On March 18, 2024, Israel's military launched a large-scale bombing campaign on the Gaza Strip, effectively shattering the fragile ceasefire with Hamas that had been in place since late January. This new escalation in the Israel-Gaza conflict sparked widespread concern and condemnation, as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen. Follow our updates on the ongoing conflict and the hostages remaining in Gaza.
The tensions escalated significantly on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants executed an unprecedented cross-border attack on Israel. This assault resulted in the tragic deaths of approximately 1,200 people and led to the taking of numerous civilian hostages. In retaliation, Israel declared war on Hamas, prompting a ground invasion that has caused the largest displacement of people in the region since the establishment of Israel in 1948. The humanitarian crisis has reached alarming levels, with the situation in Gaza becoming increasingly dire as the conflict drags on.
In July 2024, a significant event occurred when Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an attack that Hamas has attributed to Israel. This development is expected to heighten tensions further, as Hamas may retaliate in various forms, impacting the overall stability in the region.
In late 2024, a ceasefire deal was reached between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, bringing a tenuous halt to over a year of hostilities. This conflict included an Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon, characterized by intense and deadly airstrikes that resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 people, including Hezbollah's longtime leader, Hasan Nasrallah. The ongoing violence along the Israel-Lebanon border reflects a long history of conflict and animosity dating back to Israel’s founding.
In the Gaza Strip, Israel has waged one of the most destructive wars of this century, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands and pushing at least half of the population into what has been described as “famine-like conditions.” Despite mounting pressure from Western allies, Israel has resisted calls to allow more humanitarian aid into the enclave, exacerbating the crisis for the civilian population caught in the crossfire.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community watches closely, urging both sides to seek a peaceful resolution and address the humanitarian needs of those affected by the ongoing violence.
