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Operation Protective Edge
Part of the Gaza–Israel conflict
Range of missiles launched from Gaza Strip
Date 8 July 2014 – Ongoing Location Gaza Strip  Israel Status Ongoing
Belligerents
Israel	Gaza Strip Hamas IJMP PRC PFLP DFLP
Commanders and leaders
Benjamin Netanyahu Prime Minister Moshe Ya'alon Defense Minister Benny Gantz Chief of General Staff Amir Eshel Air Force Commander Sami Turgeman Southern Commander Yoram Cohen Chief of Shin Bet	Ismail Haniyeh Head of PNA Mohammed Deif Head of Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades
Units involved
Israel Defense Forces Shin Bet	Military wing of Hamas
Strength
Israeli Southern Command and up to 50,000 reservists	Arsenal equaling more than 10,000 rockets
Casualties and losses
None	16

Operation Protective Edge (Template:Lang-he-n, Mivtazh Tzuk Eitan, lit. Operation Solid Cliff) is an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) operation in the Hamas-governed Gaza Strip, officially launched on July 8, 2014. The IDF officially ended Operation Brother's Keeper at the onset of Operation Protective Edge. Operation Brother's Keeper started with the abduction and murder of 3 Israeli boys, which brought tension in the region and increased rocket fire from Gaza at Israel. The IDF Spokesman's office has stated "IDF has commenced Operation Protective Edge in Gaza against Hamas, in order to stop the terror Israel's citizens face on a daily basis".

Build Up

A dramatic escalation in Hamas rocket fire, which start by the IDF arresting many Hamas members in Hebron. During the search for the 3 missing boys during Operation Brother's Keeper, the IDF arrested many of the people who were released during the exchange for Gilad Shalit. Hamas vowed it will not stop its rocket fire until the release of those held prisoner.

Since Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, Hamas has fired more than 8,000 rockets into Israel. Hamas fired more than 450 rockets at Israel since the beginning of 2014, by the time Operation Protective Edge began. Every time a rocket is fired toward a city sirens blare, giving citizens that live up to 10 kilometers from Gaza 15 seconds to reach their bomb shelters, and up to 1 and a half minutes for citizens living 60-75 kilometers from the strip.

Operation

Day 1 - July 8, 2014

From Gaza more than 85 rockets toward Israel on Monday evening. For the first time in recent weeks Hamas openly claiming responsibility. 2 Israelis were lightly injured and several properties were damaged.

Due to the consistent rocket fire from Gaza into Israel, the Israeli government canceled all programs within 40 km (24 miles) of Gaza, and requested all people stay at home or near shelter. All camps were closed and universities canceled their final exams. Additionally all gatherings of 300 or more were banned.

In preparations for a potential escalation in fighting, the IDF called up 1,500 reserves on Monday. These reserves were positioned around southern Israel and were working on training in case of escalation. The IDF continued calling up additional reserves on Tuesday stating plans to call up 50,000 or more.

Early morning on Tuesday Israel struck at least 50 targets in Gaza, to which Hamas stated injured 17 people. This was followed by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu instructing the IDF to "take their gloves off" and instructed them to take any means necessary to restore peace to Israeli citizens. As the afternoon progressed the IDF continued their targeted retaliation, including the home of senior Hamas member Abdul Rahman Juda, who was using his home as a control and command center. Additionally the IDF targeted and killed Muhammad Sa'aban a commander of Hamas's naval commando unit. IDF also targeted the homes of Hamas members Eiad Sakik, Abdullah Hshash, Samer Abu Daka, and Hassan Abdullah. The Palestinians have confirmed that all homes were called by the IDF prior to bombing, asking residence to please leave

Late afternoon Hamas announced that all targets within Israel are now in range. Tel Aviv announced in response they will be opening their public bomb shelters, amid rising fear that Hamas will increase its range of missiles from 40 km to 80 km. Later Rishon Letzion announced that they as well were opening their bomb shelters

Early evening, the Iron Dome Defense system shot down a rocket over Tel Aviv.

Social Media's Role

In the 8 days leading up to Operation Protective Edge, the hashtag #GazaUnderAttack was used over 375,000 times. Often the hashtag was used on tweets using photos to show how the people are suffering due to the attacks by Israel. A study showed however that the vast majority of these photos had nothing to do with the current battles between Gaza and Israel. Some photos were as old as 2009, and others were from Syria and Iraq.

International Reaction

European Union

 European Union’s ambassador to Israel, Lars Faaborg-Andersen, says the EU would like to “express its unreserved solidarity with citizens of Israel.” Continuing “indiscriminate shooting of rockets against civilians can never be a legitimate response, no matter what your grievances.”

United States

 United States President Obama, continuing his requests since the start of Operation Brother's Keeper, requested that both sides use restraint. He reiterated his previous sentiments that the only way to achieve long lasting peace is not through fighting but through a common understand and agreement.

France

 France's Foreign Ministry called Israel and Palestinians to show restraint.

See also

• Operation Pillar of Defense

References

1. "IDF chief Gantz asks for call-up of 40,000 reserves amid Operation Protective Edge". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
2. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/08/operation-protective-edge-israel-bombs-gaza-in-retaliation-for-rockets
3. http://english.wafa.ps/index.php?action=detail&id=25784
4. "IDF's Operation "Protective Edge" Begins Against Gaza". JewishPress. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
5. "IDF launches Gaza operation 'against Hamas' following massive rocket barrage on south". Ynetnews. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
6. "Israel launches operation to stop Gaza-based rocket fire". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
7. "For Israel in Gaza, a delicate balancing act". Retrieved 8 July 2014.
8. "Live updates: Ggaza terrorists fire rockets". Retrieved 8 July 2014.
9. ^ "Rockets bombard south, Hamas claims responsibility". Retrieved 8 July 2014.
10. "Israel launches 'Protective Edge' counteroffensive on Gaza, Jewish suspects reenact teen's murder Read more: Israel launches 'Protective Edge' counteroffensive on Gaza, Jewish suspects reenact teen's murder". Retrieved 8 July 2014.
11. "Israel Steps Up Offensive Against Hamas in Gaza". Retrieved 8 July 2014.
12. "No doubt Hamas will try to target Tel Aviv next, says senior IDF official". Retrieved 8 July 2014.
13. "Israel's Operation Protective Edge in Gaza". Retrieved 8 July 2014.
14. "ISRAEL LAUNCHES MILITARY OFFENSIVE AGAINST GAZA". Retrieved 8 July 2014.
15. http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.603677
16. http://www.jpost.com/Operation-Protective-Edge/Hamas-All-Israelis-now-targets-for-missile-attacks-361965
17. http://www.jpost.com/Operation-Protective-Edge/Tel-Aviv-Municipality-prepares-to-open-public-bomb-shelters-361962
18. http://www.haaretz.com/news/tel-aviv-rishon-letzion-prepare-bomb-shelters-in-case-of-attack-1.267246
19. http://www.jpost.com/Operation-Protective-Edge/Iron-Dome-intercepts-rocket-over-Tel-Aviv-361974
20. "As Israel strikes back, fake Gaza images dominate social media". Retrieved 8 July 2014.
21. "Netanyahu: Gloves Are Off; Defiant Hamas Says It Won't Fold". Retrieved 8 July 2014.
22. "Obama urges restraint israel-palestinians". Retrieved 8 July 2014.
23. "France on 'Operation Protective Edge':". Retrieved 8 July 2014.

External links

• Live update: What Led to Operation Protective Edge?
• Israel Strikes Gaza by Air, Sea to Halt Rocket Attacks

• Current events from July 2014
• Conflicts in 2014
• Israel–Gaza conflict
• Aerial operations and battles involving Israel
• History of Israel
• 2014 in Israel
• 2014 in the Gaza Strip