On Saturday, October 7, 2023, the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing more than 20 people and injuring dozens more. The attack was the biggest and most complex one by Hamas since the 2021 Gaza war, and involved thousands of rockets fired from the Gaza Strip, as well as dozens of gunmen who infiltrated the heavily fortified border and entered several Israeli towns.
The attack caught Israel off-guard on a major holiday, the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, when most Israelis were observing a day of fasting and prayer. The Israeli army said it was behind the fighting near Gaza and declared a state of war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate and said that Hamas had made a grave mistake and would pay a heavy price.
The attack triggered sirens and explosions across southern and central Israel, sending people scrambling for shelters. Rockets hit residential areas, vehicles, and infrastructure, causing fires and damage. Some rockets were intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system, but many others got through. The Israeli army said it responded with airstrikes and artillery fire on Hamas targets in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Hamas gunmen emerged from tunnels and crossed the border fence at several locations, wearing Israeli army uniforms and carrying weapons and explosives. They engaged in gun battles with Israeli security forces and civilians in towns near the border, such as Sderot, Ashkelon, and Netivot. Some of the gunmen were killed or captured, while others managed to escape or hide.
The attack sparked panic and chaos among Israelis, who were not prepared for such a scenario. Many people were trapped in their homes or cars, unable to reach safe places. Some residents fought back against the intruders with their own weapons or improvised means. The Israeli army urged people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
The attack also drew international reactions and condemnations. Many countries expressed solidarity with Israel and denounced the terrorist attacks by Hamas. France, Germany, Italy, and the European Union were among those who backed Israel’s right to defend itself. Iran, on the other hand, congratulated the Palestinian fighters and said it would stand by them until the liberation of Palestine and Jerusalem. The Lebanese group Hezbollah also said it was in contact with the Palestinian resistance and supported their actions.
The attack raised fears of a new escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas, who have fought four wars since 2008. The last one, in May 2021, lasted 10 days and killed more than 250 people in Gaza and 13 in Israel. A fragile ceasefire was brokered by Egypt and other mediators, but tensions remained high along the border.
The motives behind the attack are not clear yet, but some analysts suggest that Hamas may have been trying to exploit Israel’s political instability, as Netanyahu’s coalition government faces internal divisions and challenges from the opposition. Others say that Hamas may have been seeking to divert attention from its own problems in Gaza, such as poverty, unemployment, corruption, and human rights violations.
The attack also coincided with the fifth day of Sukkot, a Jewish festival that celebrates the harvest and commemorates the Exodus from Egypt. During this time, many Jewish worshippers visit the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, which is also revered by Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary. This has often sparked clashes between Israeli settlers and Palestinian protesters in the past.
The attack has shaken Israel’s sense of security and raised questions about its readiness to face such threats. It has also shown that Hamas still has the ability and will to challenge Israel’s military superiority and disrupt its normal life. The outcome of this confrontation may have significant implications for the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the prospects for peace in the region.
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