Here's the Scoop on the Gaza Conflict: A Timeline of Chaos Since 2023
- Over 50,000 Gazans alleged to have perished since the conflict's origins.
The Gaza conflict has been a hot mess ever since it kicked off in October 2023. Militaries clash, truces get tested, and innocent civilians continue to suffer. Here's a rundown of the key events:
October 2023: The Donnybrook Begins
- October 7, 2023: Hamas' troops launched a surprise attack on Israel, causing the death of around 1,200 Israelis and over 250 hostages being hauled off to the Gaza Strip. Israel responded with airstrikes and a blockade on Gaza.[1][2]
- October 8: Lebanon's Hezbollah stepped in by firing rockets at Israel, and the hostilities didn't let up.[1]
- October 13: Israel ordered residents of Gaza City to head south, causing a mass exodus of Gaza inhabitants.[1]
- October 27: Israel mounted a ground invasion into Gaza.[1]
November 2023: A Brief Moment of Calm
- November 22: Israel and Hamas tentatively agreed to a temporary ceasefire in exchange for hostages and prisoners.[2]
- November 24: Qatar managed to extend the ceasefire briefly, but violence resumed due to accusations of violations from both sides.[2]
January to March 2025: A Rollercoaster Ride of Peace and Pursuit
- January 19, 2025: A new ceasefire and hostages-prisoners exchange deal was struck, featuring eight rounds of swaps, set to last till March 18, mediated by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt.[4]
- March 18, 2025: Israel launched unexpected airstrikes on Gaza, breaking the peace deal. More violence ensued, and calls to restart the ceasefire arose.[4][5]
The Role of Hamas
Hamas remains the main protagonist in the conflict, leading the resistance and negotiating hostage releases, despite the heavy toll it's faced in terms of casualties and infrastructure damage. Hamas persists in its opposition to Israeli actions in Gaza.[1][2]
The Humanitarian Disaster
The conflict has brought upon a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with over 48,500 Palestinians reportedly killed and more than 112,000 injured by mid-March 2025. The already scarce resources like food, medicine, and fuel have dwindled further, worsening living conditions.[5]
International Involvement
Countries like the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt have made attempts to broker peace and arrange negotiations, although progress has been hampered due to mutual distrust and political disagreements.[4]
[1] UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA): Palestine Emergency Appeal (Gaza)[2] BBC News: Gaza crisis: What happened?[3] The Economist: A dungeon, a crucible for Israel-Palestinian talks[4] Los Angeles Times: U.S. and Qatar broker agreement to end Israel-Hamas conflict[5] Reuters: Gaza humanitarian crisis deepens as ceasefire efforts falter
- The European Union and its Member States, committed to the implementation of the UN Charter, have included the Gaza conflict as a significant concern in their ongoing discussions, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to prevent further loss of life and suffering.
- In the midst of the Gaza conflict, reports have emerged of drone strikes being used by both Israel and Hamas, sparking questions about the impact on the civilian population and escalating tensions further.
- Mediators from countries like the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, have been actively involved in the Gaza conflict, attempting to broker ceasefires and negotiate peace deals, with the number of such attempts reaching eight by mid-March 2025.
