First Gaza War (dec 28, 2008 – jan 18, 2009)
Description:
A six month long ceasefire is ended when the IDF raid a city in central Gaza, collapsing a tunnel and killing Hamas militants. Israel claims this is a preemptive strike as they suspect Hamas is planning to capture more IDF soldiers. Hamas responds to this attack by launching rockets into Israeli towns, provoking further response from IDF in the form of airstrikes and an eventual ground invasion.Israel is deemed victorious as much of Gaza's infrastructure and basic services are left severely crippled from the airstrikes, destroying 46,000 homes and leaving 100,000 homeless. Palestinian lives lost equate to roughly 1,400 while only 13 Israelis are killed. The conflict is ended as Israel faces international pressures and commits to a temporary ceasefire with Gaza which will continue to be reactivated daily. Several reports claim instances in which IDF breach the daily ceasefire agreements.
Added to timeline:
Date:
dec 28, 2008
jan 18, 2009
~ 20 days