At least 212 Palestinians are now dead after a series of airstrikes launched by Israeli forces to Gaza, a Palestinian territory, according to Gaza health officials. This includes 36 women and 61 children.

Several commanders and Military figures from the Palestinian militant group Hamas were also among the casualties following the air raids.

On the other hand, Israel’s Foreign Ministry reported that at least 200 Israelis have been injured and 10 have been killed -- including two children -- after militant strikes to Tel Aviv, Ashkelon, and Lod.

These have prompted the United Nations to warn against a possible war.

"Stop the fire immediately. We’re escalating towards a full-scale war. Leaders on all sides have to take the responsibility of de-escalation. The cost of war in Gaza is devastating and is being paid by ordinary people," says Tor Wennesland, the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process.

The casualties continue to rise as violence ensues.

The recent displays of violence were ignited after weeks of scuffles between the Israeli police and Palestinian worshippers during the start of Ramadan last April 13th.

The police put restrictions to stop gatherings at Damascus Gate. They saw it as a way of “maintaining order”, but it was viewed by the Palestinians as a restriction to their freedom to assemble, Reuters reports.

The plan to forcibly expel Palestinian families residing in Sheikh Jarrah for generations has also added to the tension. Palestinian leaders see this as an act of ethnic cleansing.

Intensifying violence

The fighting intensified last May 7th when the police fired rubber bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades at worshippers praying at Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site for Muslims.

The Palestine Red Crescent reports that at least 300 Palestinians have been injured and 20 Israeli officers wounded.

Another commotion took place in a Mosque compound last May 10th, hospitalizing 200 Palestinians.

Hamas warned that such display of violence in Jerusalem is a “red line”, and fire rockets will be sent out to Israel if the raids do not stop.

It has escalated rapidly since then, with Hamas firing rockets to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Ashkelon, and Lod. Israel also conducted multiple airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.

Amongst the recorded casualties were civilians, including children.

The 13-storey Hanadi Tower which was the largest residential tower in Gaza also got destroyed after being one of the targets. The residents were advised to evacuate an hour and a half before the strike.

Hamas fired another 130 rockets as a sign of retaliation following Hanadi's collapse.

“The Qassam Brigades are launching their biggest rocket strike against Tel Aviv and its suburbs, with 130 rockets, in response to the enemy’s targeting of residential towers,” says Hamas’ armed wing.

Israel also pledged to intensify the air raids against Palestine.

And although several world leaders expressed urgent concerns regarding the bloodshed, a ceasefire between the two forces is not yet in sight.

Awareness campaigns and donation drives

The international community's support for displaced and affected Palestinians have been flooding social media.

Various twitter hashtags such as #SaveSheikhJarrah, #GazaUnderAttack, and #FreePalestine have been going viral with more than a million tweets.

These tags have the intention to inform and spread awareness regarding the bloody situation.

Several donation drives aiming to benefit displaced and affected Palestinians can also be found and accessed through the said hashtags.
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