May 2021 Gaza War, Day 9

The war continued as Nakba Day approached; people across Gaza faced mounting deaths and destruction.

Israel demolished Gaza City’s al-Jalaa tower, which housed homes and the offices of the Associated Press and Al Jazeera, after ordering its evacuation.

Israeli air strikes in Gaza City, including on al-Wahda Street, caused heavy civilian casualties; UN humanitarian agencies reported tens of thousands seeking shelter.

On the eighth day, Israeli air strikes and Palestinian rocket fire continued, with international calls for a ceasefire growing.

Palestinians across Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem and communities inside Israel held a general strike against the Gaza bombardment, occupation and dispossession.

Hostilities continued while mediators pressed for a ceasefire and humanitarian agencies warned of needs in Gaza.

Israel and Palestinian armed groups continued their attacks while diplomatic efforts intensified to bring the fighting to an end.

An Egyptian-brokered ceasefire took effect, ending eleven days of major fighting between Israel and Palestinian armed groups in Gaza.

PalQuest assessed deaths, injuries, displacement and damage caused by the May 2021 Gaza war. The human cost extended beyond the ceasefire.

Naftali Bennett became Israeli prime minister in a coalition arrangement with Yair Lapid, ending Benjamin Netanyahu’s previous term in office.