The Second Intifada, also known as the Al-Aqsa Intifada, is a period of intensified Israeli–Palestinian violence, which Palestinians describe as an uprising against Israel, while Israelis consider it a prolonged terror campaign perpetuated by the Palestinian National Authority and various Palestinian militant groups.

The general triggers for the violence are proposed as the Israeli withdrawal from South Lebanon conflict in spring 2000 and failure of the 2000 Camp David Summit to reach final agreement on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process in July 2000.

The violence starts in September 2000, after Ariel Sharon makes a visit to the Temple Mount, seen by Palestinians as highly provocative.

Palestinians throw stones at police and are dispersed by the Israeli army, using tear gas and rubber bullets.

High numbers of casualties are caused among civilians as well as combatants.

The Palestinians engage in numerous suicide bombings, rock throwing and gunfire, while the Israelis respond with gunfire, tank and air attacks, and numerous targeted killings.

The death toll, including both military and civilian, is estimated to be about three thousand Palestinians and one thousand Israelis, as well as sixty-four foreigners.

Many consider the Sharm el-Sheikh Summit on February 8, 2005 to be the end of the Second Intifada.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon agree that all Palestinians factions will stop all acts of violence against all Israelis everywhere, while Israel will cease all its military activity against all Palestinians everywhere.

They also reaffirm their commitment to the Roadmap for peace process.

Sharon also agrees to release nine hundred Palestinian prisoners of the seventy-five hundred being held at this time, and to withdraw from West Bank towns.

However, the violence will continue into the following years, though suicide bombings will decrease significantly.