The escalation that became Operation Guardian of the Walls was rooted in events in Jerusalem. During Ramadan 2021, Israeli police erected barriers preventing Palestinians from gathering at Damascus Gate—a traditional gathering place—and violently suppressed protests. Simultaneously, Israeli courts moved forward with eviction proceedings against Palestinian families in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem to make way for Jewish settlers. On May 7, hundreds of Palestinians were injured when Israeli police stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque compound during prayers, firing rubber bullets, stun grenades, and tear gas inside the mosque itself. International condemnation was swift, but on May 10—Lailat al-Qadr, the holiest night of Ramadan—Israeli police again raided Al-Aqsa, injuring over 300 Palestinians. Hamas issued an ultimatum demanding Israeli forces withdraw from Al-Aqsa and Sheikh Jarrah by 6 PM. When Israel refused, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad fired rockets toward Jerusalem at 6:05 PM, marking the beginning of the conflict.
Israel's response was immediate and overwhelming. Within hours, Israeli jets struck over 130 targets across Gaza. Over the next 11 days, the IDF conducted more than 1,500 airstrikes while Palestinian armed groups fired 4,360 rockets and mortars into Israel—the Iron Dome intercepted approximately 90% of projectiles headed toward populated areas. The first day saw the al-Masri family strike in Beit Hanoun where a missile killed 8 civilians including 6 children who were packing barley for animal feed. Israel claimed it was a misfired Palestinian rocket, but Human Rights Watch's investigation found evidence of a guided missile and no military target. The deadliest single incident came on May 16 when Israeli forces launched a four-minute assault on al-Wahda Street in central Gaza City, causing three multi-story residential buildings to collapse. Forty-four civilians were killed including 18 children. HRW found the buildings collapsed after missiles struck the road or sidewalk adjacent to them—there were no evident military targets.
The operation took place against the backdrop of Israel's 14-year blockade of Gaza and its systematic discrimination against Palestinians, which Human Rights Watch had characterized as apartheid just one month earlier in April 2021. The 11-day conflict killed 260 Palestinians (129 civilians according to UN/HRW, though Israel claimed most were militants). Thirteen Israelis died including 12 civilians killed by rockets. Human Rights Watch conducted in-depth investigations of three Israeli strikes that killed 62 Palestinian civilians total, finding 'no evident military targets in the vicinity' of any—constituting apparent war crimes. A third incident HRW investigated was the May 15 bombing of a building in Shati refugee camp that killed 10 people (8 children, 2 women); Israel claimed senior Hamas officials were hiding there, but HRW found no evidence of military targets. The report also documented that Palestinian armed groups committed war crimes through indiscriminate rocket fire at Israeli population centers. The operation ended with an Egyptian-mediated ceasefire on May 21, but neither side achieved strategic objectives, and Gaza's humanitarian crisis deepened significantly.
Palestinians Killed 260
UN/HRW: 129 civilians; Gaza Health Ministry: 248 (66 children, 39 women); Israel claims 200 militants killed
Child Fatalities 66 children
Including 18 children killed in al-Wahda Street collapse; 8 children in Shati camp bombing
Al-Wahda Street Massacre - May 16 44 civilians
Deadliest single incident: 3 residential buildings collapsed after 4-minute assault; 18 children among dead
Al-Masri Family - May 10 8 (6 children)
First major incident: Family packing barley when struck. Israel claimed misfired Palestinian rocket; HRW found guided missile, no military target
Shati Refugee Camp - May 15 10 (8 children)
Building destroyed killing 8 children, 2 women. Israel: Hamas officials hiding there. HRW: No evidence of military target
Palestinians Wounded 1948
Gaza Health Ministry figures; many with severe injuries requiring long-term care
Israelis Killed 13
12 civilians (including child, 2 Thai workers, 2 Israeli Arabs); 1 soldier killed by anti-tank missile
Israelis Wounded Several hundred
Hundreds injured by rockets, shrapnel, running to shelters; many anxiety attacks
Israeli Airstrikes 1,500+
IDF struck over 1,500 targets including residential buildings, alleged tunnels, government facilities
Rockets/Mortars Fired from Gaza 4360
3,573 fell inside Israel; ~680 misfired and fell in Gaza; Iron Dome intercepted ~90% headed to populated areas
Misfired Palestinian Rockets ~680 rockets
Approximately 680 rockets fell short, landing in Gaza and causing Palestinian casualties
Gerry Simpson
“In presenting HRW report July 2021: 'In each of three cases we investigated in-depth, Israeli forces carried out attacks that killed 62 Palestinian civilians and we found no evident military targets in the vicinity...All of these incidents should be investigated as apparent war crimes. The IDF's consistent failure to seriously investigate alleged war crimes underscores the need for an ICC investigation.'”
Omar Abu el-Ouf
“Testified to HRW: 'I felt the floor disappear beneath us as the missile struck. The building pancaked—three floors became one. My brother Izzideen was killed. His wife and four children. My cousin Wael and his wife and three children. The building next to us also collapsed. We heard people screaming for help in the rubble for hours. Forty-four people from our street died. There were no fighters here, no military target.'”
Youssef al-Masri
“Describing May 10 strike that killed his children: 'My children were packing barley for the animals. I saw it with my own eyes—the missile came from the east [from Israel]. My children were scattered everywhere, ripped to pieces. Israel says it was a Palestinian rocket but I know what I saw. They were just children working, not fighters.' Lost Rahaf (10), Yazan (13), Marwan (12), Ibrahim (7), and two others.”
António Guterres
“Statement during conflict: 'Fighting must stop. It must stop immediately. Rockets and mortars on one side and aerial and artillery bombardments on the other must stop...I appeal to all parties to observe maximum restraint, to protect civilians, and to allow mediation efforts to intensify and succeed.' Also condemned Sheikh Jarrah evictions as violations of international law.”
Amnesty International
“In statement during conflict: 'All sides in this conflict have an absolute obligation to comply with international humanitarian law. They must take all feasible precautions to protect civilians. Israeli forces have repeatedly violated these obligations...Palestinian armed groups have also shown a blatant disregard for international humanitarian law by firing rockets indiscriminately into civilian areas in Israel.'”
Iyad al-Mughrabi
“Witness to May 15 bombing killing 8 children: 'It was around 1:30 in the morning. The explosion was massive—the whole building came down. We ran to help. We found children buried in the rubble. Eight children died, all from the Abu Hatab family. Israel says Hamas was there but we never saw any fighters. Just families living there.'”
Human Rights Watch (institutional)
“April 2021 report conclusion: 'Those who strive for Israeli-Palestinian peace, whether a one or two-state solution or a confederation, should in the meantime recognize this reality for what it is and bring to bear the sorts of human rights tools that can end it. This includes calling on states to condition arms sales and security assistance to Israel on it taking concrete and verifiable steps toward ending their commission of these crimes.'”
Breaking the Silence (Israeli soldiers)
“Anonymous testimony from Gaza operations: 'The rules of engagement were very loose. If intelligence said there was something there, we hit it. We didn't always know what we were hitting. Sometimes entire buildings would come down and we'd find out later families were inside. The attitude was: Hamas is responsible for being there, not us.'”
Al-Wahda Street Attack - 44 Civilians Killed
May 16, 1 AM: Four-minute assault collapsed three residential buildings in central Gaza City, killing 44 civilians including 18 children. HRW determined buildings collapsed after missiles struck road/sidewalk adjacent to buildings. No evident military targets. HRW: 'Apparent war crime.' Survivor Omar Abu el-Ouf described floor disappearing beneath family as missiles struck.
Al-Masri Family Strike - 6 Children Killed
May 10, 6 PM: Missile killed 8 members of al-Masri family (6 children) who were packing barley in Beit Hanoun. Israel claimed misfired Palestinian rocket from west. HRW analysis of munition remnants, witness accounts found 'evidence indicated weapon was guided missile.' No military target at or near site. Father Youssef al-Masri: 'I saw it with my own eyes...children scattered, ripped to pieces.'
Shati Refugee Camp Bombing - 8 Children Killed
May 15: Israeli airstrike destroyed three-story building in Shati camp killing 10 (8 children, 2 women). Israel claimed senior Hamas officials hiding in building. HRW investigation: building hit by US-made guided missile, 'found no evidence of military target at or near site.' Called for investigation into whether legitimate military target existed.
Indiscriminate Rocket Attacks (Palestinian War Crime)
Hamas and PIJ fired 4,360 unguided rockets and mortars at Israeli population centers over 11 days, killing 12 Israeli civilians. HRW: Rockets indiscriminate, violate prohibition on attacks not directed at specific military objectives. Each rocket launch at civilian areas constitutes war crime. 'Palestinian armed groups committed unlawful attacks.'
Destruction of High-Rise Buildings
Israel destroyed multiple high-rise towers in Gaza containing homes, businesses, media offices. Al-Jalaa tower (housing AP and Al Jazeera) destroyed May 15. Israel provided warnings but HRW investigating whether military objectives sufficient to justify destruction. Systematic targeting of infrastructure.
Pattern of Attacks Without Evident Military Targets
HRW investigated three strikes killing 62 civilians total. In all three cases: 'no evident military targets in the vicinity.' Pattern suggests systemic failure in target selection, inadequate precautions, or deliberate attacks on civilians. HRW: 'Israeli authorities' consistent unwillingness to seriously investigate alleged war crimes' compounds violations.
International Humanitarian Law Violations - Israeli Forces
<strong>Distinction:</strong> Fundamental principle requires distinguishing military objectives from civilians. HRW found strikes killing 62 civilians with 'no evident military targets in vicinity'—violation of distinction.
Palestinian Armed Groups - War Crimes
<strong>Indiscriminate Attacks Prohibited:</strong> 4,360 unguided rockets and mortars fired at Israeli population centers. HRW: These 'violated the prohibition on attacks not directed at specific military objectives.'
Context: Apartheid and Persecution (April 2021 HRW Report)
<strong>Crimes Against Humanity:</strong> One month before operation, HRW concluded in 213-page report that 'Israeli authorities are committing crimes against humanity of apartheid and persecution against millions of Palestinians.'
Accountability and Investigations
<strong>Israeli Investigations:</strong> HRW: 'Israeli authorities' consistent unwillingness to seriously investigate alleged war crimes exacerbates violations and underscores need for ICC inquiry.'
International Humanitarian Law Violations - Israeli Forces
<strong>Proportionality:</strong> Even if military objectives present, civilian harm must not be excessive relative to military advantage. Collapsing three residential buildings killing 44 (18 children) grossly disproportionate.
Palestinian Armed Groups - War Crimes
<strong>Targeting Civilians:</strong> Rockets deliberately fired at civilian areas including residential neighborhoods, cities. Each launch at civilian area constitutes war crime.
Context: Apartheid and Persecution (April 2021 HRW Report)
<strong>Systematic Discrimination:</strong> Based on 'overarching Israeli government policy to maintain domination by Jewish Israelis over Palestinians across Israel and OPT backed by systematic oppression.'
Accountability and Investigations
<strong>ICC Jurisdiction:</strong> International Criminal Court opened investigation into situation in Palestine (2021). Guardian of the Walls falls within temporal jurisdiction.
International Humanitarian Law Violations - Israeli Forces
<strong>Precautions in Attack:</strong> Parties must take feasible precautions to minimize civilian harm. Despite warnings in some cases, death toll indicates inadequate precautions.
Palestinian Armed Groups - War Crimes
<strong>Weapons Incapable of Distinction:</strong> Unguided rockets by nature cannot distinguish between military and civilian objects when fired at populated areas—inherently indiscriminate.
Context: Apartheid and Persecution (April 2021 HRW Report)
<strong>Inhumane Acts:</strong> Blockade of Gaza (14 years in 2021), restrictions on movement, land confiscation, home demolitions constitute inhumane acts integral to maintaining domination.
Accountability and Investigations
<strong>Universal Jurisdiction:</strong> States with universal jurisdiction laws can prosecute perpetrators of grave breaches regardless of nationality or location of crimes.
International Humanitarian Law Violations - Israeli Forces
<strong>Prohibition of Indiscriminate Attacks:</strong> Attacks not directed at specific military objective prohibited. Strikes on al-Wahda Street, al-Masri family, Shati camp with no evident targets may constitute indiscriminate attacks.
Palestinian Armed Groups - War Crimes
<strong>Israeli Civilian Deaths:</strong> 12 Israeli civilians killed by rockets including child, demonstrating foreseeable and reckless disregard for civilian life.
Context: Apartheid and Persecution (April 2021 HRW Report)
<strong>Operation Context:</strong> Guardian of the Walls must be understood within this broader context of apartheid regime and systematic violations against Palestinian population.
Accountability and Investigations
<strong>Duty to Investigate:</strong> Geneva Conventions require High Contracting Parties to search for and prosecute alleged perpetrators of grave breaches. Israel has failed this obligation.
Benjamin Netanyahu Prime Minister of Israel (2009-2021)
Authorized Operation Guardian of the Walls amid Sheikh Jarrah eviction crisis. Defended operation as necessary response to Hamas rockets. Lost power in June 2021 following operation, replaced by Bennett-Lapid government.
Benny Gantz Defense Minister (2020-2022)
Oversaw military operations during Guardian of the Walls. Former IDF Chief of Staff during 2014 Protective Edge. Defended strikes as targeting Hamas infrastructure. Rejected war crimes allegations.
Aviv Kochavi IDF Chief of General Staff (2019-2023)
Top military commander during operation. Made operational decisions including targeting. Later stated IDF struck over 1,500 targets including 'metro' tunnel system. Maintained forces acted according to international law.
Yahya Sinwar Hamas Leader in Gaza (2017-2024)
Hamas Gaza leader. Made decision to fire rockets at Jerusalem after Al-Aqsa raids. Coordinated with PIJ on sustained rocket campaign. Presented operation as defense of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa.
Ismail Haniyeh Hamas Political Bureau Head (2017-2024)
Hamas overall political leader. Supported rocket operations. Engaged in Egyptian ceasefire mediation. Defended attacks as resistance to occupation and defense of Jerusalem.
Mohammad Deif Commander, Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades
Commander of Hamas military wing. Directed rocket operations and tunnel defenses. Named operation 'Seif al-Quds' (Sword of Jerusalem) emphasizing Jerusalem context.
Immediate Impact (May-June 2021)
260 Palestinians killed (129 civilians, 66 children); 13 Israelis killed (12 civilians)
Long-term Consequences (2021-Present)
Established pattern: Jerusalem tensions directly triggering Gaza escalations—repeated in 2023-2024
Accountability Status
✗ No Israeli officials or soldiers prosecuted for documented violations
Immediate Impact (May-June 2021)
Operation arose from Jerusalem tensions: Sheikh Jarrah evictions, Al-Aqsa raids during Ramadan
Long-term Consequences (2021-Present)
Zero accountability for documented violations by either side as of 2025
Accountability Status
✗ No accountability for al-Wahda Street attack (44 civilians killed)
Immediate Impact (May-June 2021)
First major escalation where Hamas directly responded to Jerusalem events—shifted Hamas posture as defender of Al-Aqsa
Long-term Consequences (2021-Present)
HRW April 2021 apartheid determination provided framework for understanding systematic nature of violations
Accountability Status
✗ No accountability for al-Masri family strike (6 children killed)
Immediate Impact (May-June 2021)
Human Rights Watch documented apparent war crimes by both sides in July 2021 report
Long-term Consequences (2021-Present)
ICC investigation includes Guardian of the Walls but no charges filed as of 2025
Accountability Status
✗ No accountability for Shati camp bombing (8 children killed)
Immediate Impact (May-June 2021)
Sparked unprecedented intercommunal violence within Israel between Jewish and Arab citizens
Long-term Consequences (2021-Present)
Operation demonstrated Iron Dome effectiveness (90% interception) but also vulnerability to saturation attacks
Accountability Status
✗ Israeli military investigations: standard pattern of closing cases without meaningful accountability
Immediate Impact (May-June 2021)
Netanyahu government fell in June 2021 partly due to operation's political fallout
Long-term Consequences (2021-Present)
Hamas gained political capital as defender of Jerusalem/Al-Aqsa among Palestinians
Accountability Status
✗ Palestinian armed groups: no known investigations or prosecutions for indiscriminate rocket attacks
Immediate Impact (May-June 2021)
Reinforced Gaza's humanitarian catastrophe amid ongoing 14-year blockade
Long-term Consequences (2021-Present)
International community's failure to address root causes (occupation, blockade, apartheid) ensured future escalations
Accountability Status
✓ Human Rights Watch comprehensively documented violations by both sides
Long-term Consequences (2021-Present)
Intercommunal violence within Israel exposed deeper fractures in Israeli society
Accountability Status
✓ HRW called for ICC investigation and targeted sanctions
Accountability Status
✓ ICC has jurisdiction; investigation ongoing but slow progress
Accountability Status
✓ HRW's apartheid determination (April 2021) provided crucial legal framework
Accountability Status
✓ International human rights community united in condemning violations by both sides