Major Gaza hostilities begin

The PLO and Hamas reached a reconciliation understanding to form a national consensus government and pursue elections. Implementation and lasting unity remained contested.

Israel announced that it would not negotiate with a Palestinian government backed by Hamas, illustrating the political impasse around the reconciliation initiative.

President Abbas swore in a government led by Rami Hamdallah, following the April reconciliation agreement. Its ability to govern Gaza remained constrained.

Israel announced plans for approximately 1,500 settlement housing units, drawing criticism as Palestinians sought self-determination and an end to settlement expansion.

Muhammad Abu Khdeir was abducted and murdered by Israeli extremists in East Jerusalem; his killing triggered widespread Palestinian protests.

Israeli forces launched a ground invasion during the 2014 war; fighting and displacement intensified, while Palestinian armed factions continued armed resistance.

Heavy fighting and Israeli bombardment in the Shuja’iyya neighborhood of Gaza City resulted in extensive civilian casualties and destruction; Palestinian armed groups also fought Israeli forces.

The UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution establishing an independent commission of inquiry into alleged violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.

A planned humanitarian ceasefire broke down rapidly amid fighting around Rafah, with sharply disputed accounts of the initial events and heavy subsequent Palestinian casualties.

An Egyptian-brokered open-ended ceasefire entered into force at 19:00 local time, ending 50 days of major hostilities. Gaza faced extensive destruction and displacement.