What were the major Israel-Hamas conflicts before October 2023?

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Following Hamas's takeover of the Gaza Strip in 2007, the territory became the site of frequent armed conflict between Israel and Hamas. Major escalations occurred in the following years:

  • 2008–2009: Following the expiration of a six-month truce, Israel launched air strikes and a ground campaign in response to sustained rocket fire from Gaza. The conflict lasted over three weeks and resulted in significant casualties and destruction.12
  • 2012: Israel initiated a series of air strikes in response to increased rocket fire, killing a senior Hamas military commander. Hostilities lasted for about a week before a cease-fire was reached.12
  • 2014: Tensions escalated following the abduction and murder of three Israeli teenagers in the West Bank. Israel launched a large-scale offensive involving aerial bombardment and a ground assault to destroy militant infrastructure, including tunnels. The conflict lasted several weeks.12
  • 2018: Border protests in Gaza, which included the use of incendiary devices, were met with a violent response from Israeli forces. The violence escalated over several months, involving air strikes and rocket fire.1
  • 2021: Following clashes in Jerusalem, Hamas launched rockets into Israel, prompting an 11-day conflict characterized by intense air strikes.12