After over 15 months of ongoing conflict, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage agreement, confirmed by U.S. President Biden. More than 46,000 people have lost their lives in Gaza during the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The hostilities erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters attacked southern Israel, claiming the lives of 1,200 people and capturing over 250 hostages. Israel retaliated with a military campaign, reportedly resulting in the deaths of over 46,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's medical authorities.
The White House, citing President Biden, stated that after months of diplomatic efforts by the U.S., Israel, Egypt, and Qatar, a truce and hostage deal has been reached. This agreement will halt the fighting in Gaza, deliver much-needed humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, and reunite hostages with their families after being held captive for over 15 months.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas cost the lives of thousands of innocents. Many people became homeless. Numerous children were orphaned, and many women were widowed. Some lost their homes; others lost everything dear to them. Hundreds of communities were displaced, and several buildings reduced to ruins. Now, after 15 months, the war has come to a halt. Let's take a look at the full timeline of this conflict...
Hamas fighters infiltrated southern Israel from Gaza, sparking widespread violence. Israel responded with aerial bombing and an all-out siege of Gaza.
Hezbollah in Lebanon launched attacks on Israel, claiming it was in support of Palestinians.
Israel ordered residents of Gaza City to move south, displacing nearly the entire population of the Gaza Strip.
An American naval ship intercepted missiles and drones launched toward Israel from Yemen. Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen continued attacks on Israel and Red Sea shipping.
Relief materials were allowed to enter Gaza through the Rafah crossing from Egypt, but the humanitarian crisis worsened.
Israel launched its first ground offensive in Gaza.
The Israeli military captured Gaza's largest hospital, al-Shifa. Within weeks, all hospitals in northern Gaza were closed.
A seven-day ceasefire and partial hostages release were announced by Israel and Hamas, but fighting resumed on December 1.
Israel announced intentions to withdraw its forces from northern Gaza, but conflict reignited within months.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague ordered Israel to stop genocide.
Over 100 Gazan residents queuing for relief supplies were killed by Israeli gunfire.
Amid a growing hunger crisis in Gaza, U.S. President Joe Biden announced plans to establish a temporary port to deliver aid.
Israeli airstrikes on the Iranian embassy complex in Damascus resulted in multiple military officer casualties. In retaliation, Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel.
Hamas claimed to have accepted a ceasefire proposal, but Israel refused it.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the phase of combat against Hamas in Gaza was coming to an end, but clashes persisted.
The Global Hunger Monitor warned of high famine risks in Gaza.
Israel instructed residents of Khan Yunis and Rafah to evacuate, marking the largest order since the war began, according to the United Nations.
Rockets from Hezbollah killed 12 children and teenagers in Israel's occupied Golan Heights.
Israel claimed to have killed Hamas military chief Mohammad Deif. Hamas did not comment.
The World Health Organization recorded the first case of Type 2 polio in Gaza in 25 years.
Israel destroyed explosive devices used by Hezbollah in Lebanon.
An Israeli airstrike killed Hezbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah in Beirut.
The Israeli military launched a major operation against Hamas in northern Gaza.
A ceasefire agreement was reached between Israel and Hamas after a grueling 15-month-long conflict.
