2024 was a year of monumental global events, including Donald Trump’s political resurgence, Bashar al-Assad’s ousting in Syria, and the vibrant Paris Olympic Games. Key moments featured escalating Middle Eastern conflicts, a significant crackdown on dissent in Russia, and devastating weather events exacerbated by climate change. The year also saw heightened tensions in Ukraine and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, alongside a diverse showcase of athletic talent during the Olympics.
The year 2024 was marked by significant global events, including Donald Trump’s return to power, the downfall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, and the much-anticipated Paris Olympic Games. Here’s a look at thirteen pivotal moments that defined this year.
– Escalation of Conflict in the Middle East –
Following an unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israeli soil on October 7, 2023, Israel intensified its military operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the elimination of key leaders within the group. The conflict soon spilled over into Lebanon, where Israel launched a robust bombing campaign against Hezbollah, a group allied with Hamas.
In September, Israel’s air force began a series of intense airstrikes against Hezbollah’s positions in southern Lebanon, culminating in a ground offensive to dismantle the group’s strongholds.
In retaliation for the deaths of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, Iran fired approximately 200 missiles at Israel in early October. Israel responded with targeted strikes against military installations in Iran.
After two months of fierce fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, a fragile ceasefire was established on November 27, although the toll was devastating, with over 4,000 lives lost in Lebanon and more than 45,000 fatalities reported in Gaza, primarily among civilians, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.
The situation in Gaza has reached a critical humanitarian crisis, with 62 hostages still unaccounted for.
– The Downfall of Bashar al-Assad –
In a stunning turn of events, a coalition of rebel forces, led by the radical group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), launched a rapid offensive on November 27 that led to the swift ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who had ruled for over five decades amidst a brutal civil war. Isolated from his Iranian and Russian allies, Assad fled to Moscow.
A powerful symbol of this regime’s collapse was the liberation of Sednaya prison, notorious for the imprisonment, torture, and execution of political dissidents.
In response to concerns from Syrian minorities and the international community regarding the past actions of some rebel factions, the new transitional government pledged to uphold the rights of all religious groups in Syria.
Israel continued its campaign of airstrikes against military targets in Syria, asserting its commitment to preventing weapon supplies from reaching terrorist organizations and maintaining control over the buffer zone adjacent to the Golan Heights.
– Donald Trump’s Remarkable Comeback –
In the United States, Donald Trump made a remarkable return to the political arena, winning a decisive victory against Democrat Kamala Harris on November 5. Harris had been swiftly nominated after the sudden withdrawal of President Joe Biden.
Despite predictions of a close race, Trump claimed victory in all seven key battleground states and became the first Republican in two decades to win the popular vote, also securing control of both houses of Congress.
At 78, Trump’s campaign faced significant challenges, including two assassination attempts and a criminal conviction, yet he is set to be inaugurated on January 20, alongside influential figures like billionaire Elon Musk, who played a significant role in funding his campaign.
– Intensification of the Ukraine Conflict –
In the wake of a stalled counter-offensive in 2023, Ukraine launched a surprise attack in Russia’s Kursk region during the summer, but this effort failed to divert Russian troops from their positions in eastern Ukraine.
Moscow responded with lethal strikes, complicating the situation for Ukrainian forces, which were outnumbered and under-armed compared to their Russian counterparts. Reports indicated that North Korean troops were bolstering Russia’s military efforts.
In November, Ukraine began deploying American and British long-range missiles against Russian targets after receiving the necessary approvals from Washington and London.
Russia retaliated with its advanced Orechnik missiles, warning that it could extend its strikes to military sites in Western nations supporting Ukraine. The Kremlin has been conducting extensive strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, particularly intensifying attacks around Christmas.
Recently, Russia has ramped up its offensives in southern Ukraine, raising concerns over a potential new ground assault in the area.
– Crackdown on Dissent in Russia –
In Russia, Vladimir Putin commenced his fifth term in office in May following an election widely criticized in the West as undemocratic.
The death of his prominent opponent, Alexei Navalny, under suspicious circumstances in February raised alarm, particularly as he was serving a lengthy sentence for alleged extremism. In August, a significant prisoner exchange occurred, the largest since the Cold War, involving American journalist Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan.
Despite this, the crackdown on anti-war activists continued, with numerous individuals facing severe charges for alleged sabotage, treason, or terrorism.
– Highlights of the Paris Olympic Games –
The Paris Olympic Games provided a festive highlight during the summer, featuring a spectacular opening ceremony on the Seine and an emotional performance by Céline Dion, who sang ‘L’hymne à l’amour.’ Iconic locations hosted events, from beach volleyball under the Eiffel Tower to equestrian competitions at the Palace of Versailles.
Athletes like French swimmer Léon Marchand, American Katie Ledecky, and Brazilian Gabriel Dos Santos Araujo (Paralympics) captivated audiences with their performances, alongside gymnastics star Simone Biles and pole vaulting champion Armand Duplantis from Sweden.
– Devastating Weather Events –
The effects of climate change continued to manifest in 2024, with record heatwaves, droughts, and catastrophic floods occurring worldwide.
In West and Central Africa, an exceptionally rainy season resulted in over 1,500 fatalities, as reported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Severe weather patterns persisted into the fall, with storm Boris impacting Central Europe and hurricane Helene making landfall in the southeastern United States, leading to widespread devastation.