Two years of war in Gaza: What has Israel gained and lost?
The Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, shook Israel. In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza, frequently crossing its borders and altering the political landscape of the Middle East.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas fighters and other armed groups crossed the Gaza border and launched an attack in Israel, killing nearly 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. This traumatic event caused a psychological shock that continues to deeply affect Israel today.
In response, Israel launched an offensive on Gaza on October 8, 2023, and the past two years have been a horrific tragedy for Palestinians. According to estimates from the Hamas-run Health Agency, the operations of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have resulted in at least 66,000 deaths, approximately 80% of which were civilians, and around 169,000 injuries. International agencies believe the actual number is much higher.
The International Organization for Migration reports that 90% of homes in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged, displacing 1.9 million of its 2.1 million inhabitants. Due to the "total blockade" imposed by Israel, large areas are experiencing a severe famine, which has claimed the lives of at least 450 people, including 150 children.
The objectives of the war were only partially achieved.
Following the October 7th attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set two main goals for the war: rescuing all hostages and "destroying" Hamas. Two years later, he has yet to fully achieve either goal.
Specifically, regarding the first objective, of the 251 hostages, 148 survived and returned to Israel. Only 8 were rescued by the IDF, while the remaining 140 were released by Hamas in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians held captive by Israel. According to the Israeli government, 48 hostages remain in custody, of whom only 20 are believed to be alive.
As for Hamas, the organization still exists in Gaza despite the elimination of many fighters. Israel has killed a number of Hamas leaders, including Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar, but the group continues to operate.
In late September 2025, US President Donald Trump unveiled a 20-point peace plan for Gaza, calling for the release of all remaining hostages and the disarmament of Hamas.
Regional rivals are weakening.
Over the past two years, the conflict has not been limited to Gaza. Israel has taken military action against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi forces in Yemen. Israel killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut, along with many other fighters, in coordinated attacks.
The Israeli Air Force also attacked Iran for several days, inflicting serious damage on its nuclear facilities. The overthrow of Syrian leader Bashar Assad by the end of 2024 also deprived Iran of a crucial regional ally. As a result, Israel's rivals suffered a major blow, and Israel's military position in the region is now more firmly established than ever before.
Accusations of genocide and their diplomatic consequences.
The way Israel conducted the war drew strong international condemnation. The Israeli army bombed hospitals, refugee camps, and schools in Gaza, killing thousands of women and children. These actions led to accusations that Israel was committing genocide.
In December 2023, South Africa filed a lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for violating the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Human Rights.
In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Netanyahu and then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The dire situation in Gaza has fueled efforts to recognize an independent Palestinian state. Over the past two years, 20 more countries have recognized Palestine, including major powers such as France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Australia, and Canada. Many countries have stopped exporting weapons to Israel, and some have imposed sanctions.
Divisions within Israeli society
In Israel, opinions on continuing the war are also deeply divided. Far-right ministers in the government support continued military action. Meanwhile, other groups, particularly the families of hostages, have protested weekly calling for a ceasefire and a negotiated solution. A July survey showed that more than 60% of the Israeli population supported a ceasefire.
If implemented, Trump's plan could silence weapons for the time being, but the wounds inflicted by war could take decades to heal.
