War between Israel and a controversial Islamist militant group in the Gaza strip, Hamas, started on October 7, 2023. This war is a result of an ongoing 75 year conflict.

Since October, more than 33,000 Palestinians and 1,000 Israelis have been reported dead over this conflict, including 94 journalists and 139 United Nations Relief and Works Agency aid workers. As of February 14, 134 hostages remained in captivity in the Gaza Strip. Israel has kept over 4,500 Palestinians prisoner.

A temporary ceasefire took place from November 24 – November 30, 2023. This ceasefire was so important because it can lead to a more permanent end to the war, the release of hostages on both sides, as well as the need for Gaza to receive humanitarian aid.

As of December 2023, the United Nations General Assembly voted with a high majority to call for a humanitarian ceasefire, however Israel refused to act on it. A similar occurrence took place this past month with the United Nations Security Council.

The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip after the United States vetoed three calls for a cease-fire previously.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has criticized the United States for allowing this resolution to pass. Netanyahu ordered delegates that were scheduled to go to Washington D.C to talk with U.S. officials to remain in Israel instead.