Palestinians inspect the rubble following a strike on Khan Yunis. The war began after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7 that Israeli officials say killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Vowing to destroy Hamas and bring home an estimated 250 hostages abducted by militants to Gaza, Israel launched a massive offensive that has left much of the besieged territory in ruins. The Hamas government says the war has killed at least 18,800 people, mostly women and children. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES