Posted on 17 May 2023
On May 14, the European Union announced a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, commending Egypt on its role in facilitating the mediation.
Conflict between Israel and Palestine erupted on May 9 as Israeli military forces launched an airstrike attack on the Gaza strip, aimed at the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The conflict then escalated as Palestinian forces fired rockets in return, leading to five days days of violence in the region with attacks from both parties.
According to OHCHR, 34 people were killed and over 100 wounded in days of fighting that followed the initial attack. For five consecutive days, the Erez and Kerem Israeli-controlled crossings were also closed, preventing movement of people and vital resources.