A look back at two years of devastating conflict in Gaza • FRANCE 24 English

A look back at two years of devastating conflict in Gaza • FRANCE 24 English

It was the worst terrorist attack in Israel’s history. On October the 7th, 2023, Hamas led gunmen stormed southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 251 hostages, including attendees of a music festival and members of several kibutz communities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Israel is at war, commanding the first air strikes on Gaza. In the weeks that follow, Israel implemented a total siege blocking food, medicine, fuel, and electricity from entering the territory, ordering residents of Gaza City, home to more than 1 million people, to move south. The start of a process that will uproot nearly the entire population. As Israel launched its ground offensive, targets included hospitals, which Israel said are being used as Hamas command centers. On the 24th of November, 2023, a first ceasefire is implemented, lasting 4 days. 150 Palestinian prisoners and 50 hostages are released. But on December the 1st, the war resumes. In January 2024, at the International Court of Justice, South Africa accuses Israel of committing state-led genocide, citing the ongoing siege and bombardment targeting civilians. Israel denies the claim. Access to food aid in Gaza deteriorates further, and in February 2024, the so-called flower massacre takes place. 118 Palestinians are killed after Israeli forces open fire on civilians. seeking aid. In April 2024, anti-government protests spread in Israel, urging a ceasefire deal to secure the release of the hostages. But Netanyahu refuses to end the conflict. And in May 2024, the Rafa offensive begins. Israel seizes the border crossing, the main route for aid delivery from Egypt. In October 2024, Israel kills Yaya Sinoir, Hamas leader and mastermind of the attacks. Between the 19th of January and the 18th of March 2025, a second ceasefire is implemented, allowing for eight rounds of hostage and prisoner exchanges between Israel and Hamas. In August 2025, a UNbacked panel declares famine in Gaza. Israeli forces continue to kill civilians at aid distribution points. A month later, France, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada all officially recognized a Palestinian state. Pressure builds for Israel to accept a ceasefire. Shortly after this, with Benjamin Netanyahu at his side, Donald Trump announced his 20point plan for peace in Gaza. Hamas has agreed to the plan in part, including freeing the remaining hostages, but the group has yet to confirm it will disarm or renounce its role in governing Gaza. Talks to finalize the deal are continuing in Egypt, with many on both sides waiting with baited breath for an end to the conflict.

Since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that killed around 1,200 Israelis and led to 251 hostages being taken, the conflict has escalated with devastating casualties—around 66,000 Palestinians have died amid sieges and military offensives in Gaza. Multiple ceasefires and hostage exchanges have occurred, but violence and humanitarian crises continue, with international calls for peace growing louder. Recent talks under a U.S.-backed plan offer hope for a resolution as both sides await a potential end to the war.
#Gaza #war #Israel

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