A timeline of the Gaza war: two years later

October 7, 2023 – The War Begins

Hamas, alongside Islamic Jihad, launched Operation al-Aqsa Flood, a surprise assault on Israel that killed around 1,200 people and led to the kidnapping of some 250 others. Two years later, 48 hostages are believed to remain in Gaza, with an estimated 20 still alive.

October 8, 2023 – The Northern Front

Hezbollah opened its “support front” against Israel, firing into northern Israel in a show of solidarity with Hamas, though its leadership sought to avoid full-scale engagement.

October 17, 2023 – Al-Ahli Hospital Explosion

An explosion at Gaza’s al-Ahli Hospital marked the war’s first major mass-casualty event, killing and injuring hundreds. Conflicting reports followed: some blamed an Israeli strike, while others attributed it to an errant Islamic Jihad rocket.

October 20, 2023 – Biden’s Wartime Visit

U.S. President Joe Biden became the first American president to visit Israel during an active war, embracing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon arrival. The visit underscored Washington’s staunch support for Israel’s campaign. That same week, Hamas released the first hostages, two women, with two more freed on October 23, 2023.

October 27, 2023 – Israel Invades Gaza

Israel launched its long-anticipated ground invasion, which continues to this day.

November 24, 2023 – The First Ceasefire

A temporary truce was reached, leading to a brief pause in hostilities and the release of dozens of hostages. Fighting resumed on December 1, 2023. Around this time, Yemen’s Houthis seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship in the Red Sea, signaling the widening regional scope of the conflict.

January 2024 – Genocide Case at The Hague

The International Court of Justice began hearings on a genocide case against Israel brought by South Africa. The ICJ concluded that there were reasonable grounds to believe Israel could be committing genocide in Gaza, allowing the case to proceed and ordering provisional measures to prevent it.

April 1, 2024 – Aid Workers Killed

An Israeli airstrike hit a World Central Kitchen convoy, killing aid workers and drawing global condemnation.

July 31, 2024 – Haniyeh Assassinated in Tehran

Hamas political leader and top negotiator Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran, escalating tensions between Iran and Israel.

September 17–18, 2024 – Operation Against Hezbollah

Israel detonated explosives hidden in pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah members in Lebanon, killing dozens and injuring thousands.

September 27, 2024 – Nasrallah Killed

Israel dropped 80 tons of munitions on an underground bunker in Beirut’s southern suburbs, killing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

October 3, 2024 – Safieddine Assassinated

Hashem Safieddine, Nasrallah’s successor, was killed in another massive Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs.

October 16, 2024 – Sinwar Killed in Gaza

Hamas military chief Yahya Sinwar was reportedly killed in a shootout with Israeli forces in Gaza.

November 27, 2024 – Lebanon Ceasefire

Hezbollah and Israel reached a ceasefire agreement to end the war in Lebanon. Despite the truce, Israel continues to occupy several border positions and conduct near-daily airstrikes.

January 19, 2025 – Gaza Ceasefire

Hamas and Israel reached a new ceasefire deal that lasted until March 2025, when Israel resumed its offensive.

June 13–24, 2025 – The Iran-Israel War

Israel launched a surprise attack on Iranian targets, sparking a 12-day conflict. The United States later bombed Iran’s nuclear sites, marking the most direct American military action against Iran in decades.

August 22, 2025 – Famine Declared in Gaza

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) declared a famine in northern Gaza, warning of its potential spread to the entire enclave.

September 9, 2025 – Failed Assassination in Doha

Israel attempted to assassinate Hamas leaders meeting in Doha, an operation that failed but led to global condemnation. Qatar temporarily suspended its mediation role until Israel issued an apology.

October 6, 2025 – Renewed Ceasefire Talks

New negotiations began in Cairo aimed at securing the release of hostages and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has insisted that a ceasefire is imminent, though skepticism remains high after repeated failures.