Israel-Gaza war
The Israel-Gaza war has been ongoing for six months, and tensions have spilled over into the surrounding region.
War: On October 7, Hamas militants launched an unprecedented cross-border attack on Israel, which included taking civilians hostage at a music festival. (See photos and video of how the deadly attack unfolded.) Israel responded by declaring war on Hamas and launching a ground invasion that led to the largest displacement in the region since the creation of Israel in 1948.
The Gaza Crisis: In the Gaza Strip, Israel has waged one of the most devastating wars of this century, killing tens of thousands of people and plunging at least half the population into “famine-like conditions.” For months, Israel has resisted pressure from Western allies to allow more humanitarian aid into the enclave.
US Involvement: Despite tensions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and some American politicians, including President Biden, the United States has backed Israel with weapons, funded aid packages and vetoed or abstained from UN ceasefire resolutions.
History: The roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and mistrust are deep and complex, dating back to before the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. Read more about the history of the Gaza Strip.
