reported many incidents involving Israeli forces and Palestinian fishermen. This affected jobs and food.
In the months before November 2012, both sides carried out attacks. In October 2012, many rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel.
On October 24, many rockets from Gaza hit southern Israel, leading to Israeli airstrikes. Hamas vowed to continue fighting.
On November 10, an anti-tank missile hit an Israeli military vehicle, hurting four soldiers. Israel responded with more airstrikes, killing several armed fighters.
Just before the operation, a peace activist reported that a draft for a long-term ceasefire was being discussed with Hamas leader Ahmed Jabari, hours before he was killed.
How the Conflict Unfolded
The conflict lasted for eight days. It involved many airstrikes by Israel and rocket attacks from Gaza. For a detailed day-by-day account, you can look at the Timeline of Operation Pillar of Defense.
Ending the Conflict: The Ceasefire
Israel and Hamas did not talk directly. Instead, Egypt and the US helped them communicate to find a peaceful solution.
Talks for Peace
Both sides had demands. Israel wanted an end to rocket attacks and no more weapons brought into Gaza. Hamas wanted the naval blockade lifted and an end to Israeli raids.
The Agreement
On November 21, a ceasefire was announced. It stated that both sides would stop fighting. It also mentioned opening border crossings for people and goods. Egypt received promises from both sides to follow the agreement.
Leaders from both sides claimed victory and thanked Egypt.
Impact Beyond Gaza
West Bank Protests
The conflict caused many protests in the West Bank. These protests often led to clashes between Palestinians and Israeli soldiers. People were injured, roads were closed, and vehicles were attacked. These demonstrations showed strong feelings among Palestinians.
Other Border Incidents
Rockets were also fired from the Sinai Peninsula (Egypt) towards Israel. In Lebanon, rockets aimed at Israel were found and disarmed. Some rockets fired from Lebanon landed within Lebanon itself.
Impact on People and Places
Impact on Israelis
During the conflict, some Israeli civilians and soldiers lost their lives from rocket attacks. Many more were injured. An attack on a bus in Tel Aviv also hurt several people.
The Israeli army said that their defense systems, like the Iron Dome, helped keep Israeli casualties low. They also mentioned bomb-proof rooms in homes and an alarm system to warn people.
Impact on Palestinians
Many Palestinians were killed and hundreds were injured. Many families had to leave their homes.
The Israeli army stated they try to avoid harming civilians, using precise attacks and sometimes warning people to leave areas.
Understanding Casualties
Different groups define "combatants" and "civilians" differently. Civilians are meant to be protected. Sometimes, armed groups might claim deceased individuals, even children, as members, which doesn't always mean they were involved in fighting.
Incidents of Concern
Some Palestinians accused of helping Israel were killed by armed groups. Hamas leaders later condemned these actions, saying legal steps should be followed.
Some Palestinian deaths were also caused by rockets fired by Palestinian groups that accidentally landed inside Gaza. For example, a journalist's baby and sister-in-law died in an incident later suggested by the UN to be from a misfired Palestinian rocket.
Damage to Buildings and Areas
The conflict caused significant damage in the Gaza Strip. Many homes were destroyed or partly damaged. Public places like places of worship, schools, and health centers were also hit. Factories, shops, water wells, and farmlands suffered damage.
Images for kids
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An Israeli apartment building in Kiryat Malakhi which was hit by a rocket
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Aftermath of the Tel Aviv bus attack on 21 November.
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Building in Rishon le Zion hit by Hamas rocket
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Israeli children running for shelter as an air-raid siren sounds.
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The damaged floor of a building in Gaza after Israeli strikes
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Debris in Gaza
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