# Israeli Army (organization) ## Introduction The Israeli Army, officially known as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), is the military organization of Israel. It has been engaged in continuous conflict with Hamas, a Palestinian political and militant group, primarily in the Gaza Strip since October 2023. This conflict, part of the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, escalated significantly on 7 October 2023 when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, leading to a large-scale military operation in Gaza. ## Background and History Founded in 1948 following Israel's independence, the IDF has evolved through numerous conflicts, including the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the 1956 Suez Crisis, the 1967 Six-Day War, the 1973 Yom Kippur War, and the 2014 Gaza War. The current conflict began on 7 October 2023, when Hamas operatives breached the border fence between Gaza and Israel, initiating a multi-pronged attack involving rocket fire, ground incursions, and the abduction of Israeli civilians and soldiers. ## Key Events and Operations ### Hamas Attack on Israel (7 October 2023) - **Trigger**: Occurred during Jewish holidays (Simchat Torah and Shmini Atzeret) and the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War. - **Tactics**: Ground infiltration via land, sea, and air; use of drones and paragliders; rocket attacks targeting southern Israel. - **Casualties**: Over 1,200 Israelis killed, 250+ abducted, and 3,000+ wounded. - **Hamas Claims**: Response to Israeli policies in Jerusalem, blockade of Gaza, and treatment of Palestinians. ### Israeli Military Response - **Operation "Iron Swords"**: Initial air and naval strikes on Hamas targets in Gaza. - **Operation "Sword of Iron"**: Ground invasion of Gaza starting 27 October 2023, aiming to destroy Hamas infrastructure. - **Operation "Iron Swords" (2024)**: Continued ground operations in northern Gaza, including Chan Junus, with claims of significant Hamas losses. ### Ongoing Conflict - **2024 Operations**: Continued ground and air campaigns in Gaza, including the 2024 Gaza offensive. - **2025 Operations**: Further ground incursions in northern Gaza and Rafah, with claims of Hamas leadership losses. ## Key Figures - **Muhammad Dajf**: Hamas commander killed in 2024. - **Isma'il Haniyeh**: Political leader of Hamas. - **Hamas Leadership**: Includes figures like Yahya Sinwar and Khaled Mashal. ## Casualties and Impact - **Palestinian Casualties**: Over 36,000 killed (as of late 2025), including 14,000+ children. - **Israeli Casualties**: Over 1,200 killed, including 900+ soldiers. - **Displacement**: Over 2.3 million Palestinians displaced in Gaza. - **Humanitarian Crisis**: Severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies; widespread destruction of infrastructure. ## International Reactions - **Global Protests**: Massive demonstrations worldwide supporting Palestine. - **UN Involvement**: Calls for ceasefire, humanitarian access, and investigations into war crimes. - **Regional Reactions**: Support from Iran, Hezbollah, and criticism from Arab states and the Global South. - **Western Support**: Continued military and financial aid from the US and EU to Israel. ## Conclusion The Israeli Army's ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza represents one of the most intense and devastating military engagements in recent history, with profound humanitarian consequences and complex geopolitical implications.