The war began when Hamas-led fighters attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostage. They are still holding 53 captives, less than half of them believed to be alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which oversees a controversial, Israeli-backed aid- distribution program in the enclave, says at least eight Palestinians died in the attack.