Two Years of War in Gaza: Key Events Since October 7, 2023

October 7th Attack and Initial Israeli Response

• 💥 On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken.
• 🇮🇱 In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war and initiated air strikes on Gaza.
• 🚫 Israel imposed a total siege, blocking essential supplies, and ordered the evacuation of Gaza City residents.

Escalation and International Scrutiny

• 🏥 Israeli ground offensives targeted areas including hospitals, which Israel claimed were Hamas command centers.
• 🕊️ A temporary ceasefire on November 24, 2023, led to the release of Palestinian prisoners and hostages.
• ⚔️ The war resumed on December 1, 2023, with continued violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
• ⚖️ In January 2024, South Africa accused Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice, a claim Israel denied.
• 🩸 The "flower massacre" in February 2024 saw 118 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces during an aid distribution.

Shifting Dynamics and Peace Efforts

• 🗣️ Anti-government protests in Israel in April 2024 called for a ceasefire to free hostages, but Netanyahu resisted ending the conflict.
• 🇪🇬 The Rafa offensive began in May 2024, with Israel seizing a key aid crossing.
• 🎯 In October 2024, Yaya Sinoir, a Hamas leader and mastermind of the attacks, was killed.
• 🤝 A second ceasefire from January to March 2025 facilitated further hostage and prisoner exchanges.
• 📉 A UN-backed panel declared famine in Gaza in August 2025, amidst continued civilian deaths at aid points.
• 🇵🇸 In September 2025, France, the UK, Australia, and Canada officially recognized a Palestinian state, increasing pressure for a ceasefire.
• 🕊️ Donald Trump announced a 20-point peace plan, which Hamas partially agreed to, including the release of remaining hostages, with final talks ongoing in Egypt.