Gaza and Israel 14-21 November 2012: Operation Pillar of Defense; Operation Stones of Shale; Operation Blue Sky (LSPS - LONDON SECURITY POLICY STUDY Book 250)

This report provides an overview with impressions of Israel’s Operation Operation Pillar of Defense (Hebrew: עַמּוּד עָנָן) and the corresponding Operation Stones of Shale (Arabic: حجارة سجيل‎) by the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades of Hamas (Arabic: حماس‎) which is an acronym in Arabic for “The Islamic Resistance Movement” and Operation Blue Sky (Arabic: السماء الزرقاء‎) by members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. These operations took place between 14-21 November 2012 on the geographic territory of Gaza and Israel. At the end of the eighth day of battle both sides and all parties claimed victory. However there was no change in the size of the territory of either side, no side gaining any natural resources over the other. Neither side denies that although the respective operations are over, the war between them continues. So what happened? What were the victories and loses for both sides? Who stood by each side in the international system? What are the next steps?