Gaza war

The Gaza war is an ongoing armed conflict between Israel and Palestine. This war began on 7 October 2023, which was also Simchat Torah (also known as Shemini Atzeret), a major festival and holiday on the Jewish calendar. 

The Gaza war is part of the Gaza–Israel conflict, which is part of the Israel–Palestine conflict.

 Attack and counterattack 

 Operation Al Aqsa Flood 
On 7 October 2023, Palestinian terror groups from Gaza launched an offensive on Israel called Operation Al Aqsa Flood (amaliyyat ṭūfān al-ʾAqṣā). 

Hamas claimed their offensive was a response to the continued Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, the blockade of the Gaza Strip, the expansion of unauthorized Israeli settlements, and the increase in Israeli settler violence.

Palestinian militants launched 4,200 missiles into Israeli population centers during the morning of 7 October. Additionally, 3,800 militants entered by land, air, and sea. Nearly 1,200 Israelis and foreigners were killed, and about 245 were taken as hostages. 

 Iron Swords 
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) responded with an operation called Iron Swords (Mivtsá charavót barzél). It eliminated 23 out of Hamas's 24 battalions. It also has caused the death of over 40,000 Palestinians, including militants.  

 Names 
Some news agencies and commentators have called the ongoing conflict the Third Intifada. (The First and Second Intifadas were rebellions against Israeli rule).

Others have called it the Sukkot War, after the festivity celebrated the day the conflict started.

 7 October 

In the October 7th attacks, also known as the October 7th massacre, a Hamas-led coalition invaded Israel. They massacred around 800 civilians and 350 security personnel. They also kidnapped 250 civilians as hostages. 

October 7 was:

 The largest massacre of Jews in Israel
 The largest terror attack by casualties per capita
 The largest massacre of Jews since The Holocaust

 Deaths 
 Palestine 
At least 71,129 people have been killed in Gaza, mostly civilians. 

Doctors Without Borders said that Israel attacked the Indonesian Hospital in the Gaza Strip, killing one nurse and one ambulance driver while injuring several others. 

The family home of the father of Mohammed Deif, the Chief of Staff of the Qassam Brigades, was hit by an airstrike in Khan Younis; his father, brother and at least two other relatives were killed in the attack. 

According to Committee to Protect Journalists, by 15 April 2024, at least 90 Palestinian journalists had been killed by Israeli airstrikes. Another source says the number of deaths was higher: at least 132 Palestinian journalists as of 16 February 2024.

In October 2023, Israeli forces claimed they killed about 1,000 of the Palestinian invaders.

 Israel 

Palestinian militants killed about 1,139 people in Israel during Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. These victims included 822 Israeli civilians, 604 Israeli soldiers, at least 61 police officers, 10 Shin Bet members, and 166 people who were foreigners or dual-nationals.

Jayar Davidov, an Israeli police officer in Rahat, was killed. The commander of the Nahal Brigade, Colonel Yonatan Steinberg, was killed near Kerem Shalom. In Ashkelon, at least 68 died. Dozens of bodies were reportedly discovered at a place, in Re'im, where there had been a party. 

The Battle of Re'im happened, and there was fighting at a military base there. Colonel Roi Levy was killed in the battle. On 4 November, Abu Obaida said that at least 60 Israeli captives/POWs were killed by the Israeli airstrikes, but there was no independent verification about it. Foreigners were killed. (See section below, "Foreign and dual-national victims".) Israeli forces stated that they killed 3 Israeli hostages by mistake in Gaza Strip, which led to protests in Israel.

Lebanon
In Lebanon, casualties included:

270 Hezbollah fighters
12 Amal Movement fighters
At least 2 Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters
72+ civilians

Foreign and dual-national victims

Around 100 foreigners were killed. Some of these were dual nationals: they had nationality from more than one country. They are from [24 or] 23 countries, according to the Washington Post on 11 October. (Foreigners were also taken hostage and kidnapped. See section below, "Kidnappings".)

Foreigners and dual-national victims include:

 46 Thais were killed during the first day of the Gaza War.https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3150039/israel-identifies-body-of-last-thai-hostage-in-gaza. Retrieved 2025-12-04
 Ten Nepalis (killed by Hamas) 
 One Indonesian medic (killed by Israeli forces) 
 Sixteen Syrians 
 Eleven Americans (killed by Hamas or Israel)
 3 Israeli hostages in Gaza (killed by the IDF)

Kidnappings
Approximately 245 hostages were taken.

124 hostages have been returned alive to Israel (as of January 27, 2025). Seven of those were (freed or) released in a 2025 prisoner exchange deal. 105 (of the 124) were (let go or) released, as part of a 2023 prisoner exchange deal. Four (of the 124) were released by Hamas. Eight were (freed or) rescued by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

62 hostages were still alive as of December 2024, according to media; However, media said (January 2025) that the family of two of the victims, has been told by the government that those two are dead.https://www.nrk.no/urix/gissel-funnet-drept-i-gaza-1.17198027. Retrieved 2025-01-09

Earlier (and during the prisoner exchange deal from 24 to 30 November 2023), 105 were released.https://www.nytimes.com/article/israel-hostages-hamas-explained.html. The New York Times.com. Retrieved 17 November 2023 

Around 130-150 IDF soldiers and civilians were taken as hostages. At least 200 Israelis were taken prisoner by Hamas and moved to the Gaza Strip. Most of the hostages were civilians. Many of those were taken from a rave party. Some foreigners were also captured. Some of those have nationality from more than one country.

 i hostages, 13 hostages came back to Israel on 26 November 2023; Earlier, 13 hostages were released (24 November).

from ; 31 were taken hostage and three of those died.https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3150039/israel-identifies-body-of-last-thai-hostage-in-gaza. Retrieved 2025-12-04 4 came back (from Gaza) to Israel on 26 November 2023; Earlier, 10 were set free (24 November); Thai authorities think that 18 are still kidnapped  (as of November 2023).https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2692659/thats-my-son-thai-family-overjoyed-as-second-group-of-hostages-freed. Retrieved 26 November 2023https://www.vg.no/nyheter/utenriks/i/WRPKo2/medier-israelske-gisler-er-paa-vei-til-egypt. Retrieved 25 November 2023 In 2025, five Thai hostages were released.https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/2952260/three-israeli-hostages-released-in-gaza. Retrieved 2025-02-01

from , 17 people were captured (by Hamas) during the conflict
from , 9 people
from , [7 or] 8 people are confirmed to be hostages [as of the end of October] but the total is likely [9 or] 10 more, according to German authorities; Israeli-German Shani Louk was found dead in October;Deutsche Hamas-Geisel Shani Louk ist tot. Der Spiegel.de. Retrieved 30 October 2023 The majority of her body, was found in May 2024. 
from , 2 people
from , 1 hostage was set free [25 November]. Earlier that month, 2 people were hostages.
from , 2 people
from , 1 person
from , 1 person
from , 1 person

The bodies of two Israeli hostages were found in buildings near the Al-Shifa Hospital; One was a 65-year old civilian, the other was a 19-year old soldier, according to Israeli authorities.Aftenposten. 21 November 2023. P. 12. "Yehudit Waiss ... Noa Marciano" The IDF said earlier (13 October) that Israeli remains and personal items were found on the Gaza Strip, when the 2023 Israeli ground operations took place.

Of these, 4 hostages have been released [as of the middle of November], and a captured Israeli soldier was rescued by Israeli forces.

Of the 4 hostages that have been released (as of 25 October), two are Israelis and 2 are Americans.

Injured people, refugees, and missing people

alt=Damage_in_Gaza_Strip_during_the_October_2023_-_46|thumb|270x270px|Medics transport an injured Palestinian child into Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City following an Israeli airstrike on 11 October 2023.
Gaza Strip: 75,750+ injured

Israel: 10,500+ injured

Refugees
1,900,000 Palestinians displaced in Gaza500,000+ Israelis displaced

Missing
Israel (As per IDF): Around 100 are missing.

Palestine (As per Palestinian Health Ministry): Around 8,000+ palestinians are missing.

Israeli invasion of Gaza (since October 27, 2023)

"The Israeli army began its ground invasion in Gaza on 27 October, moving tanks, bulldozers and combat engineers and other soldiers into the Gaza Strip.Here's what we know about Israel's ongoing military ground operation in Gaza. Retrieved 1 November 2023 According to The Times of Israel, Most of the Israeli soldiers are still waiting on the Israeli side of the Gaza border, and are so far not putting in more effort than doing "overnight raids"; Furthermore, a major invasion has not started yet.
Israeli soldiers are in the Gaza Strip (as of 28 October), and they seem to be concentratinghttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67248454. BBC.com. Retrieved 28 October 2023 their efforts "on the northern area of the Gaza Strip, in Beit Hanoun, and pushing down a bit further south from there", according to a report (from the Israeli city Sderot) by BBC International editor, Jerusalem; Furthermore, the soldiers are part of a big raid or ground offensive. (Some other media, call it an invasion.) Furthermore, Israeli forces are likely trying "to clear out tunnels, probably with special forces spotting targets for [...] air force attacks". (Hundreds of kilometers of tunnels, are under Gaza; Militants are known to use those tunnels)
By 29 October, the Israeli soldiers had gone into the Gaza Strip, for the third day in a row.https://www.aftenposten.no/verden/nyhetsanalyse/i/jle7vo/israels-soldater-er-inne-paa-gazastripen-de-forbereder-kanskje-noe-mye-stoerre. Retrieved 30 October 2023
On 30 October, A kidnapped Israeli soldier (rank, Private) was freed in an operation by IDF, and with help from Shin Bet and Mossad.
On 31 October, rockets (or missiles) were fired (from a fighter jet), at Jabalia refugee camp's al-Yafawiya neighborhood; It is in northern Gaza; Ibrahim Biari (a Hamas commander) was killed, according to Israeli authorities, a claim which Hamas denied.Israeli military claims it killed Hamas commander in strike on Jabalya camp in Gaza; Hamas denies claim. Retrieved 31 October 2023 DozensIsrael Defense Forces defends deadly strike on refugee camp in northern Gaza. Retrieved 1 November 2023 of Hamas militants "were also killed [...] when underground tunnels below the camp collapsed" after the rocket hits, according to a media report about what an Israeli authority said. Furthermore, around 40-200 civilians were killed and around 150 others were injured. The attack is part of the Jabalia refugee camp airstrikes.
On 1 November, IDF announced that 9 soldiers of its Givati Brigade were killed when a anti-tank guided missile hit the armoured vehicle they were in. The total number of Israeli soldiers who were killed during the invasion of Gaza, raised to 15.
On 3 November, Israeli forces struck a convoy of ambulance killing at least 15 people with 60 more injuries.
On 6 November, Israeli missile attacks targeted the Nasser Hospital in Gaza City, hitting the Al-Nasser Children's Hospital, eight people were killed in the strike and dozens more were injured. Later that day, Israeli forces released footage of its advancement in Gaza, several rocket launching sites were discovered. Abu Obaida, spokesperson of Al-Qassam Brigades, announced that 27 israeli tanks have been destroyed by the group in last 2 days.
On 16 November, Due to shortage of Fuel, internet and phone networks were shut down in the Gaza Strip, according to the two primary telecom providers Jawwal and Paltel.
On 17 November, after the United States asked, Israel agreed to let 140,000 liters of fuel enter the Gaza Strip in every two days. As a result, the internet and phone services in the area were restored.
On 18 November, Israeli strikes killed more than 80 people in Jabalia refugee camp. At least 50 civilians who were sheltered in a UN-run school were killed in this attack.
On 22 November, Israel and Hamas reached a temporary ceasefire agreement, providing for a four-day ceasefire in exchange of release of prisoners. The deal was to end in 4 days (till 27 November) but it continued till 30 November after negotiations by Qatar. The deal let to 105 hostages getting released by Hamas while Israel released 240 palestinians.

War crimes
A UN Commission to the Israel-Palestine conflict said (10 October) that there is "clear evidence that war crimes may have been [done] in the latest [...] violence in Israel and Gaza". B'Tselem, a human rights organization from Israel, said that Hamas' killing of civilians and taking of hostages, are war crimes. It accused the Israeli government of (doing or) committing war crimes against the people of Gaza, including the bombing of civilians, the use of white phosphorous bomb, the closing of border crossings, and the cutting of power and water supplies. (Water mains, or large pipes that tap water usually can run through, were stopped from having that water go from Israel to Gaza. Regarding giving electrical power to the electrical grid: fuel to make electrical power at Gaza's power station has been stopped from going from Israel to Gaza.)

Human Rights Watch (also) gave examples of acts that Hamas and Israel have done, which HRW points out as war crimes. On 29 December 2023, South Africa accused Israel of risking a Genocide in Gaza and filed a lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice. 

Famine
On 27 March 2024, the government of Ireland announced that it will join the lawsuit of South Africa v. Israel and stated that "restricting food and other essentials in Gaza may constitute genocidal intent".

On 28 March, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) stated "that Palestinians in Gaza are no longer facing only a risk of famine ... but that famine is setting in," and ordered Israel to unblock food aid. All 16 judges backed the order that Israel must ensure without delay unhindered supply on a large scale:
"The State of Israel shall ... Take all necessary and effective measures to ensure, without delay, in full co-operation with the United Nations, the unhindered provision at scale by all concerned of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance, including food, water, electricity, fuel, shelter, clothing, hygiene and sanitation requirements, as well as medical supplies and medical care to Palestinians throughout Gaza, including by increasing the capacity and number of land crossing points and maintaining them open for as long as necessary;"

Attacks on aid deliveries and aid workers
On 1 April 2024, seven aid workers of from the World Central Kitchen were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. As per the Humanitarian Coordinator for Palestine, Jamie McGoldrick, the attack on WCK was not an "isolated incident", the recorderd number of killed aid workers in the last six months in Gaza was nearly three times as high as in any other single conflict in a year. Due to this continuing threat the aid groups had to stop their work.

Israel has also supported Yasser Abu Shabab, the leader of the Popular Forces who loot aid convoys and are responsible for the Kerem Shalom aid convoy looting, critics have nicknamed Abu Shabaab the "Pablo Escobar of Gaza".Euronews. "Exclusive: New Militia Emerges in Gaza to Challenge Hamas Control." *Euronews*, 10 July 2025, https://www.euronews.com/2025/07/10/exclusive-new-militia-emerges-in-gaza-to-challenge-hamas-control.

Electrical power
Israel Electric Corporation (owned by the Israeli government) stopped giving electrical power to the electrical grid of the Gaza Strip. Israeli authorities also stopped the Gaza Strip from getting fuel. The Gaza Strip's only power station ran out of fuel.

International response
Some countries, mostly the western world, have given criticism against the attacks in Israel. While countries, which includes Russia, China and Venezuela and most of the Arab world and Islamic world, have given criticism against the attacks on Gaza. The foreign ministry of Jordan said that, "If the war continued, it may get a popular impression that it's a war between western and arab islamic world."

On 18 October 2023, a resolution about a "humanitarian pause" to deliver lifesaving aid to millions in Gaza, was not approved by the United Nations Security Council; The proposed resolution came from Brazil's authorities, and the United States vetoed it.
On 13 November 2023, United Nations observed a moment of silence with half-staff to mourn and honour 101 staff of UNRWA, that were killed in Gaza.

Nine people who worked at the UNRWA lost their jobs because they may have been involved in the attacks on October 7, 2023.https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/05/nine-unrwa-staff-members-may-have-been-involved-in-7-october-attack

United States
United States authorities have sent two aircraft carriers with its combat airplanes and escorting warships, to the area to support Israel. On 5 November, an ohio-class nuclear submarine started (its stay or) a deployment in the Middle East, according to United States authorities.https://www.nettavisen.no/nyheter/usa-sender-atomubat-til-midtosten/s/5-95-1437486. Retrieved 7 November 2023

US authorities think that there is a chance that the conflict could spread to other countries in the region. U.S. authorities are against the taking of U.S. citizens as hostages by Hamas. U.S. officials think that there is a chance that Iran-backed forces in Syria and Lebanon may open additional fronts against Israel. US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a phone call (8 October) and Biden said he has "deep sympathy" for the killed, missing, and wounded in Israel and (promised or) pledged his "full support" to Israel.

The USA has also sent munitions to Israel.

On 25 March 2024, the U.S. government finally let a United Nations Security Council resolution pass that called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. 

On 29 March, the Washington Post reported that the U.S. government approved the transfer of "billions of dollars worth of bombs and fighter jets", including "more than 1,800  and 500 MK82 500-pound bombs".

After the airstrike on the aid workers from World Central Kitchen, Biden called the prime minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu on 4 April 2024, and "made clear the need for Israel to announce and implement a series of specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers." On 5 April 2024, 40 members of Congress from the Democratic party (including Nancy Pelosi) urged Joe Biden in an open letter to stop the arms shipments:
"we strongly urge you to reconsider your recent decision to authorize the transfer of a new arms package to Israel, and to withhold this and any future offensive arms transfers until a full investigation into the airstrike is completed."FINAL Letter to Biden Admin re WCK Airstrike and Arms Transfers (5 April 2024, pocan.house.gov)

Response or Reactions

Response to the Israeli attacks against Gaza
alt=Toronto_rally_for_Palestine_-_20231028-195425775|thumb|292x292px|Pro-Palestine rally in Toronto, Canada

The leaders of some countries have tried to find words to give criticism to parts of Israel's attack (or retaliation) against Gaza.

The Foreign ministry of United Arab Emirates (UAE) called for an immediate ceasefire.

Norway's prime minister said that Israel has a right to defend itself; He added that "we must give emphasis [or say that it is important] that the Israelis show consideration towards civilians" [in Gaza].

Malaysian Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim called for a ceasefire and for Palestinians to be "treated as human beings". On 20 December 2023, Malaysian PM announced a block on Israeli-linked ships with immediate effect. Ships that are on their way to israel will also be not allowed to stop at any Malaysian ports.

Algerian President, Abdelmadjid Tebboune called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to take action to hold Israel responsible for crimes that it is committing against Palestinians.

During the start this war, The French embassy in Israel condemned the attacks and described Hamas' actions as "inadmissible terrorist attacks". While on 10 November, French President, Emmanuel Macron called for a ceasefire and urged Israel to stop bombing Gaza and killing civilians. 

On 16 April 2024, UNICEF Communication specialist Tess Ingram stated that "In every 10 minutes, a child is getting killed or injured in Gaza Strip and the only way to stop it is by ceasefire."

Response (non-military) in Israel
Haaretz, a newspaper, printed an editorial which said that the attack was the "clear responsibility of one person: Benjamin Netanyahu". The newspaper said that the prime minister [did not see and tell about the dangers that he was leading Israel into, or he] has "completely failed to identify the dangers  he was consciously leading Israel into when establishing a government of annexation and dispossession" (or taking away someone's possessions).

 Related pages 
 List of military operations during 2024
 List of ongoing armed conflicts
 Nova music festival massacre
 October 2023 Tulkarm raid
 Blockade of the Gaza Strip (2023)
 Gaza humanitarian crisis (2023–present)
 South Africa's genocide case against Israel
 Flour massacre
 First Intifada
 Second Intifada

Notes

References



Category:Conflicts in 2023
Category:Massacres of Palestinians

2024