Egypt: Calls for end to attacks on Palestine

Israeli defence forces expanded their airstrikes in retaliation to the hundreds of rockets fired by the Hamas towards cities in Israel. The violence erupted a few days prior because of violent unrests at Temple Mount. Tensions have been high since thousands of Palestinians have violently clashed with local authorities over housing issues. Palestinian families are, according to a court ruling, facing eviction from their houses in Sheik Jarrah – a neighbourhood in the East of Jerusalem. The families have lived on property owned by Jewish religious associations and groups even before Israel gained independence in 1948. A potential definitive decision on the Sheikh Jarrah evictions by the Israeli Supreme Court was delayed as the terror group launched a number of rockets towards Jerusalem. Rocket fire continued from both sides over the next few days, with over 600 rockets fired and 200 intercepted.