Gaza War: Six Key Stages

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From the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, to the recently revealed Israeli plan to occupy Gaza City, the Gaza war has gone through six major stages.

According to the Washington Post, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to occupy Gaza City, approved by the Israeli security cabinet and announced early Friday morning, marks a major turning point in the 22-month-long war between Israel and Hamas.

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Here is a timeline of the key events in Israel’s military operation in Gaza:

October 7, 2023: Hamas attacks Israel
Hamas, which has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2007, launches a surprise assault on southern Israel, firing thousands of rockets and sending fighters on paragliders, trucks, and on foot to attack military positions, kibbutzim, and a music festival.

Israel says around 1,200 people were killed, two-thirds of them civilians, and that 251 others, some dead, were taken hostage. Tel Aviv responded with massive airstrikes on Gaza.

October 2023: siege and ground invasion
Within days, Israel imposes a “complete siege” on Gaza, home to more than two million Palestinians already under a 16-year blockade. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declares: “No electricity, no food, no fuel.”

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Israel calls up 360,000 reservists and gives over one million residents in northern Gaza 24 hours to move south. Hundreds of thousands comply, while others refuse.

By late October, Israel launches a ground invasion. The Biden administration warns that a full-scale assault could cause massive civilian casualties. On November 2, Israeli forces begin “encircling” Gaza City.

November 24, 2023: first ceasefire
Israel and Hamas agree to halt fighting. Hamas releases more than 100 Israeli hostages, while Israel frees 240 Palestinian prisoners and allows more aid into Gaza.

A week later, the truce collapses, with both sides blaming each other.

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December 2023: resumption of hostilities
On December 4, Israeli forces push south toward Khan Younis, after previously urging civilians to shelter there. Israel follows a recurring pattern: order mass evacuations, attack, withdraw, then return weeks or months later.

The cycle repeats in northern Gaza. In January 2024, the military announces it has “dismantled” Hamas’s command structure. In May, it says its mission in Jabaliya is complete, only to order fresh evacuations and launch punitive strikes in June.

In April 2024, Israel withdraws most forces from the south, preparing for an assault on Rafah. In July, it orders new evacuations in Khan Younis, even in previously designated safe zones.

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In early 2024, Netanyahu outlines his postwar vision for Gaza: maintaining unlimited military control and expanding control over the border with Egypt, while leaving open the possibility of Palestinian Authority involvement.

By late 2024, satellite imagery and interviews show systematic destruction in northern Gaza and the strengthening of Israeli military positions. In January 2025, the army confirms the creation of a buffer zone inside Gaza.

January 2025: ceasefire agreement
Israel and Hamas agree to the first phase of a three-stage deal. Over 42 days, Hamas releases 33 hostages in exchange for about 1,800 Palestinian prisoners. Israel increases humanitarian aid and allows civilians to return north.

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The truce ends in early March without agreement on the next steps. Israel blocks aid and resumes airstrikes.

May 2025: new ground operation
Israel announces a new ground operation to “reinforce control over Gaza by dividing it and relocating its population.”

In July, Israeli forces enter Deir al-Balah for the first time. At dawn on August 8, 2025, Israel unveils Netanyahu’s plan to occupy Gaza City — the first step in a gradual military takeover of the territory.

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