What Happened: Egypt has brokered a cease-fire following the largest exchange of rocket fire and Israeli air strikes between Gaza and Israel since the 2014 war between Hamas and Israel, The Daily Star reported May 30.
Why It Matters: The cease-fire helped restore calm on both sides, and there have been no reports that fighting has resumed. Both sides appear to be backing away from further violence after weeks of escalating conflict along the Israel-Gaza border.
Background: Mass demonstrations along the border have taken place since March 30 and were exacerbated by the May 14 opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and the 70th anniversary of the "nakba," or "catastrophe," when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled from their homes.
Read More:
- Gaza Looks Out Onto a Changing Middle East (May 16, 2018)
- No End in Sight for the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (January 6, 2017)
- Jerusalem: A Decision of Regional Consequence (December 8, 2017)
