How a Year of Conflict Has Transformed Life in Gaza

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza has marked a turbulent period in Middle Eastern politics and humanitarian challenges. Here’s a concise timeline and breakdown of key events from 2023 to the present:

January–June 2023: Rising Tensions

1. Increased Raids and Clashes: Early 2023 saw a rise in Israeli military raids on the West Bank, citing security threats. Over 180 Palestinians were killed in 2023, a marked increase from previous years.

2. Frequent Rocket Attacks: Militants in Gaza launched rockets into Israel, prompting Israeli airstrikes in response. Over 150 rocket incidents were reported in this period, mainly targeting southern Israel.

3. Settler Violence Surge: Reports of violence by Israeli settlers toward Palestinians in the West Bank were documented, with over 700 incidents by June.

July–September 2023: Military Operations and Escalation

1. Jenin Operation: In July, Israel launched its largest military operation in the West Bank in nearly two decades, particularly targeting the city of Jenin. Over 12 Palestinians were killed, and thousands were displaced temporarily.

2. Ceasefire Negotiations: Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations mediated multiple ceasefire attempts. While temporary truces were observed, they were often broken within days.

October 2023: The Conflict Intensifies

1. Hamas Attack on October 7: Hamas launched a large-scale attack on southern Israel, with around 5,000 rockets fired in a single day. More than 1,200 Israelis were killed, and numerous hostages were taken.

2. Israel’s Response: Israel declared a "state of war" and intensified its airstrikes on Gaza, targeting Hamas infrastructure. This led to devastating destruction in Gaza, with over 10,000 buildings reported damaged or destroyed, affecting civilian populations.

3. Casualty Count: By late October, over 3,500 Palestinians and 1,300 Israelis had been killed, marking one of the deadliest months in the history of the conflict.

November 2023 – Present: Escalating Humanitarian Crisis

1. Ground Invasion and Blockade: Israel launched a ground invasion into northern Gaza, aiming to dismantle Hamas’ capabilities. The ongoing operation has exacerbated Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, with limited access to food, water, and medical aid.

2. Rising Death Toll: As of November 2024, estimates place Palestinian casualties above 16,000, while Israeli casualties have risen due to retaliatory attacks. The majority of those affected are civilians, sparking widespread international calls for ceasefire.

3. Displacement Crisis: Over 1.9 million Gazans have been displaced from their homes, seeking refuge in schools, hospitals, and UN facilities, all of which are overwhelmed.

   
   

International Response and Ceasefire Efforts

Efforts led by the United States, European Union, and Middle Eastern countries have called for an immediate ceasefire to address the humanitarian crisis. However, agreements have been difficult to reach due to security concerns and long-standing political divides.