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Israel-Gaza war timeline: From Hamas’ surprise attack in 2023 to Trump’s ceasefire proposal in 2025

The hostilities between Israel and Hamas started with a surprise attack by the militant group in October 2023 and has escalated tensions in the Middle East region.

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A Palestinian girl stands atop the rubble of the Al-Aimawi family's home that was destroyed by Israeli airstrikes in Al-Zawaideh, Gaza Strip. (AP Photo)

US President Donald Trump Wednesday announced that Israel has agreed for a 60-day ceasefire proposal in Gaza on “necessary conditions” and warned militant group Hamas to accept the deal before it worsens. Trump called it a “final proposal” that will be delivered by mediating officials from Qatar and Egypt.

The hostilities between Israel and Hamas started with a surprise attack by the militant group in October 2023 and has escalated tensions in the Middle East region, with Israel having further conflicts with Lebanon-based Hezbollah group, Yemen based Houthi group and a 12-day direct hostilities with Iran, which ended with US strikes on three nuclear sites in Iran.

Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 led to the killing of 1,200 people and the militants took about 250 people hostage, according to Israeli tally. In retaliation, Israel launched an all-out war against Gaza with the death toll touching 56,000 in June 2025, according to Hamas-run Gaza health ministry.

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Thick smoke and flames erupt from an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Here is a timeline of significant events during Israel-Hamas war:

October 7, 2023: Hamas launches surprise attack on Israel killing about 1,200 people and taking 250 more as hostages.

October 8, 2023: Lebanon based Hezbollah group launches missile attack on Israel, announcing its support for Palestinians in Gaza.

October 13, 2023: Israel informs the residents of Gaza City to vacate and move toward the south as it is launching its retaliatory offensive against Hamas.

October 27, 2023: The conflict escalated after Israel launched a ground offensive in Gaza to target Hamas’ key positions.

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November, 15: 2023: Israeli forces enter Gaza’s biggest hospital Al Shifa and destroy nearly all the hospitals in northern Gaza after raiding them.

November 21, 2023: Israel and Hamas announce first ceasefire since the hostilities began for a seven-day period. As many as 105 Israeli hostages and 240 Palestinian detainees are freed.

January 26, 2024: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in Netherlands asks Israel to prevent genocide in Gaza after reports emerged that Israeli forces were defying human rights.

Feb 29, 2024: Hamas-run Gaza health ministry states that death toll in Palestine has crossed 30,000 amid Israel’s retaliatory attack.

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March 7, 2024: US President Joe Biden, after facing political pressure due to the hunger crisis in Gaza, directs a floating pier in order to deliver aid.

June 23, 2024: Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announces the intense fighting phase in Gaza against the Hamas militants has ended but the war continues.

July 27, 2024: Hezbollah group based in Lebanon attacks Israel occupied Golan Heights, killing 12 children and prompting retaliatory strikes by Tel Aviv.

Palestinians gather at an aid distribution center in Deir Al-Balah, in the Gaza Strip. (Reuters)

August 1, 2024: Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif was killed by the Israel Defense Force.

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September 17, 2024: Thousands of pager devices, being used by the Hezbollah group in Lebanon, detonated by Israeli forces.

October 16, 2024: Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is killed by Israeli military in Rafah.

November 27, 2024: Israel and Hezbollah announce ceasefire in hostilities, pausing the conflict at the Lebanon front.

December 2, 2024: US President-elect Donald Trump threatens Hamas to release all the hostages before his inauguration by January 20 or there will be “hell to pay” for the militant group.

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January 15, 2025: Israel and Hamas announce ceasefire agreement after 15 months of war led by US negotiators, including Qatar, Egypt.

January 19, 2025: Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas comes into effect a day before Donald Trump’s inauguration.

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March 18, 2025: Israel breaks ceasefire agreement after bombing campaigns that killed hundreds in Gaza. Accuses Hamas of violating the truce deal.

May 26, 2025: The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, backed by the United States and Israel, starts operating in Rafah with new distribution centres for food.

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July 2, 2025: US President Donald Trump announces Israel’s agreement to 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, urges Hamas to accept it.

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