In a significant escalation of hostilities, Palestine’s Hamas initiated its most substantial assault on Israel in years, unleashing a barrage of rockets from the Gaza Strip and sending fighters across the border into Israeli territory. This sudden surge in violence has put Israel “on a war footing,” prompting swift retaliatory strikes against Hamas targets in Gaza. Reports from Israeli media also indicate clashes between Palestinian fighters and security forces in southern Israel.
To understand the context of this latest escalation, it’s essential to trace the major events and flare-ups in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian groups in the densely populated Gaza Strip, home to approximately 2.3 million people.
August 2005 – Israeli forces unilaterally withdraw from Gaza, marking the end of a 38-year presence in the territory. This move follows Israel’s capture of Gaza from Egypt during the Middle East war.
January 25, 2006 – In Palestinian legislative elections, Hamas secures a majority of seats. In response, Israel and the United States suspend aid to Palestinians due to Hamas’s refusal to renounce violence and recognize Israel.
June 25, 2006 – Hamas militants seize Israeli army conscript Gilad Shalit during a cross-border raid from Gaza. This abduction triggers Israeli airstrikes and incursions into Gaza. Shalit is eventually released more than five years later in a prisoner exchange.
June 14, 2007 – In a brief civil war, Hamas takes control of Gaza, ousting Fatah forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who is based in the West Bank.
December 27, 2008 – Israel launches a 22-day military offensive in Gaza after Palestinians fire rockets at the southern Israeli town of Sderot. This operation results in the reported deaths of about 1,400 Palestinians and 13 Israelis before a ceasefire is reached.
November 14, 2012 – Israel eliminates Hamas’s military chief of staff, Ahmad Jabari, leading to eight days of intense rocket fire by Palestinian militants and Israeli airstrikes.
July-August 2014 – The abduction and murder of three Israeli teenagers by Hamas spark a seven-week war, resulting in over 2,100 reported Palestinian deaths in Gaza and 73 reported Israeli casualties, with 67 of them being military personnel.
March 2018 – Palestinian protests commence at the fenced border between Gaza and Israel. Israeli forces open fire to deter protestors, leading to over 170 reported Palestinian deaths during several months of demonstrations. These protests also trigger confrontations between Hamas and Israeli forces.
May 2021 – After weeks of escalating tensions during Ramadan, clashes between hundreds of Palestinians and Israeli security forces erupt at the Al Aqsa compound in Jerusalem, Islam’s third holiest site. Following demands for Israel to withdraw its security forces from the compound, Hamas launches a substantial rocket barrage from Gaza into Israel. In response, Israel conducts airstrikes in Gaza. The conflict persists for 11 days, resulting in at least 250 deaths in Gaza and 13 in Israel.
August 2022 – A period of violence unfolds, with Israeli airstrikes targeting a senior Hamas commander. Israel argues that these strikes were a preemptive operation to thwart an imminent attack by the Iranian-backed militant movement. The operation focuses on targeting commanders and arms depots. In retaliation, Islamic Jihad launches over 1,000 rockets towards Israel. Fortunately, Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system prevents significant damage or casualties.
January 2023 – Islamic Jihad in Gaza fires two rockets towards Israel following an Israeli military raid on a refugee camp, leading to the deaths of seven Palestinian gunmen and two civilians. The rocket launches trigger alarms in Israeli border communities but result in no casualties. Israel responds with airstrikes on Gaza.
October 2023 – In a significant development, Hamas launches its most substantial attack on Israel in years from the Gaza Strip. This surprise assault involves Palestinian gunmen crossing the border and a heavy rocket barrage. Additionally, Islamic Jihad claims its fighters have joined the offensive. Israel’s military has declared a state of readiness and initiated airstrikes targeting Hamas in Gaza. Reservists have also been called up in response to the escalating conflict.
The situation remains fluid and tense, with both sides on high alert, underscoring the enduring complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
By Reuters
