Conflict Bars

1991

3/1/1991 - 9/13/1993

First Intifada (Continuation)

Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation continued from late 1980s

Description

The First Intifada continued into the early 1990s with ongoing clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli security forces. The uprising involved stone-throwing, barricades, and general strikes in the Palestinian territories. Despite peace talks, violence continued.

Effects

Deepened the Israeli-Palestinian divide and created significant economic strain on both sides. Led to increased security measures and checkpoints. Cultural impact included growing awareness of Palestinian grievances and internal Israeli debates about occupation policies.

1993

9/13/1993 - 9/28/2000

Oslo Peace Process Period

Period of relative calm following Oslo Accords with ongoing peace negotiations

Description

Following the historic Oslo Accords in 1993, this period saw the establishment of the Palestinian Authority and limited Palestinian self-rule in parts of the West Bank and Gaza. Peace negotiations continued with hopes for a final settlement, though implementation was slow and trust remained low.

Effects

Created economic opportunities and relative stability that allowed for cultural and economic development. Tourism increased and foreign investment grew. However, the incomplete implementation led to growing frustration and skepticism about the peace process among both Israelis and Palestinians.

1995
1996
1999
2000

9/28/2000 - 2/8/2005

Second Intifada (Al-Aqsa Intifada)

Palestinian uprising triggered by Ariel Sharon's visit to Temple Mount

Description

The Second Intifada began after Ariel Sharon's controversial visit to the Temple Mount and quickly escalated into widespread violence. Palestinians used more sophisticated weapons including firearms and explosives. Israeli military operations in Palestinian cities became more frequent and intense.

Effects

Over 3,000 Palestinians and 1,000 Israelis killed. Massive economic damage to Palestinian economy with widespread unemployment. In Israel, led to decline in tourism and foreign investment. Cultural impact included increased fear and polarization in Israeli society and growing anti-Arab sentiment.

2001
2002
2003
2004
2005

2/9/2005 - 1/1/2006

Israeli Disengagement from Gaza

Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza Strip settlements

Description

Israel implemented the Gaza disengagement plan, unilaterally withdrawing all Israeli settlements and military forces from the Gaza Strip. About 8,000 Israeli settlers were evacuated from 21 settlements. The plan was controversial within Israel with significant opposition from settlers and right-wing groups.

Effects

Created hope for peace but also led to political division within Israel. Hamas victory in Palestinian elections following the withdrawal. Gaza became isolated economically. In Israeli society, led to debates about unilateral vs. negotiated withdrawals and affected the political landscape.

2006

7/12/2006 - 8/14/2006

2006 Lebanon War (Second Lebanon War)

Hezbollah cross-border raid and rocket attacks led to Israeli military operation

Description

Hezbollah militants crossed into Israel, killing 8 soldiers and kidnapping 2, then launched rockets into northern Israel. Israel responded with a major military campaign including ground invasion of southern Lebanon. The war involved heavy aerial bombardment and led to significant destruction in Lebanon.

Effects

Over 1,000 Lebanese and 165 Israelis killed. Massive destruction in Lebanon with over 1 million displaced. In Israel, led to criticism of military preparedness and political leadership. Cultural impact included increased focus on home front defense and missile threat awareness.

2007
2008

12/27/2008 - 1/18/2009

Operation Cast Lead (Gaza War)

Israeli military operation in response to Hamas rocket fire from Gaza

Description

Israel launched a major military operation in Gaza in response to ongoing rocket attacks by Hamas and other militant groups. The operation included aerial bombardment followed by ground invasion. The conflict was highly controversial internationally due to high civilian casualties in Gaza.

Effects

Around 1,400 Palestinians and 13 Israelis killed. Massive destruction of Gaza infrastructure. International criticism of Israel led to Goldstone Report. In Israel, increased domestic support for military action but international isolation. Cultural impact included growing debate about proportionality in warfare.

2009
2010
2011
2012

11/14/2012 - 11/21/2012

Operation Pillar of Defense

Israeli operation against Hamas in response to rocket attacks from Gaza

Description

Israel launched an operation targeting Hamas leaders and infrastructure in response to increased rocket fire from Gaza. The operation began with the targeted killing of Hamas military chief Ahmed Jabari. The conflict involved intensive aerial bombardment of Gaza.

Effects

Around 170 Palestinians and 6 Israelis killed. Temporary reduction in rocket fire from Gaza. Ceasefire mediated by Egypt. In Israel, boosted government approval ratings. Cultural impact included ongoing debate about deterrence vs. diplomatic solutions.

2013
2014

7/8/2014 - 8/26/2014

Operation Protective Edge (2014 Gaza War)

Israeli operation against Hamas following rocket attacks and tunnel discoveries

Description

The longest and most destructive Gaza conflict since 2008. Israel launched the operation after discovering Hamas-built tunnels under the border and ongoing rocket fire. The war involved ground invasion, heavy aerial bombardment, and significant Palestinian civilian casualties.

Effects

Over 2,200 Palestinians and 73 Israelis killed. Massive destruction in Gaza with 18,000 homes destroyed. Economic cost estimated at $4-6 billion for Gaza reconstruction. In Israel, increased awareness of tunnel threat led to enhanced border security measures.

2015
2016
2017
2018

3/30/2018 - 12/31/2019

Great March of Return

Palestinian protests along Gaza-Israel border leading to violent clashes

Description

Mass Palestinian protests along the Gaza-Israel border demanding the right of return for Palestinian refugees and an end to the Israeli blockade. The protests involved tens of thousands of participants and continued weekly for over a year. Israeli forces responded with live fire and other crowd control measures.

Effects

Over 200 Palestinians killed and thousands injured. International criticism of Israeli response. In Israel, led to ongoing border security challenges and debates about response to non-lethal threats. Cultural impact included increased focus on Gaza humanitarian situation.

2019
2020
2021

5/10/2021 - 5/21/2021

Operation Guardian of the Walls

Israeli operation against Hamas following rocket barrages and Jerusalem tensions

Description

The conflict began during tensions over Jerusalem evictions and Temple Mount access, escalating to rocket fire from Gaza. Israel responded with airstrikes targeting Hamas infrastructure. The operation involved over 1,000 rockets fired at Israel and intensive Israeli bombardment of Gaza.

Effects

Around 260 Palestinians and 13 Israelis killed. Widespread destruction in Gaza. In Israel, led to communal tensions between Jewish and Arab citizens. Cultural impact included increased awareness of internal Israeli divisions and Jerusalem's sensitivity as a flashpoint.

2022
2023

10/7/2023

Operation Swords of Iron (2023 Israel-Hamas War)

Hamas attack on Israel led to major Israeli military operation in Gaza

Description

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a massive surprise attack on Israel, infiltrating multiple locations and killing over 1,200 people. The attack involved ground incursions, rocket barrages, and taking hostages. Israel responded with a major military operation including ground invasion of Gaza.

Effects

Deadliest attack on Israel since founding with over 1,200 killed. Massive displacement in Gaza with over 1 million people displaced. Ongoing conflict with significant regional implications. In Israel, major societal impact with increased security measures and political changes.

2024
2025