By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. You can change your cookie settings through your browser.
CHOOSE YOUR LANGUAGE
CHOOSE YOUR LANGUAGE
互联网新闻信息许可证10120180008
Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466
Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement after over 15 months of conflict. The devastating humanitarian crisis has resulted in the loss of more than 46,000 Palestinian lives and more than 1,200 Israelis, according to health authorities in Gaza and Israel.
The following is a timeline of major events since the conflict began in October 2023.
– On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages.
– On October 8, 2023, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a "state of war" and vowed to dismantle Hamas, initiating widespread air strikes on Gaza.
– On October 27, 2023, Israel launched a large-scale ground invasion into Gaza.
– On November 24, 2023, a temporary four-day ceasefire brokered by Qatar and other mediators took effect, briefly pausing hostilities. The ceasefire was extended by two days, with another extension to December 1. During this period, more than 100 hostages were freed from Gaza, while Israel released 240 Palestinian detainees. Israeli air strikes on Gaza resumed on December 2.
– On December 11, 2023, Israel signaled its willingness to negotiate a humanitarian ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages, while Hamas demanded a halt to Israeli military operations before further discussions.
– On March 31, 2024, ceasefire talks resumed in Cairo, with Israeli and Hamas representatives working through mediators.
– On August 15-16, 2024, a fresh round of ceasefire negotiations was held in Doha with representatives from Israel, Qatar, the United States and Egypt. Mediators described the talks as "constructive," but Hamas criticized the proposals as favoring Israel and prolonging Palestinian suffering.
– On November 9, 2024, Qatar said it had suspended mediation efforts, citing a lack of serious intent from both sides. It stated that talks would resume when conditions were more favorable.
– On December 7, 2024, Qatar announced that momentum for renewed negotiations has returned, leading to the resumption of mediation efforts.
– On January 15, 2025, Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire-for-hostages deal that will start on Sunday. According to the agreement, Hamas will release 33 hostages in the first phase, spanning six weeks, in exchange for the release of Palestinian detainees.
(Cover: Palestinians celebrate the announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in Gaza Strip, January 15, 2025. /CFP)