Israel and Hamas Conflict In Brief: Overview, U.S. Policy, and Options for Congress

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has been at war with the Palestinian Sunni Islamist group Hamas, which led an attack that day from the Gaza Strip into Israel. More than 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals were killed on October 7, and Hamas and other groups also seized some 255 hostages. Iran has provided material support to Hamas for decades, but the Office of the Director of National Intelligence assessed in February 2024 that “Iranian leaders did not orchestrate nor had foreknowledge of” the attack. The conflict that has ensued over nearly 10 months has posed major challenges for U.S. policymakers.