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Israel–Hamas war

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October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel
Part of the Israel-Gaza conflict
2023 Al-Aqsa clashes

Rocket impact on a car in Rishon LeZion
Date7 October 2023 – present
(1 year, 1 month, 3 weeks and 6 days)
Location
Israel
Gaza Strip
Status Ongoing
Belligerents
Hamas
File:Flag of the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine.svg Islamic Jihad		  Israel
Commanders and leaders
Mohammed Al-Daif
Ziyad al-Nakhalah		 Benjamin Netanyahu
Yoav Galant
Units involved
Al-Qassam Brigades
Al-Quds Brigades
PFLP[citation needed]
Lions' Den[citation needed]		 Israel Defense Forces
Israel Police
Casualties and losses
Unknown

At least 22 killed[1]
Unknown number of prisoners[1]
Armored vehicles destroyed and captured:

1 Merkava destroyed
1 Merkava captured
1 Nakpadon APC captured

Over 35 soldiers, police officers and civilians captured[2]
Palestine: At least 2 civilians killed, 5 injured[3]
Israel: At least 22 civilians killed, at-least 500 injured[4][5][6][7]

On 7 October 2023, Hamas invaded Israel by launching a major surprise attack in the form of rocket barrage and incursion into Israel. The attack killed multiple Israeli soldiers, police, and civilians, prompting the government of Israel to declare a state of emergency and launch a military retaliation.[8][9][10] Hamas named their operation against Israel Al-Aqsa Storm, and Israel named their counter-operation against Hamas Swords of Iron.[11]

Background

The attack followed three weeks of violence at the Israel-Gaza separation fence. Hamas and Israel had recently negotiated a truce, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United Nations on 29 September.[12] Prior to the attack, at least 247 Palestinians had been killed by Israeli forces in 2023, while 32 Israelis and two foreign nationals had been killed in Palestinian attacks.[13]

The attack occurred a day after the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, which also began with a surprise attack. It also took place during the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah.[14]

The commander of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Mohammed Deif, claimed the attack was conducted in response to "desecration of the Al-Aqsa Mosque".[15] Hamas leader Saleh al-Arouri said the operation was a response “to the crimes of the occupation”, adding that fighters were defending the Al-Aqsa Mosque and thousands of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.[16]

Attack

At around 06:30am local time on 7 October 2023,[13] Hamas announced the start of what it called "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood", stating that it had fired over 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel within a span of 20 minutes. Israeli media reported that at least 2,200 projectiles had been launched from Gaza. At least five people were killed from the rocket attacks.[17][9][18] Explosions were reported in areas surrounding the Strip, as well as in Tel Aviv and in Ashkelon.[18] Air raid sirens were also activated in Beer Sheva, Jerusalem, Rehovot, Rishon Lezion, and Palmachim Airbase.[19][20][21] Hamas issued a call to arms, with senior military commander Mohammad Deif calling on "Muslims everywhere to launch an attack".[9] Gunmen also opened fire on Israeli boats off the Gaza Strip, while clashes broke out between Palestinians and the IDF in the eastern section of the Gaza perimeter fence.[19]

Simultaneously, Palestinian militants infiltrated Israel from Gaza using trucks and paragliders.[13] Images and videos appeared to show heavily armed and masked militants dressed in black fatigue riding pickup trucks[18][21] and opening fire in Sderot, killing several Israeli civilians and soldiers. A video from Gaza showed the dead body of an Israeli soldier being trampled on by a crowd shouting "God is Great". Other videos appeared to show Israelis taken prisoner and a burning Israeli tank,[22][9] as well as militants driving Israeli military vehicles.[18] Infiltrators were also spotted at Be'eri and Netiv HaAsara, where they reportedly took hostages.[23]

An Israeli military spokesman stated that gunmen from Gaza invaded four small, rural Israeli communities, the border city of Sderot, and two military bases from both land and sea.[24] Israeli media reported that seven communities came under Hamas control, including Nahal Oz, Kfar Aza, Magen, and Sufa Beheri.[12] The police station of Sderot was reported to have come under Hamas control.[19]

Casualties

Israel

Israel's Magen David Adom initially reported that at least one woman was killed while 16 other people were injured from rocket strikes,[18] two of them critically.[21] Ambulance teams were dispatched to the areas surrounding the Gaza Strip in response to the assault.[25] At least one civilian death was reported in Kfar Aviv, while three people were reportedly injured in Ashkelon and Yavne.[21] At least four people were reported killed in Kuseife.[17] The head of the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council, Ofir Libstein, was also killed in an exchange of fire.[26] At least 68 casualties were reported in Ashkelon, while 80 others were reported in Beer Sheva.[18]

Palestine

Following Israel's retaliatory airstrikes, the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza reported an unspecified number of injuries among "many citizens".[16] At least one person was reported to have been killed in an airstrike on the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza. Four people were killed and five others wounded in clashes with the IDF along Gaza’s perimeter fence.[17]

Response

The attack, which coincided with the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, appeared to have surprised many Israelis.[20]

The Iron Dome air defense system was activated.[19] Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant conducted security assessments at Israel Defense Forces (IDF) headquarters in Tel Aviv.[21][18] The IDF declared a "state of readiness for war" and said that it attacked targets in Gaza using fighter jets.[17] Gallant later approved the mobilisation of army reservists[13] and declared a state of emergency in a radius of 80 kilometers from the Gaza border.[12] He also said that Hamas “made a grave mistake” in launching its attack and pledged that "Israel will win".[16] Residents in areas around the Gaza Strip were asked to stay inside, while civilians in southern and central Israel were "required to stay next to shelters".[18] Roads around the Gaza Strip were closed by the IDF.[16]

Following the assault, Israel declared a heightened state of preparedness for potential conflict.[27] The Israeli military declared a state of readiness for war, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency gathering of security authorities. The IDF additionally reported their initiation of targeted actions in the Gaza Strip under what it called "Operation Iron Swords".[28][17] During the operation, an Israeli airstrike struck and destroyed Gaza's interior security building.[24] Israeli Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai announced that a "state of war" existed, with a "a massive attack from the Gaza Strip".[29] He added that there were currently 21 active high-confrontation locations in southern Israel and that the Yamam counterterrorism unit was at the scene. He also announced the closure of the entire southern region of Israel for "civilian movement".[30]

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said the country was facing “a very difficult moment", and offered strength and encouragement to the IDF, other security forces, rescue services and residents who were under attack.[21] In a televised broadcast, Prime Minister Netanyahu stated: "We are at war."[24]

Reactions

Israel

The protest group Kaplan Force announced the cancellation of its demonstration against the judicial reform planned on 7 October in Tel Aviv. The group expressed support to the IDF, stating that they were standing by "the IDF and the security forces carrying out their duties during this difficult time and hope for the restoration of calm and security".[31]

Israel's opposition party leaders issued a joint statement expressing full backing for the IDF and unity with the government.[32]

Palestine

The Palestinian Education Ministry said schools in the Gaza Strip were closed until further notice.[19] In the West Bank, celebrations broke out in Ramallah.[17]

Other countries

  •  United States: Acting ambassador to Israel, Stephanie Hallett said she was "sickened by the images coming out of southern Israel of dead and wounded civilians at the hands of terrorists from Gaza". She affirmed that the United States stood with Israel,[33] and fully supports Israel's right to defend itself from such terrorist acts.[34]
  •  United Kingdom: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he is shocked by the attacks of the Hamas terrorists against Israeli citizens. He added: "Israel has an absolute right to defend itself. We're in contact with Israeli authorities, and British nationals in Israel should follow travel advice."[35]
  •  Czech Republic: Prime Minister Petr Fiala said he condemned the attacks, stating his thoughts were "with the innocent victims of the violence" and wishing "our friends in Israel the swiftest possible handling of the situation and the fulfilment of their ambitions to live in peace and security." He affirmed that the Czech Republic stood with Israel.[36]
  •  France: President Emannuel Macron said he strongly condemns the terrorist attacks currently hitting Israel. "I express my full solidarity with the victims, their families and loved ones."[37] The French embassy in Israel condemned the attacks and described Hamas' actions as "inadmissible terrorist attacks".[38]
  •  Netherlands: Prime Minister Mark Rutte said he spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu about the unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israel: "I told him that the Netherlands unequivocally condemns this terrorist violence and fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself."[39]
  •  Ukraine: Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Ukraine strongly condemns the ongoing terrorist attacks against Israel, including rocket attacks against the civilian population in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. It added: "We express our support for Israel in its right to defend itself and its people."[40]

International organizations

Other groups

Hezbollah congratulated Hamas and praised the attack as a response to “Israeli crimes”, adding that the militants had “divine backing". The group also said its leadership in Lebanon was in contact with Hamas about the operation.[16]

Aftermath

The attack signified a notable escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. It stood out for its substantial scale and reach, encompassing both rocket fire and border attacks in Gaza. This event marked a significant departure from prior conflicts, which typically followed a phased progression with a gradual escalation of tensions.[44]

References

  1. ^ a b "Israel-Palestine War? Hamas Fires 5,400 Missiles, Enters Israeli Areas Using Paragliders; 11 Dead". News18. 7 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  2. ^ "Hamas pummels Israel with 5,000 rockets; at least 1 killed, 100 wounded: Updates". Hindustan Times. 7 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  3. ^ Uras, Umut; Gadzo, Mersiha; Humaid, Maram. "Hamas declares start of military operation against Israel". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  4. ^ Staff, The New Arab (7 October 2023). "Live: Hamas launches major attack on Israel, 22 killed". https://www.newarab.com/. Retrieved 7 October 2023. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  5. ^ "Israel-Gaza conflict LIVE: At least 22 killed, over 200 wounded in Hamas rocket attacks". Hindustan Times. 7 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  6. ^ Dahman, Ibrahim; Gold, Hadas; Tal, Amir; Alam, Hande Atay (7 October 2023). "Militants enter Israel from Gaza after woman killed in rocket barrage". CNN. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  7. ^ "Netanyahu on massive Hamas attack: 'We are at war". Times of Israel. 7 October 2023.
  8. ^ "Live updates: Militants infiltrate Israel from Gaza as Hamas claims major rocket attack". CNN. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  9. ^ a b c d "Hamas launches surprise attack on Israel as Palestinian gunmen reported in south". Guardian. 7 October 2023.
  10. ^ Fabian, Emanuel. "IDF declares 'state of readiness for war' amid Hamas infiltrations, rocket barrages". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  11. ^ https://edition.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/al-aqsa-storm-militants-infiltrate-israel-after-gaza-rockets-10-07-intl-hnk/h_644aa5e5d02286051f5cc307e229566a
  12. ^ a b c Bayer, Lili; Ho, Vivian; Fulton, Adam; Ho, Lili Bayer (now); Vivian; Fulton (earlier), Adam (7 October 2023). "Israel declares state of war after Hamas fires thousands of rockets and 'militants cross border' – live". the Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 7 October 2023.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  13. ^ a b c d "Palestinian fighters reported in Israel as rockets launched from Gaza". Al Jazeera. 7 October 2023.
  14. ^ Estrin, Daniel (7 October 2023). "In surprise deadly attacks, Israel says Palestinian militants infiltrated from Gaza". NPR.
  15. ^ חלבי, עינב (7 October 2023). "מוחמד דף על מתקפת הרקטות: ישראל חיללה את אל-אקצא, קורא לערביי ישראל להצטרף". Ynet (in Hebrew). Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  16. ^ a b c d e Federman, Josef; Adwan, Issam (7 October 2023). "Hamas militant group has started a war that 'Israel will win,' defense minister says". Associated Press. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  17. ^ a b c d e f "Israel-Palestine escalation live news: Hamas starts Operation Al-Aqsa Flood". Al Jazeera. 7 October 2023.
  18. ^ a b c d e f g h Gritten, David (7 October 2023). "Strikes on Gaza after Palestinian militants enter Israel". BBC News. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  19. ^ a b c d e "Israeli army declares 'state of readiness' for war". Anadolu Ajansi. 7 October 2023.
  20. ^ a b "Barrages of rockets fired from Gaza as Hamas launches unprecedented operation against Israel". France 24. 7 October 2023.
  21. ^ a b c d e f "Militants enter Israel from Gaza after woman killed in rocket barrage". CNN. 7 October 2023.
  22. ^ "Hamas militant group launches unprecedented operation against Israel with rockets and infiltration". Associated Press. 7 October 2023.
  23. ^ "Militants infiltrate Israel from Gaza as Hamas claims major rocket attack". CNN. 7 October 2023.
  24. ^ a b c "Gaza and Israel in 'War Mode' After Militants Launch Surprise Assaults". New York Times. 7 October 2023.
  25. ^ "Hamas launches surprise attack as gunmen enter Israel". Reuters. 7 October 2023.
  26. ^ Fabian, Emanuel (7 October 2023). "Head of Sha'ar Hanegev council Ofir Liebstein killed in gunfight with Hamas terrorists". Times of Israel.
  27. ^ "Netanyahu says 'we are at war' after major Hamas attack". The Washington Post. 7 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  28. ^ "Hamas launches surprise attack as gunmen enter Israel". Reuters. 7 October 2023.
  29. ^ "Missiles strike southern & central Israel; police declare state of war - Jordan News | Latest News from Jordan, MENA". JordanNews. 7 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  30. ^ "Missiles strike southern & central Israel; police declare state of war". Jordan News. 7 October 2023.
  31. ^ "Judicial reform protests cancelled amid security situation". The Jerusalem Post. 7 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  32. ^ "Opposition heads call for united front amid massive ongoing Hamas attack". Times of Israel. 7 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  33. ^ "Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Stephanie Hallett". X.
  34. ^ "Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Stephanie Hallett". X.
  35. ^ "Rishi Sunak". X.
  36. ^ "Petr Fiala". Twitter.
  37. ^ "Emmanuel Macron". X.
  38. ^ "French Embassy in Israel condemns Hamas attack". Devdiscourse. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  39. ^ "Mark Rutte". X.
  40. ^ "Ukraine MFA". X.
  41. ^ "Ursula von der Leyen". X.
  42. ^ חדשות (7 October 2023). "שגריר האיחוד האירופי בישראל: "נחרד מהמתקפה הקטלנית, מגנים בכל תוקף"". Ynet (in Hebrew). Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  43. ^ "STATEMENT BY UN SPECIAL COORDINATOR FOR THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS, TOR WENNESLAND, ON THE SITUATION IN ISRAEL AND THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY". unmissions.org. 7 October 2023.
  44. ^ Frantzman, Seth J. (7 October 2023). "A massive unprovoked attack on Israel - analysis". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
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