Second Intifada

Guide Note

The Second Intifada, also called the al-Aqsa Intifada after the mosque in which it began, is a Palestinian uprising that began in September, 2000. While attempts at peace have been made by outside sources as well as Israeli and Palestinian leaders, none have endured. Though a ceasefire was announced in 2006, there has been no formal ending to the Second Intifada and casualties up to 2007 have been estimated at over 5,000 Palestinian deaths and over 1,000 Israeli deaths.

Fast Facts

1. Began: September, 2000
2. Israeli casualties: 1,031 deaths
3. Palestinian casualties: 5,103 deaths
4. Foreign casualties: 64 deaths
5. Cost to Israeli economy: $35 to $45 billion
6. Israel considers the Second Intifada to be a terrorist campaign
7. Many Palestinians considers it a war of independence

Palestinians have been criticized for carrying out violent attacks and suicide bombings in Israeli territory. Israel has been criticized for its reactions including expansion of checkpoints, construction of the West Bank Barrier, mass arrests, and massacres of Palestinian refugees, specifically during the Battle of Jenin.