Since 2001,
Palestinian militants have launched thousands of
rocket and
mortar attacks on
Israel from the
Gaza Strip as part of the continuing
Arab–Israeli conflict. the attacks have killed 50 people, and injured more than 1900 people, but their main effect is their creation of widespread
psychological trauma and disruption of daily life among the Israeli populace. Medical studies in
Sderot, the Israeli city closest to the Gaza Strip, have documented a
post-traumatic stress disorder incidence among young children of almost 50%, as well as high rates of
depression and
miscarriage. A public opinion poll conducted in March 2013 found that most Palestinians do not support firing rockets at Israel from the Gaza Strip. Another poll conducted in September 2014 found that 80% of Palestinians support firing rockets against Israel if it does not allow unfettered access to Gaza. These rocket attacks have caused flight cancellations at
Ben Gurion airport.