Politics & World • Conflict

Gaza War

The Gaza War is an armed conflict in the Gaza Strip and Israel that began on 7 October 2023, when Hamas led a surprise attack on Israel.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Gaza War is an armed conflict in the Gaza Strip and Israel that began on 7 October 2023, when Hamas led a surprise attack on Israel. Israel responded with airstrikes and a ground invasion of Gaza, and the war has caused a severe humanitarian crisis and heavy casualties.

Background

The Gaza War is part of the broader Israeli–Palestinian conflict and the Gaza–Israel conflict. Gaza had already been the site of repeated fighting and blockade-related tensions before October 2023.

Outbreak of war

The conflict escalated on 7 October 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack into Israel from Gaza. The attack involved killings, hostage-taking, and rocket fire, prompting Israel to declare war on Hamas.

Military campaign and humanitarian impact

Israel responded with airstrikes and a ground invasion of Gaza, leading to widespread destruction and a humanitarian emergency. Sources report extensive displacement, damaged infrastructure, famine conditions, and very high civilian casualties.

Diplomatic efforts

The war has produced hostage-prisoner exchanges and ceasefire attempts, but fighting has continued or resumed after pauses. Reporting in 2025 and 2026 indicates negotiations and temporary agreements have not ended the conflict.

Key facts

The war began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on 7 October 2023.
The attack killed about 1,200 people in Israel and led to the taking of 251 hostages.
Israel launched bombardment and a ground invasion of Gaza in response.
The conflict has caused mass displacement and severe destruction in Gaza.
The war is widely described as the most significant escalation of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict in decades.

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Canadian context

Canadian readers may encounter the Gaza War in Canadian news, foreign policy debates, and discussions of international law, humanitarian aid, and the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.

Frequently asked questions

When did the Gaza War begin?

It began on 7 October 2023, following a Hamas-led attack on Israel from Gaza.

What started the war?

The war began after Hamas and other Palestinian militants attacked Israel, killing civilians and soldiers and taking hostages.

Who is involved in the Gaza War?

The main parties are Israel and Hamas, along with other Palestinian militant groups operating from Gaza.

How many hostages were taken on 7 October 2023?

Sources report that 251 people were taken hostage into Gaza during the attack.

What has been the humanitarian impact?

Reporting describes mass displacement, severe infrastructure damage, famine conditions, and tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths in Gaza.

Is the Gaza War over?

No. The conflict was still described as ongoing in 2026 sources.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaza_war
Supports: Start date, trigger, hostages, and basic conflict framing.
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaza%E2%80%93Israel_conflict
Supports: Background, 7 October 2023 attack, and reported casualty ranges.
BBC News — https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-217c6a28-4a90-4d47-a91c-13113a7dc7db
Supports: Overview of the war, displacement, and casualty figures.
BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgr71z0jp4o
Supports: Historical context, 7 October 2023 attack, and reported Gaza death toll.
Council on Foreign Relations — https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/israeli-palestinian-conflict
Supports: Timeline, Israeli response, ceasefire developments, and war scope.
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israeli%E2%80%93Palestinian_conflict
Supports: Broader conflict context, war effects, and reported casualties.