<P> Overall, Israel fired 34,000 unguided shells into Gaza . Of these 19,000 were high - explosive artillery shells, marking a 533% rise in the launching of artillery ordnance compared to Operation Cast Lead . Shelling of civilian areas with 155 mm (6.1 in) shells using Doher howitzers, with a kill radius of 150 yards (140 m), also increased . </P> <P> According to Palestinian authorities, 8,000 bombs and 70,000 artillery shells, or 20,000 tons of explosives (the equivalent of two low - yield tactical nuclear weapons), had been dropped on Gaza . The Sydney Morning Herald quoted an anonymous expert who estimated that 10,000 tonnes of explosives were dropped from the air alone, which does not include tank and artillery shells . </P> <P> Between 32 and 34 known tunnels were destroyed or neutralized, 13 of them destroyed completely . </P> <P> The performance of the Iron Dome defense system was considered effective, achieving an almost 90% success rate . Israel's early warning sirens and extensive shelters have been an effective defense against Gazan rocketry . They are less effective against short - range mortars because the residents have less time to react . </P>

What were israel's and hamas' stated goals in the 2014 conflict