Expert explains: Why tensions in Israel have reached an ‘unprecedented’ level

The Israel-Palestine conflict has reached new heights.

There are reports of lynch mobs and more than 1700 rockets have been launched indiscriminately on citizens.

Israeli Defence Forces say an air and ground attack on Gaza is underway, but officials deny there has been a ground invasion.

Expert in the Israel-Palestine conflict, Adjunct Associate Professor Mark Baker, says the latest flare up began with conflict in East Jerusalem.

“Where it began was with a protest by a younger generation of Palestinians who have been living throughout their lives under Israeli occupation,” he told Neil Mitchell.

“The focus of it was in a neighbourhood around the old city … Tensions arose as part of a pending Supreme Court decision relation to a proposed eviction of Palestinians from that neighbourhood.”

Professor Baker says the latest conflict is “in a way unprecedented”.

“Lynchings are happening.

“The social fabric of Israel is breaking down.

“We’re at war … there are ground troops that are amassing.”

Press PLAY below for Mark Baker’s explanation of what’s happening

Image: Daniel Rolider / Getty

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