Chronology of the Israel-Hamas Conflict and Its Far-Reaching Implications
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has reshaped the geopolitical and humanitarian landscape, with devastating consequences for civilians on both sides. According to figures from Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, considered reliable by the United Nations, Israel’s air and ground campaign has resulted in at least 46,899 deaths. This blog outlines the significant events of this prolonged and complex conflict.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, with hundreds of fighters infiltrating the country. Civilians were killed in their homes, on the streets, and at a desert music festival. The group seized 251 hostages, with only 94 remaining in captivity as of now, of which 34 are confirmed dead. The assault claimed over 1,200 lives. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared an all-out campaign to destroy Hamas, labeling it a terrorist organization as recognized by the United States, the European Union, and Israel.
In response, Israel began an intense bombing campaign on Gaza. By October 13, civilians in northern Gaza were urged to move south for safety. Despite this, the vast majority of Gazans have been displaced during the conflict. On October 27, Israel launched a ground offensive, intensifying the hostilities and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
A temporary truce was reached on November 24, 2023, during which Hamas released 105 hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. However, the war resumed with Israel expanding its operations into southern Gaza. By February 29, 2024, the conflict took a tragic turn when Israeli forces fired on residents rushing for food aid, killing 120 people and wounding hundreds. Humanitarian efforts intensified, with the United States and other nations airdropping supplies to prevent famine. Despite these efforts, on April 1, a strike killed seven aid workers from the U.S.-based World Central Kitchen, which Israel later called a “tragic mistake.”
The conflict escalated regionally when Iran launched its first-ever direct assault on Israel on April 13, retaliating for a strike on its consulate in Damascus. Tensions further spread to Yemen, where Iran-backed Houthi rebels targeted shipping lanes and launched attacks on Israel. The conflict also spilled over into Lebanon, with daily exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah escalating into full-scale war by July 2024. Israeli airstrikes killed top Hezbollah leaders Fuad Shukr and Hassan Nasrallah.
The international dimension of the conflict grew when the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, former defense minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif. Accusations of genocide were leveled at Israel by a UN Special Committee in November, leading to heightened scrutiny.
A new ceasefire was reached on January 19, 2025, mediated by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt. The truce includes the release of hostages and prisoners and allows displaced Palestinians to return to the rubble of Gaza. While this truce offers a glimmer of hope, the fragile peace underscores the enduring complexities and devastating impacts of this conflict.
Refrence From: www.ndtv.com