After the siege
On Dec. 27, 2008, Israel began Operation Cast Lead, which would become the most devastating military campaign in Gaza since Israel was created in 1948. When the bombardments and invasion ended 22 days later, 1300 Palestinians, at least two-thirds believed to be civilians, had lost their lives, 6000 more were injured, and tens of thousands were homeless. While Israel and Hamas negotiated a more permanent cease-fire, ordinary Gazans mourned their losses.