The Short Answer
Israel went to war in self-defense after the October 7 massacre. Its stated goals were to bring every hostage home, dismantle Hamas's military and governing capabilities, and ensure Gaza could never again threaten Israeli citizens. By January 2026, every hostage — living and deceased — had been returned; the remaining goal of disarming Hamas is still unfinished.
A war Israel did not choose
Every nation has the right — and the duty — to defend its citizens. After 1,200 people were murdered and 251 kidnapped, and with Hamas vowing to repeat the attack, Israel's government concluded that the group could not be allowed to remain in power on its border.
Article 51 of the UN Charter recognizes the inherent right of self-defense. The United States and many allies affirmed Israel's right to defend itself after October 7.
How the war unfolded
The fighting was unusually difficult because Hamas operated from an estimated 500+ kilometers of tunnels beneath homes, schools, mosques and hospitals. Israel issued evacuation warnings by phone, text and leaflets before many operations — measures few armies in history have taken.
Temporary truces in November 2023 and early 2025 freed many hostages. On October 10, 2025, a ceasefire under President Trump's 20-point plan took effect; all 20 living hostages were released on October 13, 2025, and the remains of the last hostage, Ran Gvili, were recovered on January 26, 2026. The second phase of the plan — Hamas's disarmament and a further Israeli withdrawal — remains stalled.
Key Facts
- War began after the October 7, 2023 attack
- Goals: hostages home, Hamas dismantled, security for Israel
- Ceasefire took effect October 10, 2025
- Last hostage's remains recovered January 26, 2026
Sources & Further Reading
- UN Charter, Article 51 — United Nations
- Gaza peace plan — overview (Wikipedia)
- Israel Defense Forces — official site
- Israel recovers last hostage — NPR (January 2026)
This answer reflects publicly available information as of October 2026.