Construction of Israeli settlements continues, driven by the country's finance minister's actions
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which escalated dramatically in October 2023, has been a source of ongoing tension and humanitarian crisis. Since Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the conflict has resulted in significant casualties and suffering.
Timeline
The conflict has seen numerous military engagements since October 2023. The initial attacks were followed by Israeli ground invasions, ceasefires, and multiple operations through 2024 and 2025, including a major Gaza offensive in May 2025 and another in August 2025.
Casualties
Official figures from the Gaza Health Ministry report over 61,000 Palestinians killed and more than 154,000 injured in Gaza. Israeli deaths reported in the overall Gaza war timeline number over 1,700, though earlier figures during initial attacks alone cited around 1,200 killed.
Humanitarian Impact
The conflict has had a devastating impact on civilians. UN agencies such as UNRWA report hundreds killed and thousands injured among civilians sheltering in their facilities, which have also been damaged in Israeli airstrikes. Restricted humanitarian access and destruction of medical infrastructure exacerbate suffering.
International Response
The United States has urged Israel to reduce the intensity of operations and continue humanitarian efforts. Temporary ceasefires have enabled limited prisoner exchanges and brief relief in humanitarian aid flows but have not ended hostilities. The conflict remains highly volatile with ongoing hostilities, regional tensions involving Lebanon and Hezbollah, and international concern but no comprehensive resolution as of August 2025.
Recent Developments
In recent days, several incidents have taken place. Seven people were killed in an attack northwest of Gaza at a humanitarian aid distribution point. Five people were killed while waiting for humanitarian aid south of Wadi Gaza in the central part of the coastal strip. The Israeli army spokesperson was not aware of any casualties caused by army fire in the Netzarim corridor area in central Gaza.
The Hamas-controlled health authority in the Gaza Strip reported that eight people, including three children, have died from malnutrition. Seven more, including five children, were killed in an airstrike on their tent in the city.
Political Developments
Israel's right-wing finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, plans to approve tenders for the construction of around 3,400 additional settler homes in the West Bank. The United Nations considers the Israeli settlements a major obstacle to a peaceful solution because they would leave little contiguous territory for the Palestinians in a possible two-state solution. Preparations for the drafting of more reservists must be made.
The Israeli army chief, Zamir, emphasized the need to "increase the readiness of the troops" and give them time "to regroup and recover before upcoming missions." No specific timeline has been set for the expansion of the war.
The Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law. The minister's plan is said to "bury the idea of a Palestinian state." The plan includes the capture of the city of Gaza and the destruction of Hamas in the central refugee camps.
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