Why is Israel-Hamas War happening?
Israel vs Gaza/Hamas · Since 2023-10-07
📋What is happening?
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a large-scale surprise attack on southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking ~240 hostages. Israel responded with a declared war on Hamas, beginning a military campaign in Gaza involving intensive airstrikes followed by a ground invasion. The conflict has caused a severe humanitarian crisis with over 50,000 Palestinians killed (per Gaza health authorities) and nearly the entire population displaced.
👥Who is fighting?
Hamas is the governing authority in Gaza and launched the October 7 attack. Israel, led by PM Netanyahu's coalition government, is conducting the military operation. The US provides weapons and diplomatic support to Israel. Qatar and Egypt mediate ceasefire negotiations. Iran backs Hamas financially and with weapons. Hezbollah (Lebanon) opened a second front in the north, escalating into a broader conflict in 2024. The UN and international community have raised alarm about humanitarian law violations.
❓Why did it start?
The immediate cause was Hamas's October 7 attack. The underlying conflict stems from: (1) the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories since 1967; (2) the 2007 Hamas takeover of Gaza and resulting blockade; (3) the unresolved question of Palestinian statehood; (4) Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank; (5) Hamas's stated goal of eliminating the Israeli state vs. Israel's refusal to negotiate with Hamas. The 75-year Israel-Palestine conflict has deep historical, religious, and political roots.
📰What's the latest?
As of April 2026, Israeli military operations in Gaza continue. Multiple ceasefire deals have been proposed and partially implemented but collapsed. Hostage negotiations are ongoing in Qatar. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is described by UN agencies as catastrophic, with famine conditions in northern Gaza. International court proceedings at ICJ are ongoing.
📍Where is it happening?
The military operations are concentrated in Gaza Strip (365 sq km). Key locations: Gaza City (north), Khan Younis (south), Rafah (southern border crossing). Israel also conducts operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Iranian strikes on Israel and Israeli retaliatory strikes on Iran have expanded the geographic scope.