Two months ago, on October 7th, Hamas and other militant groups based in Gaza launched a cross-border attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people, according to Israeli officials. In retaliation, Israel launched a military campaign to eradicate Hamas that has devastated Gaza. Health authorities in the enclave claimed that over 15,000 people have died as a result, the majority of them women and children. The Israeli army estimates that it has killed several thousand Hamas fighters.
Here is a timeline of some crucial events in the war:
October 7th: Hamas and other militant groups fire thousands of rockets into Israel and armed men infiltrate border communities, military bases, and an outdoor music festival, killing hundreds and kidnapping about 240 people. It is the deadliest attack on Israel since its foundation. Israeli authorities have said they are investigating reports that the attackers committed widespread sexual violence.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, says in a televised statement that the country is “at war” and mobilizes thousands of military reservists.
October 9th: Israel orders a “total siege” of the Gaza Strip and says that “no entry of electricity, food, water, or fuel” will be allowed into the enclave. Its military forces bombard Gaza with airstrikes as indications suggest it is preparing for a ground invasion.
October 10th: Israeli troops take control of most of the cities near the Gaza Strip from Palestinian gunmen.
October 11th: Netanyahu establishes an emergency government and includes two opposition lawmakers, both former military leaders, in his cabinet.
October 13th: The Israeli army orders civilians to evacuate the northern part of Gaza, causing panic and chaos as thousands of people move south.
October 17th: An explosion outside the Arab al-Ahli Hospital in the city of Gaza kills and injures many people. Palestinian officials claim it was an attack by Israel. Israeli and U.S. intelligence agencies say a failed Palestinian rocket launch caused the explosion.
October 18th: President Joe Biden visits Israel, where he embraces Netanyahu and acknowledges in a speech that he understands Israel’s “full anger.” He also warns Israeli leaders about what he believes were mistakes made by the United States after the September 11 attacks.
October 20th: Hamas releases two American hostages held in Gaza, Judith Raanan and her daughter Natalie Raanan, after negotiations involving Qatari officials. Days later, they release two more hostages, 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper.
October 27th: Amid intense airstrikes and secrecy, Israel launches a ground invasion into northern Gaza from three directions. Mobile phone service and internet in the enclave are suspended.
October 31st: The Israeli army attacks the Jabalia neighborhood in the northern city of Gaza with two nearly 500-kilogram bombs, killing dozens of people and injuring hundreds more in the process, according to Gaza health officials. Israel says it targeted a Hamas commander.
November 6th: The Israeli army announces that it has successfully surrounded the city of Gaza and has divided Gaza into north and south.
November 15th: The Israeli army storms Al-Shifa, the largest hospital in Gaza, which it alleges also functions as a Hamas military command center, an accusation Hamas denies. Israel later claims to have discovered weapons and other evidence supporting its claims that Hamas operated in a network of tunnels beneath the complex.
November 24th: Israel and Hamas agree to a ceasefire that allows for the release of 102 hostages and over 200 Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons over several days. It also allows for the delivery of more humanitarian aid to Gaza civilians.
December 2nd: The ceasefire collapses. Israeli military forces intensively bombard southern Gaza, claiming to have targeted over 400 objectives, and order residents to evacuate several cities and towns, causing confusion and fear as people seek refuge.
December 5th: The Israeli army reports house-to-house shootouts with Hamas fighters in the southern city of Khan Yunis. Civilians and humanitarian workers describe some of the most intense bombardments of the conflict and a worsening of humanitarian conditions.
Matthew Mpoke Bigg is a correspondent covering international news. He was previously a reporter, editor, and bureau chief for Reuters and has held positions in Nairobi, Abidjan, Atlanta, Jakarta, and Accra. More by Matthew Mpoke Bigg