The war between Israel and Hamas has evolved dramatically since the October 7, 2023, attack that left thousands dead and hundreds of Israelis taken hostage. What began as a sudden and brutal assault has since spiraled into a complex, multi-front conflict that has reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. At the heart of this war is the Israeli government’s decision to occupy Gaza City, a move that marks a significant shift in the ongoing military campaign.
Hamas, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007, launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, striking military bases, kibbutzim, and even a music festival. The assault killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and took 250 as hostages. In response, Israel launched a massive military campaign, targeting Hamas leadership and imposing a strict blockade on Gaza, which has already been under sanctions for over a decade.
As the war escalated, Israel’s military operations took on a pattern of mass evacuations, offensives, and subsequent withdrawals. This cycle repeated itself in northern Gaza, where the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) initially declared the mission complete but later launched new offensives, displacing thousands of civilians.
By late 2024, the situation in Gaza had reached a critical point. Israeli forces were systematically demolishing parts of the enclave, reinforcing military positions, and creating buffer zones. The IDF confirmed it was establishing a buffer zone inside Gaza, signaling a long-term military presence. Meanwhile, the Israeli government, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, outlined a vision for post-war Gaza, including indefinite military control and greater oversight of the enclave’s border with Egypt.
Despite several ceasefire attempts, the conflict has remained volatile. In January 2025, Israel and Hamas agreed to a first-phase ceasefire, which included the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. However, the ceasefire collapsed when Israel blocked aid and launched airstrikes, leaving the fate of remaining hostages uncertain.
The latest development is the Israeli government’s announcement of plans to occupy Gaza City, the first step in a phased military takeover of the enclave. This move has raised concerns about the long-term impact on the civilian population, the potential for further escalation, and the humanitarian crisis that has already devastated the region.
As the war continues, the international community remains divided. While some call for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid, others question the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts in the face of ongoing violence. The situation in Gaza remains one of the most complex and tragic conflicts of our time.