The Israel-Hamas conflict, commencing on October 7 with a surprise attack by Hamas, reached a temporary pause following a four-day truce that came into effect on November 24. Examining the pivotal moments of this harrowing 48-day period sheds light on the human tragedy that unfolded in the Middle East.
1. Hamas Surprises Israel
Palestinian group Hamas launched an unprecedented surprise attack on Israel, resulting in over 1,200 Israeli casualties and 240 hostages taken to Gaza.
2. Israeli Offensive Begins
On October 9, Israel initiated a Gaza offensive, imposing a complete siege and demanding Gazans to evacuate the northern strip within 24 hours.
3. Al Ahli Hospital Struck
Gaza’s Al Ahli hospital compound was hit by an Israeli airstrike, claiming the lives of 471 Palestinians amid Israeli denials of responsibility.
4. Hostages Freed
Amidst the conflict, Hamas released American hostages Judith Raanan and Natalie, followed by elderly Israelis Yocheved Lifschitz and Nurit Kuper.
5. Israeli Tanks Roll In
On October 26, Israeli tanks initiated a ground offensive in Gaza, paving the way for an extended offensive announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
6. Rafah Border Crossing Opens
Facing a humanitarian crisis, Egypt opened the Rafah border crossing, allowing wounded Palestinians and others to flee the war-torn Gaza.
7. Gaza “Encircled”
Israel declared the encirclement of Gaza City on November 2, expelling hundreds of stranded Palestinians a day later.
8. Death Toll Surpasses 10,000
On November 6, the Palestinian death toll surpassed 10,000, prompting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to call Gaza a “cemetery for children.”
9. Israeli Attack on Al Shifa Hospital
Israeli troops raided Gaza’s largest medical facility, Al Shifa hospital, drawing condemnation from global human rights organizations on November 15.
10. Hostage Swap Amid Truce
As global efforts pressed for a ceasefire, Israel and Hamas agreed on a four-day temporary truce, initiating a hostage swap on November 24, where 39 Palestinian women and children were released from Israeli prisons, alongside the release of 13 Israeli hostages and 12 Thai nationals by Hamas.
