October 7, 2023 marked a significant event in Israel as Gaza-based militants breached the fortified border, launching a deadly attack that resulted in the deaths of almost 1,200 individuals and the abduction of 251 hostages into Palestinian territory. The aftermath of this incident continues to haunt Israel to this day.
The following day, on October 8, 2023, Israel retaliated with a military offensive on Gaza, leading to a harrowing two-year period for Palestinians in the region. Reports indicate that operations conducted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have resulted in the deaths of approximately 66,000 individuals, with an estimated 80% of the casualties being civilians. Additionally, around 169,000 others have been injured, although conservative figures from Gaza’s Health Ministry suggest the actual death toll could be even higher.
Statistics from the International Organization for Migration reveal that a staggering 90% of homes in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged, displacing 1.9 million out of the 2.1 million residents. Israel’s strict blockade on Gaza has exacerbated the situation, leading to severe food shortages and a famine that has claimed the lives of at least 450 individuals, including 150 children.
In the aftermath of the October 7 attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined two primary objectives for the conflict with Gaza: the safe return of all hostages and the dismantling of Hamas. However, two years later, these goals remain unmet. Of the 251 hostages taken, 148 have been successfully repatriated to Israel, with some being rescued by the IDF and others released by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian detainees held by Israel. A number of deceased hostages have also been returned.
Current reports indicate that 48 hostages are still held captive, with only 20 believed to be alive. Despite sustained efforts to eliminate Hamas, the organization, labeled as a terrorist group by various governments including Israel, the EU, and the US, continues to operate in Gaza, albeit with significant losses in personnel. Notable Hamas leaders have been targeted and eliminated by Israeli forces, yet the group remains active.
In late September 2025, US President Donald Trump put forth a comprehensive 20-point peace plan for Gaza, emphasizing the release of all remaining hostages and the disarmament of Hamas. The proposal includes granting amnesty to fighters willing to commit to peaceful coexistence with Israel, effectively signaling the end of Hamas as an armed entity.
The conflict in Gaza has also drawn in other regional players, with Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthi rebels in Yemen showing solidarity with Hamas during the initial hostilities. These groups, reportedly supported by Iran, engaged in attacks against Israel in subsequent years, prompting Israeli military responses that targeted key figures and infrastructure.
Israel’s military actions have extended beyond Gaza, with airstrikes on Iran crippling nuclear facilities and high-profile assassinations further weakening adversaries in the region. The toppling of Bashar Assad in Syria also dealt a blow to Iran’s network of allies, consolidating Israel’s military dominance in the area.
Criticism of Israel’s conduct in the conflict has mounted internationally, with accusations of genocide stemming from the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure and populations in Gaza. Various human rights organizations and a UN commission have condemned Israel’s actions, leading to legal actions such as a case brought before the International Court of Justice and arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against Israeli officials for war crimes.
The dire situation in Gaza has garnered increased support for the recognition of an independent Palestinian state, with a growing number of countries formally acknowledging Palestine. This move aligns with the advocacy for a two-state solution, though challenges persist due to differing opinions within Israel regarding the continuation of the conflict and potential annexation of the West Bank.
Disagreements within Israeli society reflect a spectrum of views on the conflict, with calls for both military escalation and ceasefire. Protests and demonstrations have been staged by various groups, including relatives of hostages, Arab Israelis, and veterans, highlighting the complexities and divisions within Israeli society. The proposed peace plan by Trump, if implemented, may offer a temporary reprieve, but the deep scars left by the conflict are likely to endure for generations to come.