Summary

The secretary-general of the United Nations denounced what he called "an excessive use of force" by Israel on the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. Israel said the two-day operation targeted Palestinian militants. Elsewhere, an Israeli soldier was shot and killed by a Hamas militant near an Israeli settlement in the West Bank. Further coverage of the recent Israeli anti-militant operation in the West Bank that left a Palestinian refugee camp in shambles is available here . For a transcript of this story, click here . For a longer history of the conflict, check out these sources here (VOX) and here (Jewish Currents). Read the following lessons to learn about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in recent years:

• How to discuss what's happening in Gaza and Israel with your students


• Media literacy lesson on coverage of renowned Al Jazeera journalist killed by Israeli forces


• Israeli and Palestinian forces agree to cease-fire

News wrap alternative : Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

Five Facts

1. Where did the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) recently conduct a two-day operation?


2. When did the IDF conduct its operation?


3. Why does the IDF claim it conducted the operation?


4. What has been damaged as a result of the Israeli military attack?


5. Who is Benjamin Netanyahu?


6. How has the United Nations responded to IDF's attacks?

Focus Questions

Based on the United Nations' definition of war crimes , do you agree with the UN that the recent IDF attacks on the West Bank constitute war crimes? Why or why not? News analysis : Why did journalist Leila Molana-Allen interview several West Bank residents? Alternative : See, Think, Wonder : What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?

For More

What students can do: Over 15 years ago, Israel imposed restrictions on the freedom of movement in the Occupied Palestinian Territories in response to armed attacks by Palestinians on Israeli soldiers and settlers. Learn more about the lives of Palestinians from Gaza and throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territories by reading these essays written by Palestinian youth.

STUDENT VIDEO OF THE DAY (May 8, 2023)

---

This lesson was written by Fariya Farah, a senior at Amherst College and NewsHour Classroom’s intern, with editing by Victoria Pasquantonio. Fill out this form to share your thoughts on Classroom’s resources. Sign up for NewsHour Classroom’s ready-to-go Daily News Lessons delivered to your inbox each morning.