Timeline of the Israel-Hamas conflict

After two years of devastating conflict — marked by extreme violence, failed ceasefires, and immense human cost — the release of all living hostages and the latest ceasefire signal a hopeful but fragile turning point in the Israel-Hamas war.

Here’s an updated short timeline of the Israel-Hamas conflict, including the latest hostage release:

7 October 2023: Hamas launches a major surprise attack on Israel, killing over 1,200 people and capturing more than 250 hostages. Israel declares war and launches a large-scale bombardment and ground invasion of Gaza.

October-November 2023: Heavy fighting and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israel advances into Gaza City and Khan Younis.

24-30 November 2023: A seven-day truce leads to the initial exchange of hostages and Palestinian detainees.

2024: Escalating offensives, particularly in Rafah and the Egypt-Gaza border area; regional tensions flare with limited Iran-Israel exchanges. Multiple attempts at humanitarian pauses and ceasefires take place but mostly collapse.

January-March 2025: Short ceasefire agreements fail to halt violence; continued Israeli strikes and humanitarian concerns persist.

12-13 October 2025: The latest and most significant ceasefire takes effect after protracted negotiations.

All 20 remaining living Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are released, supervised by the Red Cross, in exchange for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners by Israel.

The agreement includes the return of the bodies of hostages who died in captivity and a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Hostage families and citizens celebrate in Israel; the international community hails the development as a possible turning point, though a longer-term peace remains uncertain.