After the tragic kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers in June 2014, Israel's security situation became increasingly volatile. The Israeli government accused Hamas of being responsible for the abduction, although Hamas denied any involvement. In the wake of this incident, public sentiment in Israel turned to anger and fear, leading to calls for military action against Gaza. On July 8, 2014, Israel commenced Operation Protective Edge, launching a series of airstrikes targeting what they described as Hamas military infrastructure in Gaza. The operation marked a significant escalation in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and involved a range of military tactics including air raids, naval bombardments, and troop deployments along the Gaza border.

As the offensive unfolded, the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorated sharply. In response to the escalation, thousands of residents were displaced, and civilian casualties rose significantly due to the bombings. Israeli leaders framed the operation as an attempt to restore security and deter future attacks. International reactions varied, with some nations expressing support for Israel's right to defend itself while others condemned the military action and highlighted the humanitarian implications. The operation led to severe destruction in Gaza and heightened tensions between Palestinian factions, affecting the political landscape.

The conflict resulted in significant loss of life, extensive damage to infrastructure in Gaza, and increased discord within Israeli society regarding the approach to security and peace with Palestinians. The operation continued until a ceasefire was reached in late August 2014, but it left a lasting impact on the region and further complicated the already tumultuous Israeli-Palestinian dynamics.