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A U.S. president announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the initial phase of a peace plan for Gaza after over two years of conflict that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and a severe humanitarian crisis.
Key moments in the ongoing conflict include:
Hamas Attacks
On October 7, 2023, hundreds of Hamas militants infiltrated southern Israel at dawn, launching an assault on Israeli towns and a desert music festival with gunfire, rockets, and grenades. The attack led to the deaths of 1,219 Israelis, primarily civilians, according to official Israeli data compiled by AFP. The militants also took 251 hostages back to Gaza, with Israeli forces reporting that 47 remain, many of whom are believed to be deceased.
Ground Offensive
Following the attack, Israel began intensive bombing and a blockade of Gaza. On October 13, the Israeli military urged civilians in northern Gaza to relocate to the south. Nearly all residents have been displaced during the escalation, as per United Nations estimates. Israel launched a ground invasion on October 27, leading to a devastating toll: more than two years later, the death toll in Gaza has reached at least 67,183, according to the Hamas-controlled health ministry, a figure supported by credible UN sources. The death count includes a majority of women and children, though distinctions between civilians and combatants are unclear.
Truce and Hostage Negotiations
A week-long ceasefire began on November 24, during which Hamas released 105 hostages—mostly Israelis, with some Thai workers—in exchange for 240 Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. When hostilities recommenced, Israel intensified military operations in southern Gaza.
Regional Impacts and Escalations
On April 13, 2024, Iran launched drones and missile attacks against Israel for the first time on its soil, retaliating for an assault on its Damascus consulate, which Israel is accused of orchestrating. Subsequently, Israel bombed a Yemeni port on July 20, following a drone strike targeting Tel Aviv, claimed by Iran-backed Huthi rebels in solidarity with Gaza. In September, an Israeli operation caused explosions among hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah in Lebanon, resulting in 39 deaths and thousands wounded. Israel also intensified its aerial campaign in Lebanon and, on September 27, killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in southern Beirut. A few days later, Israel launched a ground attack in southern Lebanon. On October 1, Iran responded by firing 200 missiles at Israel, in retaliation for Nasrallah’s killing and the July assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Iranian soil.
International Legal Actions and Ceasefires
On November 14, a UN special committee characterized Israel’s actions in Gaza as “consistent with genocide,” a claim Israel disputes as biased. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants on November 21 for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif—Iraqi sources later confirm Deif’s death in subsequent months.
On January 19, 2025, a prolonged ceasefire commenced, allowing hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to return home. By March 1, 33 Israeli hostages were freed in exchange for approximately 1,800 Palestinians. Humanitarian aid was temporarily permitted into Gaza but was halted after a day amid ongoing conflict.
Conflict with Iran and Further Clashes
In June, Israel launched strikes against Iranian nuclear and military sites, igniting a 12-day war. The United States entered the conflict, attacking three Iranian nuclear facilities, before a fragile ceasefire was brokered. Later in September, Israel targeted Hamas figures in Qatar, prompting international condemnation following strikes in Doha. Israel’s military then launched a major ground assault on Gaza City.
Peace Initiatives and Future Prospects
On October 8, President Trump announced a deal between Israel and Hamas, marking the first step toward peace. The agreement involves the release of all hostages, redeployment of Israeli troops to a designated boundary, and the reopening of aid to Gaza, which faces imminent famine according to the UN.
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