Hamas’ Initial attack on Israel
Hamas, an armed Palestinian political and militant group, has faced several conflicts with the establishment of Israel. Since 2007, Hamas has become the sole ruler in the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian people, however, have largely opposed their governance. Many inhabitants on the Gaza strip have expressed increasing support to form an independent Palestinian state. However, Israel’s current government denies the rights for Palestinians to form their own state.
On October 7th 2023, Hamas launched an attack on Israel, justifying the attack as retaliating against years of Israeli oppression and the capture of several Palestinians held captive in Israeli prisons. This attack resulted in about 1,200 deaths and around 250 people taken hostage. Moreover, this initial attack launched a war, most commonly known as the Gaza War.
Effects of War
Since the start of the war, Israel’s goal has been to dismantle Hamas. The war has had a devastating effect on those located in the Gaza strip. According to the United Nations, there have been over 20,000 children treated for malnutrition and 70% of Gaza’s infrastructure has been destroyed. Additionally, Israel has taken actions to block critical supplies from entering Gaza. In August 2025, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) confirmed that famine had reached Gaza city, triggered by extreme food deprivation, malnutrition, and starvation related deaths.
Beyond famine, child mortality rates have skyrocketed during the crisis. According to the World Health Organization, only 14 out of the 36 hospitals are able to operate. Furthermore, ordinary civilians have experienced life-altering injuries during the conflict; not only are some scarred physically, but many face mental health issues that may persist in the future.
Trump’s Peace Plan
In October 2025, United States President Donald Trump proudly proclaimed that Hamas and Israel have signed off on his 20-point peace plan. The ceasefire deal had initially been proposed (already accepted by Israel) in September 2025 alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyhu. Some significant points in Trump’s 20 point peace plan include the following:
- Gaza will be a deradicalized terror free-zone that does not pose a threat.
- If both sides agree to the proposal, the war will immediately end. During this time, all military operations will be suspended.
- No one will be forced to leave Gaza, and those wishing to leave will be free to do so and return.
- Hamas and other factions agree to not have any role in the governance of Gaza (in any form). All military terror, and offensive infrastructure will be destroyed.
- Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza
Following the agreement of the first phase of the ceasefire deal proposed by Hamas and Israel, President Donald Trump arrived in the Middle East (October 2025), Hamas released the last 20 living Israeli hostages, as well as the bodies of the 4 deceased hostages. Israel released around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. For the first time since the start of the war, Hamas no longer held any living Israeli captives. Regarded as a significant step towards peace, families and friends rejoiced as they were finally reunited with loved ones. Following this initial step, increased amounts of humanitarian aid have also begun to enter Gaza.
The future of Gaza remains tentative. The next steps include establishing a temporary form of governance, reconstructing damaged infrastructures, and the continuation of Israel’s military withdrawals from the region.