Gaza war

The Gaza war is a serious conflict between the Gaza Strip and Israel. It is part of long-standing issues between Israelis and Palestinians. The fighting started on 7 October 2023 when a group called Hamas surprised Israel with an attack.

After this, Israel responded with bombing and moving soldiers into Gaza. There have been many battles in different parts of Gaza, and the fighting continues even though there have been short pauses for peace talks. The war has caused a lot of suffering. Many homes, hospitals, schools, and other important places in Gaza have been destroyed. Most people in Gaza have had to leave their homes. There are also big problems with not enough food, water, and medicine.

The war has also affected people in Israel, with many Israelis having to leave their homes. The conflict has caused troubles in other countries too. There have been protests around the world about the war. The war is still happening, and many people are working to find ways to bring peace and help those who have been hurt.

Names

Different groups use different names for this conflict. Palestinian groups call it the "battle of al-Aqsa Flood." The government of Israel called it the "Iron Swords war" until October 2025, and later used the name "War of Redemption." Many people in Israel simply refer to it as the "October 7 war" because that is when the fighting began. It is sometimes also called the "Simchat Torah war" because the fighting started on the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah. Media outlets use many names too, like the "Israel–Hamas war," "war on Gaza," "October 7 war," and "the second Nakba."

Background

Main article: Background to the Gaza war

The Gaza war is part of the long-standing Israeli–Palestinian conflict. In 1948, when the State of Israel was created, many Palestinians had to leave their homes. Later, in 1967, Israel took control of areas like the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Over the years, there have been fights and wars between Israel and groups of Palestinians.

Since 2007, the Gaza Strip has been led by a group called Hamas. Because of safety concerns, Israel put strict rules on what could enter or leave Gaza. This made life very hard for the people there. Many people in Gaza were having trouble getting what they needed to live. Because of these problems, a big attack on Israel happened on October 7, 2023.

War in Israel and Gaza

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of the Gaza war.

For a more comprehensive list, see List of military engagements during the Gaza war.

October 7 attacks

Main article: October 7 attacks

On the morning of 7 October 2023, during the Jewish holidays of Simchat Torah and Shemini Atzeret on Shabbat, a Palestinian militant group began firing rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel. They entered Israel from Gaza using different vehicles. They took over checkpoints and created openings in the border fence.

Militants attacked civilians in several places, taking hostages and setting fire to homes. In a massacre at an outdoor music festival, many people were hurt or taken hostage. In total, many people, mostly civilians, were taken hostage, including children, elderly people, and soldiers. The attack was a complete surprise to the Israeli citizens.

The attack was described as a major failure for the Israeli government. It later emerged that abnormal militant movements had been detected the previous day by Israeli intelligence, but the military's alert level was not raised and political leaders were not informed.

Initial Israeli counter-operation (October 2023)

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of the Gaza war (7 October 2023 – 27 October 2023).

Main articles: 2023 Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip, Israeli bombing of the Gaza Strip, and Evacuation of the northern Gaza Strip

The Israeli military began its counter-attack several hours after the militant invasion. In a televised broadcast, the Prime Minister of Israel announced that the country was at war. Israel's Security Cabinet voted to act to bring about the destruction of the military and governmental capabilities of militant groups. The Israeli Electric Corporation cut off power to the area. The Israeli military declared a state of readiness for war, mobilized many army reservists, and declared a state of emergency for areas within 80 kilometers of Gaza.

Following the surprise attack, the Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes that they said targeted militant group targets. Israel rescued two hostages before declaring a state of war for the first time since the 1973 Yom Kippur War. On 9 October, Defense Minister announced a "complete siege" of the Gaza Strip, cutting off electricity and blocking the entry of food and fuel. A deal was struck ten days later to allow aid into Gaza. The first such aid convoy entered Gaza on 21 October.

On 13 October, the Israeli military ordered all civilians in Gaza City to evacuate to areas south of the Wadi Gaza within 24 hours. The militant group told residents in northern Gaza to defy those orders. The Israeli order was widely condemned.

Initial invasion and first ceasefire (October–November 2023)

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of the Gaza war (28 October – 23 November 2023) and Timeline of the Gaza war (24 November 2023 – 11 January 2024)

Further information: 2023 Gaza war ceasefire

On 27 October, after building up an invasion force of over 100,000 soldiers, the Israeli military launched a large-scale ground incursion into parts of northern Gaza. Israeli airstrikes targeted the area around al-Quds hospital, where many civilians were believed to be sheltering. The following day, the Israeli military struck Jabalia refugee camp.

On 31 October, Israel bombed a building in central Gaza. On 1 November, the first group of evacuees left Gaza for Egypt. On 22 November, Israel and the militant group reached a temporary ceasefire agreement, providing for a pause in hostilities, the release of hostages held in Gaza, and the release of Palestinian women and children incarcerated by Israel.

Following the introduction of a Qatari-brokered truce on 24 November 2023, active fighting in Gaza ceased. The militant group exchanged some hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Israel arrested almost as many Palestinians as it released during the truce. Prisoner exchanges continued until 28 November, when both Israel and the militant group accused each other of violating the truce. On 30 November, in a "last-minute agreement", the militant group released eight hostages in exchange for the release of 30 imprisoned Palestinians and a one-day truce extension. The truce expired on 1 December, as Israel and the militant group blamed each other for failing to agree on an extension.

Strategy

When Israeli troops entered the Gaza Strip and began to maintain a presence in the region beginning on 27 October 2023, Israel's military adopted a communications strategy. The United States urged Israel to avoid a full-scale invasion and to instead conduct "surgical" operations.

The military strategies employed by the militant group have historically encompassed a blend of conventional and insurgent tactics. As a result of the war, the group has shifted "back into a guerrilla fighting force", employing the use of hit-and-run operations and operating in smaller cells of fighters.

Sources close to the militant group leadership said that they counted on the international pressure for Israel to end the siege due to mounting civilian casualties and achieve a ceasefire. The militant group believed that together with strikes by other groups and the uprising in the West Bank, they would cause Israel to collapse.

Resumption of hostilities (December 2023 – January 2024)

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of the Gaza war (12 January – 6 May 2024)

Israel adopted a grid system to order evacuations within Gaza. By December, Israeli military troops had reached the centers of Khan Yunis, Jabalia, and Shuja'iyya. Intensified bombing pushed Palestinian civilians south to Rafah.

On 1 January 2024, Israel withdrew from neighborhoods in North Gaza. On 15 January, Israeli Defense Minister said the most intense fighting in the north of the Gaza Strip had ended, and a new phase of low-intensity fighting was about to begin. By 18 January, the Israeli military reported that the militant group had significantly rebuilt its fighting strength in North Gaza.

Build-up to the Rafah offensive (February–April 2024)

Main article: Background of the Rafah offensive

Between February and May 2024, preparations to invade Rafah became a dominant theme in Israeli officials' public rhetoric. On 12 February, Israel conducted a hostage rescue operation in Rafah along with a bombing campaign. Food supplies increasingly became an issue. On 5 February, Israeli shelling damaged a marked UNRWA convoy, affecting many people. On 29 February, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinians that swarmed aid trucks in southwest of Gaza City. On 1 March, the United States announced it would begin to airdrop food aid into Gaza.

Al-Shifa Hospital, previously besieged in November 2023, was raided again between 18 March and 1 April. Israeli forces killed who they said was head of the operations directorate of the militant group's internal security service. The Israeli military said it killed militants in the hospital fighting, while also arresting confirmed militants; this account was disputed.

A March UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for Ramadan was ignored by the Israeli military. On 1 April, seven international aid workers from World Central Kitchen (WCK) were killed in an Israeli airstrike south of Deir al-Balah. WCK, who said their vehicles were clearly marked and their location known to Israel, subsequently withdrew from Gaza alongside ANERA and Project HOPE. On 4 April, Israel opened the Erez Crossing for the first time since 7 October after US pressure.

Beginning of the Rafah offensive (May–July 2024)

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of the Gaza war (7 May – 12 July 2024)

Main article: Rafah offensive

On 6 May, the Israeli military ordered civilians in eastern Rafah to evacuate to Al-Mawasi, west of Khan Yunis. Later that day, the militant group announced that it had accepted the terms of a ceasefire brokered by Egypt and Qatar. The deal included a ceasefire and exchange of prisoners. However, Israel rejected this deal, saying it would continue to negotiate while the military operation on Rafah was ongoing. On 31 May, the United States announced a ceasefire framework.

The same day, the Israeli military entered the outskirts of Rafah, seizing control of the Gaza side of the Rafah Crossing to Egypt the following day. By 15 May, many had fled Rafah and another from the north, according to the United Nations.

On 24 May, the United Nations said only 906 aid truckloads had reached Gaza since Israel's Rafah operation began. Israel bombed the Tel al-Sultan displacement camp in Rafah on 26 May. This provoked a skirmish between Egyptian and Israeli soldiers at the Gaza border. Less than 48 hours afterwards, another evacuation zone, the Al-Mawasi refugee camp, was bombed. The Israeli military denied involvement.

Rafah, Khan Yunis, and general bombardment (July–September 2024)

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of the Gaza war (13 July – 26 September 2024)

UN analysis covering killed Palestinian civilians between November 2023 and April 2024.

On 22 July, the Israeli military began a second invasion of Khan Yunis. Israel ordered the evacuation of the eastern part of Khan Yunis. On 13 July, many were killed and injured in an Israeli strike on Al-Mawasi, and 22 were killed in an Israeli strike targeting people gathered to pray in the Al-Shati refugee camp. On 10 August, many Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Al-Tabaeen school. The Israeli military said it had killed militants and discovered dozens of weapons in Tel al-Sultan. On 10 September, Israeli missile strikes on a tent encampment in Al-Mawasi killed many people.

Continued operations throughout Gaza (October–December 2024)

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of the Gaza war (27 September 2024 – 16 October 2024), Timeline of the Gaza war (17 October – 26 November 2024), and Timeline of the Gaza war (27 November 2024 – 18 January 2025)

Further information: Siege of Jabalia and Killing of Yahya Sinwar

In October, Israeli airstrikes on a mosque in Deir el-Balah and a school in central Gaza killed many Palestinians and injured many others. On 8 October, the Israeli military began to encircle Jabalia camp, killing several Palestinian militants and civilians in air strikes and street battles. The Israeli military's operations in Jabalia continued for the rest of October. During that month and November, strikes on Jabalia killed many people.

The Israeli military was accused of blocking aid delivery to the Gaza Strip. On 16 November many food trucks carrying UN aid from Kerem Shalom crossing were looted. On 1 December, the UN suspended its aid shipments through the crossing, blaming Israel for failing to "ensure safe conditions for delivering relief supplies."

Second ceasefire (January–March 2025)

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of the Gaza war (19 January 2025 – 17 March 2025)

Main article: January 2025 Gaza war ceasefire

On 15 January 2025, an agreement was announced, through Qatari mediation, in which the militant group agreed to release a number of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip in exchange for militants and other Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. The two parties also agreed to a ceasefire, which went into effect on the morning of 19 January 2025. On 27 January, many Palestinians began a mass return to northern Gaza after Israel opened a corridor for civilian movement. The militant group said that Israel had violated the terms of the ceasefire, and announced the suspension of the release of Israeli hostages on 10 February. After Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump threatened to restart fighting in Gaza, the militant group relented on 13 February, allowing the release of hostages to begin again two days later.

Negotiations for implementing the second phase of the ceasefire, intended to see the release of all remaining living hostages, the withdrawal of the Israeli military from Gaza and a permanent end to the war, were supposed to begin in February, but never happened. Israel endorsed a US plan to extend the Gaza truce for the Ramadan and Passover periods, but the militant group refused and demanded the second phase be implemented; Netanyahu ceased the entry of aid to Gaza the next day.

In January, the militant group said it had recruited many new fighters during the war. Then U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken estimated that "the militant group has recruited almost as many new militants as it has lost." Reuters reported the number of new recruits, based on U.S. intelligence, was 10,000 to 15,000.

Israeli attacks resume (March–April 2025)

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of the Gaza war (18 March 2025 – 15 May 2025)

Main articles: March 2025 Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip and Rafah paramedic massacre

On 18 March, Israel ended the ceasefire by launching a surprise attack, killing many people. Both sides blamed the other; internationally, the strikes stymied hopes for a lasting ceasefire. Israel chose to launch the attack on the day Netanyahu would testify in his corruption trial, forcing the legal proceedings to be postponed. Multiple senior members of Gaza's government and the militant group's political bureau were killed during this round of fighting. On 25 March, many Gazan Palestinians protested against the militant group and the war. The protests were caused by war-weariness and dissatisfaction with the militant group's abuse of civilians, and suppression of freedom of speech and of the press.

On 19 March, the Israeli military said that it had created a "partial buffer" and partially recaptured the center of the Netzarim Corridor. On 23 March, Israeli military troops fired on humanitarian vehicles in southern Rafah. On 9 April, Israeli warplanes bombed a residential building in Shuja'iyya, killing many Palestinians and wounding many others. On 12 April, the Israeli military announced that it had encircled Rafah, and planned to seize portions of it while ordering large-scale evacuations of its population.

Renewed Israeli offensive (May–September 2025)

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of the Gaza war (16 May 2025 – 19 August 2025) and Timeline of the Gaza war (20 August 2025 – 2 October 2025)

Main articles: May 2025 Gaza offensive, 2025 Gaza European Hospital strikes, 2025 Gaza Strip aid distribution killings, Deir al-Balah offensive, and 2025 Gaza City offensive

In early May, Israel announced plans to expand the Gaza offensive and mobilized many reservists. On 8 May, two Israeli airstrikes on the last restaurant in Gaza City and a simultaneous strike on a crowded nearby market killed many people. On 13 May, Israeli airstrikes struck the compound of the Gaza European Hospital in Khan Yunis. At least many people were killed in Gaza on 15 May, making it the deadliest day since the end of the ceasefire in March. The following day, Israel announced the launch of Operation Gideon's Chariots, a military offensive aimed at taking control of the entire Gaza Strip. The move was condemned by several of Israel's allies. On 25 May, an Israeli airstrike on the Fahmi al-Jawjawi school in Daraj, Gaza City, killed many people and injured many others. In late May a new militia in Gaza, the Popular Forces, began operating under the authority of the Abu Shabab clan in opposition to the militant group. Avigdor Lieberman accused Netanyahu and the Israeli government of funding and arming this militia.

On 27 May, the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation began operations in Tel al-Sultan to deliver humanitarian aid. As many starving Palestinians overwhelmed the distribution center, Israeli forces fired into the crowd, killing many and injuring many Palestinians. In a series of subsequent attacks on aid seekers, more than many were killed. On 30 June, an Israeli airstrike on al-Baqa cafeteria killed many Palestinians—and injured many others. On 20 July, the Israeli military issued evacuation orders for the city of Deir al-Balah, where it had not launched a ground offensive since the start of the war. On the following day, Israeli forces advanced into the outskirts of Deir al-Balah as airstrikes hit the city.

In early August 2025, the Israeli security cabinet approved a plan to occupy Gaza City. The plan drew condemnation from the UN, the European Council president, and several countries. On 10 August, Israeli forces struck a press tent outside al-Shifa Hospital, killing six Al-Jazeera journalists including Anas Al-Sharif, bringing the number of journalists killed by Israel during the war to many. On 20 August, Israel began the first stages of the offensive, calling up 60,000 reservists for the beginning of September. On 25 August, an Israeli double tap strike on Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza killed many people, including five journalists. Subsequently, Netanyahu said he "deeply regretted" the strike, describing it as a "mishap". On 9 September, Israel ordered the full evacuation of Gaza City, citing plans for intensified operation. Six days later, the Israeli military launched the full offensive, deploying units from two armored and infantry divisions.

Third ceasefire (September 2025–Present)

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of the Gaza war (3 October 2025 – present)

Main articles: Gaza peace plan and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803

On 29 September, Trump proposed a 20-point peace plan, which included the release of all hostages, an end to the war, the withdrawal of Israel and the disarmament of the militant group, and a temporary transitional government. Israel accepted the deal, as did Arab and Muslim states who urged the militant group to agree to it. On 3 October, under pressure from Trump, the militant group agreed to release all hostages, end the war, and hand over administration of the Gaza Strip, though it wanted to continue negotiating. The Israeli military halted the offensive in Gaza City on 4 October. Both sides agreed to phase one of the peace plan on 9 October. The following day, the Israeli military began a withdrawal from parts of the Gaza Strip; the ceasefire formally came into effect when this was completed at noon local time.

A peace summit on 13 October in Sharm El Sheikh was attended by representatives of over 30 countries and organizations. A prisoner exchange took place, with the militant group releasing the remaining 20 living Israeli hostages, while Israel released 1,718 Palestinian detainees held without charge and an additional 250 Palestinian prisoners convicted of crimes in Israeli courts.

On 19 October, two Israeli military soldiers were killed in Rafah; the militant group denied responsibility. Israel resumed bombardment of Gaza in response, killing many Palestinians before reaffirming the ceasefire the same day. On 28 October, one Israeli military soldier was killed in Rafah; the militant group denied involvement. Netanyahu ordered Israeli forces to immediately conduct "powerful strikes" in Gaza: the attacks killed many people. The Israeli military said it targeted dozens of militant group targets, including commanders and militants who participated in the 7 October attacks. On 13 December, an Israeli attack west of Gaza City killed many people and injured many others. It targeted the al-Qassam Brigades commander , who was killed. On 15 May, Israeli strikes hit an apartment in Rimal area of the Gaza City and a vehicle on a street in its vicinity, killing many people and wounding many others. Israeli forces said that they targeted militant group leader in the Gaza Strip .

Impact

Main article: Impacts of the Gaza war

The war in Gaza has caused a lot of damage and hardship. Many buildings such as homes, schools, hospitals, and factories have been destroyed. Roads and farms have also been damaged.

Because of the war, it is hard to get food, water, and medicine to people in Gaza. Hospitals are having a hard time helping everyone who is sick or hurt. The lack of clean water and crowded living conditions make it difficult to stay healthy.

The war has caused many people to be arrested without trials. Some have reported being treated very badly while in detention. Many workers, including doctors, have been taken away by soldiers.

The war has cost a lot of money and has hurt the economies of both Israel and the areas affected. Many people have lost their jobs, and it will take a long time and a lot of money to rebuild.

Casualties

Main article: Casualties of the Gaza war

The Gaza war has caused many deaths and injuries on both sides. The fighting has brought sadness and loss to many families. Many people have been hurt, and some injuries have been very serious.

War crimes

Main article: War crimes in the Gaza war

After the attacks on October 7, some experts said there was evidence that actions in the conflict might break international rules. A special court planned to look into these actions.

Later reports talked about harmful actions by both sides. These included attacks on people who were not fighting and treating prisoners badly. Evidence was collected and shared with the court to help understand what happened.

Genocide

Main article: Gaza genocide

In 2023, South Africa asked a special court to look into actions by Israel in Gaza. The court asked Israel to try to stop any harmful actions and to let help reach the people there. Some groups and experts later said that Israel's actions were very harmful and wrong, but Israel disagreed with these claims.

Spillover

Main article: Middle Eastern crisis (2023–present)

The war caused more trouble between Israel and Iran. Groups that Iran supports attacked American bases, and Yemen’s Houthi group attacked ships in the Red Sea. Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthi group also attacked Israel. Iran and Israel had many fights, including bombing each other’s targets.

By the end of 2024, fights between Israel and Hezbollah became serious, and Israel entered parts of Lebanon. Later, a ceasefire stopped the fighting, but Israel kept some military positions in Lebanon. The crisis also led to changes in Syria, with the fall of the Assad regime and ongoing fighting there.

West Bank and Israel

Further information: Israeli incursions in the West Bank during the Gaza war

Violence in the West Bank grew worse during the war. Many people were hurt or killed, and Israeli forces took more land for settlements. New houses were built in areas where Palestinians live, changing the land and making life harder for them.

American involvement

Further information: United States support for Israel in the Gaza war and 2025 Donald Trump Gaza Strip takeover proposal

Since the war began, the United States has helped Israel with money, weapons, and advice. American leaders visited Israel to show support, and some American soldiers were sent to help with planning and information.

Diplomatic impact

Main articles: Diplomatic impact of the Gaza war and International reactions to the Gaza war

The war caused big changes in international relations. Many countries argued about what should be done to end the fighting. Some friends of Israel supported them, while others criticized Israel’s actions. Some countries even decided to recognize Palestine as a state because of the war.

Peace plan

Main article: Gaza peace plan

After a ceasefire in October 2025 supported by the United States, a larger peace plan was created by the Trump administration. This plan suggests splitting Gaza into two parts: one controlled by Israel and a coastal area managed by an international group led by the United States, before giving control to Palestinian leaders supervised by a group called the “Board of Peace,” led by Trump. The United Nations Security Council allowed the International Stabilization Force (ISF) and the Board of Peace to work in Gaza until 2027. The plan includes stopping Hamas from having weapons and creating a special area for economic growth.

The details of this plan have caused disagreements. Hamas wants to govern based on agreement among Palestinians and refuses to give up weapons without strong promises for safety and political rights. Both sides have broken the ceasefire. Since the ceasefire began, many people in Gaza have been hurt by continued Israeli actions. In December 2025, a top Israeli military leader said Israel would control part of Gaza beyond a line called the Yellow Line, even though the peace plan says Israel should not take over Gaza. Israel has moved this line further into Gaza and will not allow anyone to cross it. Some areas of Gaza do not have clear signs marking this line. There have been concerns and questions about these plans from leaders in many countries.

Public approval

Media coverage

Main article: Media coverage of the Gaza war

Reporting about the conflict in Gaza has been hard because foreign media have limited access and must work near Israeli soldiers. News groups must send their videos and photos to military leaders for approval before sharing them with the public. Sadly, many journalists have been hurt or lost their lives during the conflict. Some groups have asked international leaders to make sure that rules of war are followed.