The Gaza War, also known as Operation Cast Lead by Israel and referred to as the Gaza Massacre in the Muslim world, was a three-week conflict between Palestinian paramilitary groups in the Gaza Strip and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), lasting from 27 December 2008 to 18 January 2009. The conflict ended with a unilateral ceasefire and resulted in the deaths of 1,166–1,417 Palestinians and 13 Israelis, including 4 from friendly fire.^[242]

The conflict was preceded by the end of a six-month ceasefire between Israel and Hamas on 4 November, when the IDF raided central Gaza to destroy a tunnel, killing several Hamas militants. Israel claimed the raid was a preemptive strike against a potential abduction threat,^[243] while Hamas saw it as a ceasefire violation, leading to rocket fire into Israel.^[244] Attempts to renew the truce failed, and Israel initiated Operation Cast Lead on 27 December to stop rocket fire, targeting police stations, military and political sites, and densely populated areas in Gaza, Khan Yunis, and Rafah.^[245]

An Israeli ground invasion began on 3 January, with operations in Gaza's urban centers starting on 5 January. In the conflict's final week, Israel continued to target previously damaged sites and Palestinian rocket-launching units. Hamas escalated rocket and mortar attacks, reaching Beersheba and Ashdod.^[246] The conflict ended with Israel's unilateral ceasefire on 18 January, followed by Hamas' one-week ceasefire. The IDF completed its withdrawal by 21 January.

In September 2009, a UN special mission led by Richard Goldstone produced a report accusing both sides of war crimes and possible crimes against humanity.^[247] In 2011, Goldstone retracted his belief that Israel intentionally targeted civilians,^[248] a view not shared by the other report authors.^[249] The UN Human Rights Council highlighted that 75% of civilian homes destroyed were not rebuilt by September 2012.^[250]