The Gaza war, beginning 7 October 2023, is the deadliest conflict for Palestinians in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and has prompted genocide proceedings at the International Court of Justice.
Key Facts
- War start date
- 7 October 2023
- Israelis killed (7 Oct attack)
- 1,195 people
- Hostages taken
- 251 people
- Palestinians killed in Gaza
- over 72,000 people
- Gaza civilians displaced
- nearly all of 2.3 million people
- Gaza infrastructure destroyed
- ~90% percent
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The war emerged from the long-unresolved Israeli–Palestinian conflict. On 7 October 2023, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing 1,195 Israelis and foreign nationals and taking 251 hostage, triggering a large-scale Israeli military response. Underlying tensions included Israel's blockade of Gaza and decades of contested territorial claims.
Following the Hamas attack, Israel declared war, launched an intensive bombing campaign, and invaded Gaza on 27 October 2023. Israeli forces conducted multiple offensives including the Rafah offensive, three battles around Khan Yunis, and a siege of North Gaza. Hamas leaders were assassinated; multiple ceasefires were attempted with limited durability, and hostilities continued into 2025.
Over 72,000 Palestinians were killed and nearly all 2.3 million Gaza residents were forcibly displaced. Around 90% of Gaza's civilian infrastructure was destroyed, causing a severe humanitarian and hunger crisis. International bodies and scholars accused Israel of genocide, with a case filed at the International Court of Justice, while regional conflict expanded involving Iran-aligned groups.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent