The history of the conflict between Israel and Hamas is complex and spans several decades, intertwined with the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Hamas, an acronym for the "Islamic Resistance Movement," was founded in 1987 as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood in Palestine. It emerged during the First Intifada.

Key Periods and Major Conflicts The relationship between Israel and Hamas escalated significantly after Hamas gained political power in the Gaza Strip.

Pre-2007: Emergence and Early Actions 1987: Hamas is founded during the First Intifada. 1990s - early 2000s: Hamas engages in suicide bombings and other attacks against Israelis. The U.S. State Department designates Hamas as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 1997. 2005: Israel unilaterally withdraws its settlers and forces from the Gaza Strip. 2006: Hamas wins the Palestinian legislative election. Due to its refusal to accept the terms of the Oslo Accords, many Western countries refuse to deal with Hamas. 2007: Hamas violently seizes control of the Gaza Strip from the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority. In response, Israel imposes a blockade on Gaza.

Post-2007: Major Wars and Escalations Since Hamas took control of Gaza, there have been several major military conflicts and numerous smaller skirmishes:

2008-2009: Gaza War (Operation Cast Lead)

Context: Following increased rocket fire from Gaza and a breakdown of a ceasefire. Events: Major Israeli air strikes and a ground invasion of Gaza. Impact: Devastating for Gaza, high civilian casualties, weakened Hamas's military capacity. 2012: Operation Pillar of Defense

Context: Escalation of rocket fire from Gaza and targeted Israeli assassinations of Hamas leaders. Events: Focused largely on Israeli air strikes against Hamas targets in Gaza. Impact: Ended with a ceasefire agreement. 2014: Operation Protective Edge

Context: Increased rocket fire, abduction and murder of three Israeli teenagers, and Israeli crackdowns on Hamas in the West Bank. Events: Prolonged Israeli aerial campaign and a ground invasion into Gaza. Impact: Extensive destruction in Gaza, high Palestinian casualties, and significant rocket attacks on Israel. 2021: Israel-Hamas Crisis

Context: Tensions over Jerusalem, including Israeli actions at Al-Aqsa Mosque and forced evictions in Sheikh Jarrah. Events: Hamas launched rockets at Jerusalem and southern Israel, followed by extensive Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. Impact: Widespread damage in Gaza, casualties on both sides, and renewed international attention. October 7, 2023 - Present: The Israel-Hamas War

Context: Hamas launched a massive, coordinated surprise attack on southern Israel, involving rocket barrages and ground incursions by militants. This was the deadliest day for Israel since its independence, with over 1,200 people killed and hundreds taken hostage. Events: October 7, 2023: Hamas's initial attack. October 2023 onwards: Israel declared war, launched intensive aerial bombardment and a ground invasion of Gaza. A "complete siege" was imposed, cutting off electricity, food, water, and fuel. November 2023: A temporary ceasefire allowed for a hostage-prisoner exchange and a surge in humanitarian aid, but hostilities resumed. 2024: Israeli operations continued throughout Gaza, including in Khan Yunis and an offensive in Rafah (starting May 2024). Humanitarian crisis deepens with widespread displacement and starvation. Early 2025: Another ceasefire attempt (January-March 2025) broke down. March 2025 - Present: Renewed Israeli offensives, continued fighting, and regional escalation involving Hezbollah, Houthi rebels, and direct exchanges between Iran and Israel. Impact (as of June 2025): Tens of thousands of Palestinians killed in Gaza (over half women and children), widespread destruction, vast displacement, severe humanitarian crisis, regional instability, and international legal actions (e.g., ICC indictment requests against Israeli and Hamas leaders).