Israel-Gaza Tension Increases
On Friday a group of Palestinian gunmen strategically set up explosives at the Gaza-Israeli border. After Israeli troops recognized the gunmen to be Palestinian they opened fire where one Palestinian gunman died. Both sides show frustration with the recent events, especially since a 5-month truce has been established to not open fire or set explosives on the border. This truce is becoming weaker by the day as fighting continues. Though tensions are rising, Hamas and Israel have both released statements establishing their commitment to the truce.
Hamas has also taken a stance, prohibiting Palestinians from leaving the Gaza Strip to make the journey to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage. Saudi Arabia is saying that they will only allow those with visas issued by the Palestinian Authority to make the pilgrimage; yet Hamas has given a list to the Saudi government of those individuals they have allowed to make the pilgrimage. Since Hamas has taken over within the Gaza Strip, tensions have begun to rise with Saudi Arabia.
Roopa Radhakrishnan
