US President Donald Trump declares that a Gaza peace plan has been reached between Israel and Hamas following a prolonged conflict that resulted in significant casualties and a severe humanitarian crisis. The agreement marks a crucial turning point in the conflict that has spanned over two years.
The conflict witnessed a significant event on October 7, 2023, when hundreds of Hamas fighters infiltrated Israel, launching attacks on southern Israeli communities and a desert music festival using firearms, rockets, and grenades. The assault led to the tragic loss of 1,219 lives on the Israeli side, predominantly civilians, as reported by official Israeli sources.
Subsequently, the fighters took 251 hostages back to Gaza, with 47 individuals, many of whom were deceased, still held captive according to Israel’s military. This prompted Israel to initiate bombing raids and impose a blockade on Gaza, urging civilians in the northern region to relocate southwards on October 13.
The conflict displaced nearly all Gazans, as confirmed by the UN, culminating in Israel commencing a ground offensive on October 27. Over the ensuing two years, Israel’s military operations claimed the lives of at least 67,183 individuals in the Hamas-controlled territory, with a significant portion being women and children, based on credible figures acknowledged by the United Nations.
After a temporary ceasefire commencing on November 24, Hamas released 105 hostages, predominantly Israeli nationals alongside Thai workers, in exchange for the liberation of 240 Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons. The resumption of hostilities saw Israel expanding its military activities into southern Gaza.
Noteworthy escalations occurred, including Iran’s direct attack on Israel’s soil with drones and missiles on April 13, 2024, following an incident at its Damascus consulate attributed to Israel. Subsequent events involved Israel’s retaliatory actions against Iran-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen and engagements with Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, resulting in significant casualties and intensified conflict dynamics.
The conflict reached a critical juncture when the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for prominent figures on both sides, with Israel appealing the decision. Eventually, a long-awaited truce between Israel and Hamas was initiated on January 19, 2025, enabling the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes and the release of hostages.
As the conflict evolved, Israel’s military actions extended to targeting Hamas officials in Qatar, a pivotal mediator in the Gaza crisis, garnering international condemnation. The ongoing conflict witnessed further escalations until Trump’s announcement on October 8 regarding the initiation of the first phase of a peace plan between Israel and Hamas. The proposed agreement encompasses the release of all hostages, redeployment of Israeli troops, and the provision of aid to the famine-stricken region.