Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue the war in Gaza “until the end, until total victory” to mark 100 days since Hamas launched the deadliest attack in Israel’s history, as reported by Reuters. The conflict has resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of Palestinian lives and has left Gaza in ruins, while also increasing the risk of a wider and more unpredictable conflict in the Middle East.
Here are the major milestones in the ongoing conflict:
7 October 2023
Hamas launches a devastating surprise assault on Israel from the Gaza Strip, resulting in the death of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the capture of 250 others. The attack caught Israel off guard and shattered the nation’s faith in its leaders.
13 October
Israel issues a warning for over one million residents in northern Gaza to evacuate their homes, anticipating intensified air strikes and a ground invasion to eliminate Hamas. This prompts hundreds of thousands of people to flee the area.
27 October
Israel launches a full ground offensive in Gaza, with the objective of capturing the Hamas stronghold of Gaza City.
15 November
Israeli troops enter Gaza’s largest hospital, Al Shifa, claiming it as a major Hamas base and access point to their tunnel network. However, the military operation receives international criticism for endangering the lives of innocent civilians and causing a public diplomacy failure for Israel.
21 November
An initial ceasefire is announced between Israel and Hamas, allowing for the exchange of hostages. Despite its temporary success, the truce ultimately collapses, leading to the resumption of hostilities.
15 December
Three Israeli hostages are accidentally killed by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) during an escape attempt. The incident triggers significant demonstrations in Israel and puts pressure on Netanyahu to agree to a lasting ceasefire.
1 January 2024
Israel begins withdrawing some troops from Gaza, signaling a potential shift towards a new phase of lower-intensity fighting against Hamas. This move comes under increasing pressure from the United States to minimize civilian casualties.
2 January
Israel’s targeting of Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri in Beirut through an air strike raises concerns of escalating the conflict and drawing Hezbollah into the situation, according to PBS.
This conflict, described as a threat to Israel’s existence, has resulted in devastating consequences for both Palestinians and Israelis. The situation remains tense, and the war continues until the Prime Minister’s vision of total victory is achieved.
