Extraordinary escalation in conflict caused concern on both sides of Jerusalem

By Enes Canli

JERUSALEM (AA) – The unprecedented escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has caused public concern in West Jerusalem, where Israelis live, and occupied East Jerusalem, where Palestinians live, and has also changed people's habits.

Tensions rose rapidly in the region after Hamas' armed wing launched “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” early Saturday, firing a barrage of rockets and infiltrating Israel by land, air, and sea.

Palestinians and Israelis in the region reacted instantly to the latest developments from Gaza to the Lebanese border.

- Queues formed in markets, in-person education suspended

In occupied East Jerusalem and West Jerusalem, people rushed to supermarkets and started stocking up on basic food and necessities. While the shelves in the markets were empty, the baskets were full, and long queues formed at the checkouts.

While in-person education was suspended in East Jerusalem and West Jerusalem, distance education began in other cities in Israel as well.

- Many businesses shut, mobility decreases

Many businesses in the city did not open their shutters throughout the day. People’s mobility has decreased on Jaffa Street, one of the busiest spots in West Jerusalem. The Israeli police took extreme precautions on both sides of Jerusalem.

Even though human and vehicle traffic was heavy in Jerusalem, there was very little activity on the city's streets in the morning and evening hours.

Since the first day the Israeli-Palestinian conflict flared up, attack sirens have sounded repeatedly in Jerusalem. Explosion sounds were heard when the missiles fired from the Israeli air defense system "Iron Dome" destroyed the rockets fired from Gaza in the air.

-‘We are afraid, but Israelis are more afraid’

A Palestinian who spoke to Anadolu next to a full grocery cart said that he was very concerned about the events.

“We are afraid, but the Israelis are more afraid. They were worried that the army, the institution they trusted most, would not be able to protect them,” said the Palestinian, who asked not to be named.

The situation escalated in the Gaza Strip following an attack by Palestinian group Hamas on Israeli towns near the seaside territory. Israel retaliated with massive airstrikes in Gaza and placed the enclave under total blockade.

More than 1,900 people were killed in the violence, including at least 900 Palestinians and 1,000 Israelis.

Israel has also cut water and electricity supply to Gaza, inevitably worsening the already dire humanitarian situation.

Home to nearly 2.2 million people, the Gaza Strip has already been reeling under a crippling Israeli siege since 2007.