Comprehensive documentation of the Gaza-Israel conflict from October 7, 2023, through May 2025, focusing on the unprecedented humanitarian crisis, civilian casualties, infrastructure destruction, and international legal responses.
This timeline documents the Gaza-Israel conflict from October 7, 2023, to May 2025, presenting events from a Palestinian-centered perspective focused on humanitarian impact. The conflict began with Hamas's Al-Aqsa Flood operation and Israel's subsequent military response, resulting in unprecedented destruction in Gaza. The timeline chronicles the evolution from initial attacks through ground invasions, temporary ceasefires, international legal interventions, and ongoing humanitarian catastrophe. International bodies including the ICJ have issued multiple rulings addressing allegations of genocide and ordering protective measures, while humanitarian organizations have documented systematic violations of international law. The Palestinian civilian population has borne the brunt of this conflict, with the vast majority of casualties being civilians, including thousands of children, and the near-total destruction of Gaza's infrastructure creating conditions that require years to rebuild.
Comprehensive documentation of the Gaza-Israel conflict from October 7, 2023, through May 2025, focusing on the unprecedented humanitarian crisis, civilian casualties, infrastructure destruction, and international legal responses.
This timeline documents the Gaza-Israel conflict from October 7, 2023, to May 2025, presenting events from a Palestinian-centered perspective focused on humanitarian impact. The conflict began with Hamas's Al-Aqsa Flood operation and Israel's subsequent military response, resulting in unprecedented destruction in Gaza. The timeline chronicles the evolution from initial attacks through ground invasions, temporary ceasefires, international legal interventions, and ongoing humanitarian catastrophe. International bodies including the ICJ have issued multiple rulings addressing allegations of genocide and ordering protective measures, while humanitarian organizations have documented systematic violations of international law. The Palestinian civilian population has borne the brunt of this conflict, with the vast majority of casualties being civilians, including thousands of children, and the near-total destruction of Gaza's infrastructure creating conditions that require years to rebuild.
Over 52,928 Palestinians killed and 119,846 injured according to Gaza Ministry of Health
Approximately 90% of Gaza's population displaced, many multiple times
Unprecedented destruction in Gaza with tens of thousands of civilian casualties
+19 more outcomes & impacts
Live monitoring ongoing
Hamas launches surprise attack on southern Israel, infiltrating border communities via land, sea, and air. Approximately 1,139 Israelis killed and around 250 taken hostage.
Around 250 taken hostage
Hamas militants attack the Supernova Music Festival near Re'im kibbutz, killing 364 people and abducting 40 others.
40 others abducted
Israel officially declares a state of war, beginning large-scale aerial bombardment of Gaza. Prime Minister Netanyahu announces 'Operation Swords of Iron'.
Israel formally declares a state of war under Article 40A for the first time since 1973, calling up 300,000 reservists - the largest mobilization in Israel's history.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announces a 'total blockade' of Gaza, cutting electricity and blocking entry of food, fuel, and water, stating 'We are fighting human animals and we are acting accordingly.'
Israeli airstrikes target residential areas in Gaza City, killing at least 70 Palestinians, including 20 children. Multiple apartment buildings completely destroyed with families buried under rubble.
20 children killed, multiple families buried under rubble
Gaza's sole power plant ceases operations after running out of fuel due to Israel's blockade, leaving the territory without electricity.
IDF orders 1.1 million Palestinians in northern Gaza to evacuate south within 24 hours. UN warns of humanitarian catastrophe and urges Israel to rescind the order.
An evacuation route on Salah al-Din street is bombed; Gaza health ministry reports 70 dead. Hamas tells Gazans to remain in place despite evacuation orders.
Devastating explosion at Gaza's al-Ahli Arab Hospital kills nearly 500 people. Palestinian officials blame Israeli airstrike; Israel claims it was a misfired Palestinian rocket.
Disputed cause - Palestinian officials blame Israeli airstrike
Israel intensifies bombardment of Gaza, leading to collapse of internet and mobile services, isolating the population and complicating humanitarian coordination.
Israel begins ground invasion of Gaza Strip, launching large-scale assault on towns of Beit Hanoun and Bureij.
Israel launches airstrike on Jabalia refugee camp, killing over 100 people and causing massive destruction in the densely populated area.
Massive destruction in densely populated refugee camp
Israeli forces enter Al-Shifa Hospital, Gaza's largest medical facility, after prolonged siege. Medical staff report patients dying due to power cuts and lack of supplies. WHO loses contact with hospital staff.
First temporary ceasefire begins on day 49 of the war. Aid trucks begin entering Gaza through Rafah Border Crossing. Hamas releases first group of 24 hostages.
Seven-day ceasefire formally ends. IDF resumes combat operations at same intensity as before. Gaza Health Ministry reports over 180 people killed as fighting resumes.
Killed as fighting resumes immediately after ceasefire
South Africa files case against Israel at International Court of Justice, alleging violations of Genocide Convention and requesting provisional measures to prevent further harm.
ICJ issues interim ruling ordering Israel to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza and improve humanitarian situation. Court confirms jurisdiction under Genocide Convention but stops short of ordering ceasefire.
ICJ issues third set of provisional measures ordering Israel to immediately halt military offensive in Rafah and maintain open border crossing for humanitarian aid. Court finds "real and imminent risk" of irreparable harm to Palestinians.
On the first anniversary of the October 7 attacks, Israel marked the day with memorials while simultaneously intensifying attacks on Gaza and Lebanon. The Gaza death toll reached 41,615 Palestinians, including 16,756 children, with over 97,303 injured.
16,756 children killed, 97,303 injured by one-year anniversary
A new ceasefire agreement was reached, bringing hope for lasting peace and prisoner exchanges.
Israel imposed a full blockade on Gaza, bringing humanitarian efforts to a near-standstill. The blockade prevented entry of aid and commercial goods, creating catastrophic conditions for over 2 million civilians and constituting what Amnesty International described as a "genocidal act."
Israeli forces escalated military operations across Gaza, resulting in 855 deaths and 1,869 injuries in a single attack. The escalation triggered mass displacement, with over 436,000 people forced to flee again, confined to ever-shrinking spaces with limited access to basic services.
Over 436,000 people displaced again
Israeli airstrikes hit a house in Jabalya refugee camp in North Gaza, killing 19 Palestinians, including nine women and nine children. In a separate strike minutes later, 15 people were killed, including nine children and three women, when two apartments were hit in the same area.
18 children and 12 women killed in residential strikes