During over 15 months of the Israel-Hamas war, the conflict expanded across the region into Iran, Yemen, and Lebanon. More than 45,000 Palestinians, 3,900 Lebanese, and 1,200 Israelis have been killed to date, with much of Gaza’s territory destroyed and its population enduring famine and disease. Israel significantly escalated its conflict with Hezbollah in late September, leading to the displacement of more than 1.4 million people in Lebanon. On November 27, a ceasefire agreement was signed by Israel and Hezbollah that brought nearly two months of fighting to an end for 60 days. 

Along with much of Gaza City, the Eltiqa Art Gallery was destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in late 2023; local civilians used paintings and furniture for firewood. Shabebeek for Contemporary Art was likewise destroyed.