The conflict in the Gaza Strip began on October 7, 2023, following a surprise attack led by Hamas against Israel. During this initial assault, more than 1,200 individuals were killed and over 250 people were taken hostage. The event triggered an immediate and large-scale military response from Israel, which has since led to a radical transformation of the regional landscape.
The humanitarian toll of the ongoing war remains difficult to fully quantify. However, data provided by the United Nations in January 2026 estimated that the death toll among Palestinians had surpassed 70,000.
The hostilities have expanded beyond Gaza, with Israeli communities frequently targeted by rocket fire from Hamas and its regional allies, including Hezbollah. In response, Israel has conducted repeated strikes against Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon. The scope of the conflict also widened to include international targets; in June, Israel struck nuclear sites in Iran with support from the United States. Furthermore, in September, Israel carried out unprecedented strikes in Doha, Qatar, specifically targeting the top leadership of Hamas.
