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Gaza war

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The Gaza war is a major armed conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. This fighting takes place in the Gaza Strip and parts of Israel. It is part of a much longer struggle called the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This conflict has lasted for many decades and involves many different ideas about land and safety. The current war began on 7 October 2023. It has caused a very large humanitarian crisis for the people living in the area.

Damage in Gaza Strip during the October 2023 - 13
Damage in Gaza Strip during the October 2023 - 13

The war started when Hamas led a surprise attack on Israel. During this attack, 1,195 Israelis and foreign nationals were killed. Hamas also took 251 people hostage to use as leverage. In response, Israel launched a large military offensive to stop Hamas. Israel used bombs and later sent its soldiers into the Gaza Strip. They fought in many places, including battles around Khan Yunis and a siege in North Gaza. By 2025, the fighting had reached Gaza City.

כוחות צהל מתכוננים לכניסה לעזה צילום יואב קרן
כוחות צהל מתכוננים לכניסה לעזה צילום יואב קרן

This conflict has a long history that goes back many years. In 1948, a war led to the creation of the State of Israel. At that time, over 700,000 Palestinians fled or were forced from their homes. Later, in 1967, Israel occupied the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Hamas has governed the Gaza Strip since 2007. Before the 2023 war, there had already been several smaller wars in 2008, 2012, 2014, and 2021. These earlier fights caused many deaths on both sides.

Timeline of Israel-Palestine fatalities 2008-2023
Timeline of Israel-Palestine fatalities 2008-2023

The numbers from this war are very high and very sad. Over 72,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed since the fighting began. Some studies suggest this number might actually be even higher. Almost all of the 2.3 million people in Gaza have had to leave their homes. About 90% of the buildings in Gaza have been destroyed. This includes many hospitals, schools, and places for prayer. Because of this, many people face severe hunger and a lack of clean water.

An aerial view of Al-Mawasi area where displaced Palestinians live in tents, Gaza Strip
An aerial view of Al-Mawasi area where displaced Palestinians live in tents, Gaza Strip

This war affects many people far away from the fighting. There have been large protests in cities all over the world. Some groups in the Middle East, called the "Axis of Resistance," have also joined the fighting. This has led to clashes involving countries like Iran and Lebanon. Some international experts are looking at the war in court. They are checking to see if the fighting counts as genocide. This is a very serious legal question that many leaders are discussing.

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🖼️ Images & Media (21)
File:Timeline of Israel-Palestine fatalities 2008-2023.png
Timeline of Israel-Palestine fatalities...
File:Release of hostages during Iron Swords war, November 2023. IV.jpg
Release of hostages during Iron Swords...
File:כוחות צהל מתכוננים לכניסה לעזה צילום יואב קרן.jpg
כוחות צהל מתכוננים לכניסה לעזה צילום יואב קרן.jpg
File:An aerial photo of displaced Palestinians waiting in northern Nuseirat to return to their homes in Gaza.jpg
An aerial photo of displaced Palestinians...
File:An aerial view showing destruction in Rafah after Israeli forces withdrawal and as the ceasefire took hold, Gaza Strip.jpg
An aerial view showing destruction in...
File:Palestinians during the Flour massacre.png
Palestinians during the Flour massacre.png
File:An aerial view of Al-Mawasi area where displaced Palestinians live in tents, Gaza Strip.jpg
An aerial view of Al-Mawasi area where...
File:IDF Rafah May 2024 (1).png
IDF Rafah May 2024 (1).png
File:Images of war 23-25 from Gaza, by Jaber Badwen, IMG 5670.jpg
Images of war 23-25 from Gaza, by Jaber...
File:Four female Israeli soldiers being held hostage have been released, January 2025. VII.jpg
Four female Israeli soldiers being held...
File:Release of Yarden Bibas, Ofer Kalderon and Keith Siegel, February 1, 2025, February 2025. V.jpg
Release of Yarden Bibas, Ofer Kalderon...
File:Return of displaced people via Al-Rasheed Street after ceasefire, January 2025, Gaza Strip.jpg
Return of displaced people via Al-Rasheed...

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