2023 Israel–Hamas war: Difference between revisions

{{Short description|Gaza–Israel military operations}}

| conflict          = October 2023 Gaza−Israel conflict

| image            = {{multiple image|total_width=280px|perrow=1/2/2/1|border=infobox

| image2                          = Israeli casulties Oct 2023.webp

| image5                          = Tank_captured_by_palestinians.png

| caption          = Clockwise from top: Israeli casualties during Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, Palestinians celebrating the capture of an Israeli tank, Rocket impact on a car in [[Rishon LeZion]]

| place            = [[Israel]] and [[Gaza Strip]], [[State of Palestine|Palestine]]

| result            =

| combatant1        = {{flag|Palestine}}

* {{flagdeco|Hamas}} [[Hamas]]<br />

* {{flagicon image|Flag of the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine.svg}} [[Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine|PIJ]]<br />

* {{flagicon image|PFLP_Infobox_Flag.svg}} [[Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine|PFLP]]<ref>{{cite web|title=صادر عن كتائب الشهيد أبو علي مصطفى الجناح العسكري للجبهة الشعبية لتحرير فلسطين|url=https://pflp.ps/post/23726/%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%B9%D9%86-%D9%83%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D9%87%D9%8A%D8%AF-%D8%A3%D8%A8%D9%88-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%8A-%D9%85%D8%B5%D8%B7%D9%81%D9%89-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%AD-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B3%D9%83%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D9%84%D9%84%D8%AC%D8%A8%D9%87%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%B9%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9-|date=7 October 2023|author=PFLP}}</ref><br />

* {{flagicon image|Democratic_Front_for_the_Liberation_of_Palestine_-_Flag.svg}} [[Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine|DFLP]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://alhourriah.org/article/125212 |title=الحرية – بيان عسكري صادر عن كتائب المقاومة الوطنية (قوات الشهيد عمر القاسم) استشهاد ثلاثة من مقاتلينا داخل اراضينا المحتلة عام 48 |access-date=7 October 2023 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007111235/https://alhourriah.org/article/125212 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />

* [[File:Lion's_Den_Emblem.png|20px]] [[Lions' Den (militant group)|Lions' Den]]<ref name="roya">{{Cite news |title=Qassam Brigades announces control of 'Erez Crossing' |url=https://en.royanews.tv/news/44975/2023-10-07 |work=Roya News |date=7 October 2023 |access-date=7 October 2023 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007102147/https://en.royanews.tv/news/44975/2023-10-07 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />

{{Collapsible list

| commander1        = {{flagicon image|Flag of Hamas.svg}} [[Mohammed Deif|Mohammed Al-Daif]]<br>{{flagicon image|Flag of Hamas.svg}} [[Abu Obaida (Hamas)|Abu Obaida]]

| commander2        = {{flagicon image|Presidential_Standard_of_IsraelSquare.svg}} [[Isaac Herzog]]<br>{{flagicon image|Flag_of_the_Prime_Minister_of_Israel.svg}} [[Benjamin Netanyahu]]<br>{{flagicon image|Flag_of_Israel_Minister_of_Defence.svg}} [[Yoav Galant]]<br>{{flagicon image|Flag_of_IDF_Chief_of_Staff.svg}} [[Herzi Halevi]]<br>{{flagicon image|Flag_of_Israel_Police.svg}} [[Kobi Shabtai]]<br>

| strength1        = 1,000<ref name="aj7oct"/>

| strength2        =  

| casualties1      = 198 Palestinians killed,<br>1,610 injured<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2|title=Hamas surprise attack out of Gaza Strip stuns Israel and leaves dozens dead in fighting, retaliation|date=7 October 2023|website=AP News}}</ref>

| casualties2      = 100+ Israelis killed,<br>908 injured,<ref>{{cite news |title=100 killed in huge Hamas assault, 900 injured; many hostages said taken to Gaza; PM: Israel at war |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-october-7-2023/amp/ |access-date=7 October 2023 |publisher=The Times of Israel}}</ref><br>53 captured<ref>{{Cite news |title= Israel: At least 40 dead, 800 wounded, dozens taken by Hamas|url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/middle-east/palestinian-territories/1696679186-at-least-22-dead-over-540-wounded-possibly-more-than-53-taken-by-hamas#:~:text=The%20Hamas%20terrorist%20organization%20claimed,the%20Hamas%20multi-front%20attack. |work=i24news.tv |date=7 October 2023 |access-date=7 October 2023 }}</ref>{{better source}}

| casualties3      = 17 [[Nepali people|Nepalis]] captured by Hamas, 7 Nepalis injured<ref name="nepal">{{cite web | url=https://www.indiatodayne.in/international/story/at-least-7-nepali-injured-17-held-captive-by-hamas-in-israel-690676-2023-10-07 | title=At least 7 Nepali injured, 17 held captive by Hamas in Israel|work=India Today | date=7 October 2023|access-date=7 October 2023}}</ref>

| units1            = {{flagicon image|Flag of Hamas.svg}} [[Al-Qassam Brigades]]<ref name="roya" /><br>{{flagicon image|Flag_of_the_Islamic_Jihad_Movement_in_Palestine.svg}} [[Al-Quds Brigades]]<br>{{flagicon image|PFLP_Infobox_Flag.svg}} [[Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades]]<br>{{flagicon image|Democratic_Front_for_the_Liberation_of_Palestine_-_Flag.svg}} National Resistance Brigades

| units2            = {{flagicon image|Flag_of_the_Israel_Defense_Forces.svg}} [[Israel Defense Forces]]<br>{{flagicon image|Flag_of_Israel_Police.svg}} [[Israel Police]]

On 7 October 2023, [[Palestinian]] militant groups, mainly [[Hamas]] and [[Palestinian Islamic Jihad]], with other groups such as the socialist [[Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine]], launched a major attack on [[Israel]] from the [[Gaza Strip]] with a rocket barrage, and vehicle-transported attacks across the border on Israeli communities and forces. The attack was not expected by Israel, and achieved complete [[Surprise attack|surprise]].

In total, at least 2,200 rockets were fired from Gaza, causing hundreds of Israeli [[Casualty (person)|casualties]] and prompting the government of Israel to declare a state of emergency and war.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/middleeast/live-news/al-aqsa-storm-militants-infiltrate-israel-after-gaza-rockets-10-07-intl-hnk/index.html | title=Live updates: Militants infiltrate Israel from Gaza as Hamas claims major rocket attack | access-date=7 October 2023 | archive-date=7 October 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007094104/https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/middleeast/live-news/al-aqsa-storm-militants-infiltrate-israel-after-gaza-rockets-10-07-intl-hnk/index.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name = "guardian7oct"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Fabian |first=Emanuel |date=7 October 2023 |title=IDF declares 'state of readiness for war' amid Hamas infiltrations, rocket barrages |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-declares-state-of-readiness-for-war-amid-hamas-infiltrations-rocket-barrages/ |website=[[The Times of Israel]] |access-date=7 October 2023 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007052037/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-declares-state-of-readiness-for-war-amid-hamas-infiltrations-rocket-barrages/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The rocket attacks were accompanied by militant infiltrations into [[Kibbutz|kibbutzim]] surrounding Gaza and the Israeli city of [[Sderot]],<ref name="ynet">{{Cite news |last=Ynet |date=2023-10-07 |title=Netanyahu: 'We are at war' |language=en |work=Ynetnews |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rysg8i0l6 |access-date=2023-10-07 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007052803/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rysg8i0l6 |url-status=live }}</ref> with both Palestinian and Israeli media reporting that Israeli soldiers and civilians had been taken hostage.<ref>[https://twitter.com/Russianowarabic/status/1710562275646411223 Israeli family kidnapped to Gaza], "Russia Now" in arabic, October 7th, 2023</ref>

The Palestinian militant groups dubbed their military action '''Operation Al-Aqsa Flood''' ({{Lang-ar|عملية طوفان الاقصى}}),<ref name="ToI-5000-flood">{{Cite web |last=Pacchiani |first=Gianluca |date=2023-10-07 |title=Hamas claims to fire 5,000 rockets at Israel, declares 'Operation Al-Aqsa Flood' |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hamas-calims-to-fire-5000-rockets-at-israel-declares-operation-al-aqsa-flood/ |access-date=2023-10-07 |website=Times of Israel |language=en-US |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007104910/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hamas-calims-to-fire-5000-rockets-at-israel-declares-operation-al-aqsa-flood/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and Israel named their counteraction '''Operation Swords of Iron''' ({{Lang-he|מבצע חרבות ברזל}}).<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=7 October 2023 |title=Hamas announces 'Al-Aqsa Storm,' claims to have fired 5,000 rockets |url=https://edition.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/al-aqsa-storm-militants-infiltrate-israel-after-gaza-rockets-10-07-intl-hnk/h_644aa5e5d02286051f5cc307e229566a |website=CNN |access-date=7 October 2023 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007094104/https://edition.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/al-aqsa-storm-militants-infiltrate-israel-after-gaza-rockets-10-07-intl-hnk/h_644aa5e5d02286051f5cc307e229566a |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Background==

The Gaza Strip and Israel have been in conflict since the [[Israeli disengagement from Gaza|Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip]] in 2005 and [[Battle of Gaza (2007)|Hamas gaining control of the Gaza Strip]] after [[2006 Palestinian legislative election|elections in 2006]] and a [[Fatah–Hamas conflict|civil war]] with [[Fatah]] in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/conflict-between-israel-palestinians-gaza-2023-10-07/|title=Timeline of conflict between Israel and Palestinians in Gaza|access-date=7 October 2023|date=7 October 2023|agency=Reuters|archive-date=7 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007105909/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/conflict-between-israel-palestinians-gaza-2023-10-07/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Gaza Strip has been under an [[Blockade of the Gaza Strip|Israeli and Egyptian blockade]] since 2007.<ref>{{cite web|first=Nidal |last=Al-Mughrabi|title=Gaza unrest shows economic misery under Israeli blockade |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-unrest-sends-message-about-economic-misery-under-israeli-blockade-2023-10-04/|access-date=7 October 2023|date=4 October 2023|agency=Reuters}}</ref>

The attack followed three weeks of violence at the [[Gaza–Israel barrier|Israel–Gaza separation fence]]. Hamas and Israel had recently negotiated a truce, mediated by [[Qatar]], [[Egypt]], and the [[United Nations]] on 29 September.<ref name="guardianlive" /> Prior to the attack and including combatants and civilians on both sides, 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.<ref name="aj1" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Palestinian killed in clashes with Israelis in West Bank |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20231006-palestinian-killed-in-clashes-with-israelis-in-west-bank |access-date=7 October 2023 |publisher=France 24 |date=6 October 2023 |language=en |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007114224/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20231006-palestinian-killed-in-clashes-with-israelis-in-west-bank |url-status=live}}</ref>

The attack took place during the Jewish holiday of [[Simchat Torah]] and [[Shabbat]],<ref name="npr">{{Cite news |last=Estrin |first=Daniel |date=7 October 2023 |publisher=NPR |title=In surprise deadly attacks, Israel says Palestinian militants infiltrated from Gaza |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/10/07/1204436940/palestinian-militants-launch-rockets-into-israel |access-date=7 October 2023 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007090901/https://www.npr.org/2023/10/07/1204436940/palestinian-militants-launch-rockets-into-israel |url-status=live}}</ref> and a day after the 50th anniversary of the [[Yom Kippur War]], which also began with a surprise attack.

Israel and [[Saudi Arabia]] are conducting [[Arab–Israeli normalization|negotiations to normalize relations]], with [[Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia|Saudi crown prince]] [[Mohammed Bin Salman]] recently stating that normalization was "for the first time, real".<ref name="nyt7oct" /> Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it had "repeatedly warned that Israel's ongoing occupation of Gaza would propel further violence."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/10/07/world/israel-gaza-attack|title=Israel-Gaza Conflict: Gaza and Israel on War Footing After Militants Launch Surprise Assaults|first1=Patrick|last1=Kingsley|first2=Isabel|last2=Kershner|work=The New York Times |date=7 October 2023|via=NYTimes.com|access-date=7 October 2023|archive-date=7 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007075901/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/10/07/world/israel-gaza-attack|url-status=live}}</ref>

The commander of the [[Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades]], [[Mohammed Deif]], said that the attack was in response to "[[2023 Al-Aqsa clashes|desecration of the Al-Aqsa Mosque]]," and called on Palestinians and Arab Israelis to "expel the occupiers and demolish the walls".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-commander-says-attacks-are-in-defense-of-al-aqsa-claims-5000-missiles-fired|title=Hamas commander says attacks are in defense of Al-Aqsa, claims 5,000 missiles fired|accessdate=7 October 2023|date=7 October 2023|work=The Times of Israel|archive-date=7 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007094309/https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-commander-says-attacks-are-in-defense-of-al-aqsa-claims-5000-missiles-fired/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=חלבי |first=עינב |date=2023-10-07 |title=מוחמד דף על מתקפת הרקטות: ישראל חיללה את אל-אקצא, קורא לערביי ישראל להצטרף |language=he |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/byezsprea |access-date=2023-10-07 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007052336/https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/byezsprea |url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref name="ap1" />

At around 06:30 local time on 7 October 2023,<ref name="aj1">{{Cite web |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/7/sirens-warn-of-rockets-launched-towards-israel-from-gaza-news-reports |title=Palestinian fighters reported in Israel as rockets launched from Gaza |date=7 October 2023 |agency=Al Jazeera |access-date=7 October 2023 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007053106/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/7/sirens-warn-of-rockets-launched-towards-israel-from-gaza-news-reports |url-status=live }}</ref> 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 by the rocket attacks.<ref name="aj7oct">{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2023/10/7/israel-palestine-escalation-live-news-barrage-of-rockets-fired-from-gaza|title=Israel-Palestine escalation live news: Hamas starts Operation Al-Aqsa Flood|date=7 October 2023|agency=Al Jazeera|access-date=7 October 2023|archive-date=7 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007062723/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2023/10/7/israel-palestine-escalation-live-news-barrage-of-rockets-fired-from-gaza|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="guardian7oct">{{Cite web |last=McKernan |first=Bethan |date=7 October 2023 |title=Hamas launches surprise attack on Israel as Palestinian gunmen reported in south |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/07/hamas-launches-surprise-attack-on-israel-as-palestinian-gunmen-reported-in-south |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007101214/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/07/hamas-launches-surprise-attack-on-israel-as-palestinian-gunmen-reported-in-south |archive-date=7 October 2023 |access-date=7 October 2023 |website=The Guardian}}</ref><ref name="bbc1" /> Explosions were reported in areas surrounding the Strip and in cities in the [[Sharon Plain]] including [[Gedera]], [[Herzliyya]],<ref name="ynet" /> [[Tel Aviv]] and [[Ashkelon]].<ref name="bbc1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67036625|title=Strikes on Gaza after Palestinian militants enter Israel|date=7 October 2023|website=BBC News|first=David|last=Gritten|access-date=7 October 2023|archive-date=7 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007045410/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67036625|url-status=live}}</ref> Air raid sirens were also activated in [[Beer Sheva]], [[Jerusalem]], [[Rehovot]], [[Rishon Lezion]], and [[Palmachim Airbase]].<ref name="aa1" /><ref name="f24-1">{{Cite web |url=https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20231007-sirens-heard-as-dozens-of-rockets-fired-from-gaza-towards-israel |title=Barrages of rockets fired from Gaza as Hamas launches unprecedented operation against Israel |date=7 October 2023 |website=France 24 |access-date=7 October 2023 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007094105/https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20231007-sirens-heard-as-dozens-of-rockets-fired-from-gaza-towards-israel |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="cnn1">{{Cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/07/middleeast/sirens-israel-rocket-attack-gaza-intl-hnk/index.html |title=Militants enter Israel from Gaza after woman killed in rocket barrage |date=7 October 2023 |publisher=CNN |access-date=7 October 2023 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007094105/https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/07/middleeast/sirens-israel-rocket-attack-gaza-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Hamas issued a call to arms, with senior military commander Mohammad Deif calling on "Muslims everywhere to launch an attack".<ref name="guardian7oct" /> Palestinian militants 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.<ref name="aa1" />

Simultaneously, around 1,000<ref name="aj7oct"/> Palestinian militants infiltrated Israel from Gaza using trucks, [[pickup truck]]s, motorcycles, bulldozers and [[paraglider]]s.<ref name="ap1" /><ref name="aj1" /><ref name="nyt7oct" /> Images and videos appeared to show heavily armed and masked militants dressed in black fatigue riding pickup trucks<ref name="bbc1" /><ref name="cnn1" /> 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 "[[Takbir|God is Great]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olZXDhI6SFI |title=شاهد&#124; مقاتلون فلسطينييون يعودون إلى قطاع غزة بعد توغلهم في مناطق الحدود |publisher=[[YouTube]] |access-date=7 October 2023 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007112533/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olZXDhI6SFI |url-status=live}}</ref> Other videos appeared to show Israelis taken prisoner and a burning Israeli tank,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2|title=Hamas militant group launches unprecedented operation against Israel with rockets and infiltration|date=7 October 2023|agency=Associated Press|access-date=7 October 2023|archive-date=7 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007073124/https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="guardian7oct" /> as well as militants driving Israeli military vehicles.<ref name="bbc1" /> Militants were also reported to have opened fire at an outdoor nature festival.<ref name="npr" /> Infiltrators were also spotted at [[Be'eri]] and [[Netiv HaAsara]], where they reportedly took hostages<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/al-aqsa-storm-militants-infiltrate-israel-after-gaza-rockets-10-07-intl-hnk/index.html|title=Militants infiltrate Israel from Gaza as Hamas claims major rocket attack|date=7 October 2023|publisher=CNN|access-date=7 October 2023|archive-date=7 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007075445/https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/al-aqsa-storm-militants-infiltrate-israel-after-gaza-rockets-10-07-intl-hnk/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and set fire to homes,<ref name="ynet" /> as well as in [[kibbutz]]im around the Gaza Strip.<ref name="ynet" /> Fighting was reported at [[Re'im]] military base.<ref name="ani" /> Hostages were also reported to have been taken in [[Ofakim]], while homes in Sderot were set on fire.<ref name="f24-2"/>

An Israeli military spokesman stated that the militants from Gaza had entered Israel through at least seven locations<ref name="ap1" /> and invaded four small rural Israeli communities, the border city of Sderot, and two military bases from both land and sea.<ref name="nyt7oct">{{Cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/10/07/world/israel-gaza-attack |title=Gaza and Israel in 'War Mode' After Militants Launch Surprise Assaults |date=7 October 2023 |website=New York Times |access-date=7 October 2023 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007075901/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/10/07/world/israel-gaza-attack |url-status=live }}</ref> Israeli media reported that seven communities came under Hamas control, including [[Nahal Oz]], [[Kfar Aza]], [[Magen, Israel|Magen]], and [[Sufa, Israel|Sufa Beheri]].<ref name="guardianlive" /> The police station of Sderot was reported to have come under Hamas control,<ref name="aa1">{{Cite web |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/israeli-army-declares-state-of-readiness-for-war/3009882 |title=Israeli army declares 'state of readiness' for war |date=7 October 2023 |agency=Anadolu Ajansi |access-date=7 October 2023 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007094111/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/israeli-army-declares-state-of-readiness-for-war/3009882 |url-status=live}}</ref> as was the [[Erez crossing]], enabling the militants to enter Israel from Gaza.<ref name="aj7oct" /> Israeli Police Commissioner [[Kobi Shabtai]] said that there were currently 21 active high-confrontation locations in southern Israel.<ref name="jordan1" />

The attack, which coincided with the Jewish holiday of [[Simchat Torah]], appeared to have surprised many Israelis.<ref name = "f24-1"/>  

The [[Iron Dome]] air defense system was activated.<ref name="aa1"/> Prime Minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] and Defense Minister [[Yoav Gallant]] conducted security assessments at [[Israel Defense Forces]] (IDF) headquarters in Tel Aviv.<ref name="cnn1" /><ref name="bbc1" /> The IDF declared a "state of readiness for war" and said that it attacked targets in Gaza using fighter jets,<ref name="aj7oct" /> reportedly hitting 17 Hamas military compounds.<ref name="bbc1" /> Gallant later approved the mobilisation of army reservists<ref name="aj1" /> and declared a state of emergency in a radius of 80 kilometers from the Gaza border.<ref name="guardianlive">{{Cite news |last1=Bayer |first1=Lili |last2=Ho |first2=Vivian |last3=Fulton |first3=Adam |last4=Ho |first4=Lili Bayer (now); Vivian |last5=Fulton (earlier) |first5=Adam |date=2023-10-07 |title=Israel declares state of war after Hamas fires thousands of rockets and 'militants cross border' – live |language=en-GB |work=the Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/oct/07/hamas-launches-attack-on-israel-with-5000-rockets-live |access-date=2023-10-07 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007071116/https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/oct/07/hamas-launches-attack-on-israel-with-5000-rockets-live |url-status=live}}</ref> He also said that Hamas "made a grave mistake" in launching its attack and pledged that "Israel will win".<ref name="ap1" /> The IDF said that reservists were to be deployed not only in Gaza but also in the West Bank and along the borders with Lebanon and Syria.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2023/10/07/Army-says-it-is-fighting-Gaza-militants-who-entered-Israel-by-land-sea-and-air- |title=Army says it is fighting Gaza militants who entered Israel by land, sea and air |date=7 October 2023|agency=Al Arabiya |access-date=7 October 2023}}</ref> 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".<ref name="bbc1" /> Roads around the Gaza Strip were closed by the IDF.<ref name="ap1">{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2|title=Hamas militant group has started a war that 'Israel will win,' defense minister says|date=7 October 2023|agency=Associated Press|first1=Josef|last1=Federman|first2=Issam|last2=Adwan|access-date=7 October 2023|archive-date=7 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007040509/https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2|url-status=live}}</ref> The streets of Tel Aviv were also locked down.<ref name="bbc1" />

Following the assault, Israel declared a heightened state of preparedness for potential conflict.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/10/07/israel-gaza-rocket-attack-hamas/ |title=Netanyahu says 'we are at war' after major Hamas attack |date=7 October 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=7 October 2023}}</ref> The IDF 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".<ref name="auto" /><ref name="aj7oct" /> On the day of the attack, Israeli forces reported hitting 17 Hamas military compounds and four operational command centres in Gaza with airstrikes.<ref name="guardianlive" /> Israeli Police Commissioner [[Kobi Shabtai]] announced that a "state of war" existed, following what he called "a massive attack from the Gaza Strip".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-07 |title=Missiles strike southern & central Israel; police declare state of war |url=https://www.jordannews.jo/Section-20/Middle-East/Missiles-strike-southern-central-Israel-police-declare-state-of-war-31321 |access-date=2023-10-07 |website=JordanNews |language=en |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007094646/https://www.jordannews.jo/Section-20/Middle-East/Missiles-strike-southern-central-Israel-police-declare-state-of-war-31321 |url-status=live}}</ref> He also announced the closure of the entire southern region of Israel for "civilian movement" as well as the deployment of the [[Yamam]] counterterrorism unit to the area.<ref name="jordan1">{{Cite web |date=2023-10-07 |title=Missiles strike southern & central Israel; police declare state of war |url=https://www.jordannews.jo/Section-20/Middle-East/Missiles-strike-southern-central-Israel-police-declare-state-of-war-31321 |access-date= |website=Jordan News |language= |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007094646/https://www.jordannews.jo/Section-20/Middle-East/Missiles-strike-southern-central-Israel-police-declare-state-of-war-31321 |url-status=live}}</ref>

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.<ref name="cnn1" /> In a televised broadcast, Prime Minister Netanyahu stated: "We are at war."<ref name="nyt7oct" /> He also said that the IDF would reinforce its border deployments to deter others from 'making the mistake of joining this war'.<ref>{{Cite web |title=https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1710622311760413115 |url=https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1710622311760413115 |access-date=2023-10-07 |publisher=X (formerly Twitter) |language=en}}</ref>

Airports in southern in central Israel were closed to commercial and private use, while [[Ben Gurion Airport]] remained operational.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Airports close in southern, central Israel following rocket fire |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/syme7drgt |access-date=2023-10-07 |website=Ynet |language=en}}</ref> [[Lufthansa]] reduced its flights to just one from Tel Aviv to [[Frankfurt]] and cancelled other scheduled services on 7 October.<ref>{{Cite web |title=German Airline Lufthansa Cuts Flights To Israel: Spokesman |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/german-airline-lufthansa-cuts-flights-to-israel-spokesman-c56d3bcb |access-date=2023-10-07 |website=Barron's |language=en}}</ref>

==Casualties==

===Israel===

Israel's [[Magen David Adom]] (MDA) initially reported that at least one woman was killed while 16 other people were injured from rocket strikes,<ref name="bbc1"/> two of them critically.<ref name="cnn1"/> Authorities later said that at least 40 people<ref name="aj1"/> had been killed while 740 others were injured,<ref name="bbc1"/> Ambulance teams were dispatched to the areas surrounding the Gaza Strip in response to the assault.<ref name="auto">{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/israel-palestinians-idCAKBN31701K |title=Hamas launches surprise attack as gunmen enter Israel |agency=Reuters |date=7 October 2023 |access-date=7 October 2023 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007094608/https://www.reuters.com/article/israel-palestinians-idCAKBN31701K |url-status=live}}</ref> with 77 of them in critical condition.<ref name="ap1"/> At least one civilian death was reported in [[Kfar Aviv]], while three people were reportedly injured in [[Ashkelon]] and [[Yavne]].<ref name="cnn1" /> At least four people were reported killed in [[Kuseife]].<ref name="aj7oct"/> The head of the [[Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council]], {{ill|Ofir Libstein|he|אופיר ליבשטיין}}, was also killed in an exchange of fire with the militants.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fabian |first=Emanuel |date=7 October 2023 |work=Times of Israel |title=Head of Sha'ar Hanegev council Ofir Liebstein killed in gunfight with Hamas terrorists |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/head-of-shaar-hanegev-council-ofir-liebstein-killed-in-gunfight-with-hamas-terrorists/ |access-date=7 October 2023 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007094609/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/head-of-shaar-hanegev-council-ofir-liebstein-killed-in-gunfight-with-hamas-terrorists/ |url-status=live}}</ref> At least 68 casualties were reported in Ashkelon,<ref name="bbc1"/> while 280 others were reported in Beer Sheva, 60 of which were in a serious condition.<ref name="ap1"/>  

Hamas claimed it had taken 35 Israelis prisoner and transported them to the Gaza Strip.<ref name="ynet"/> It also claimed to have captured Israeli major general {{ill|Nimrod Aloni (general)|lt=Nimrod Aloni|ar|نمرود ألوني|he|נמרוד אלוני (קצין)}}; a picture was released with Aloni and two militants with their faces obscured.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/10/07/israel-palestine-war-commander-captured-by-hamas/|title=Israeli commander among at least 50 people captured by Hamas|first=Tony|last=Diver|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=7 October 2023}}</ref> Videos from Gaza appeared to show captured people, with Gazan residents cheering trucks carrying dead bodies.<ref name="nyt7oct"/> An MDA ambulance was also reportedly taken by the militants to Gaza.<ref name="cnn1"/> The Nepali ambassador to Israel, Kanta Rijal, said at least seven of its nationals in the country were injured in the attack, and that they along with ten others were held captive by Hamas at an agricultural farm in [[Alumim]].<ref name="nepal" /><ref name="ani">{{Cite news |date=7 October 2023 |work=ANI |title=At least 7 Nepali injured, 17 held captive by Hamas in Israel: Nepal's envoy |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/at-least-7-nepali-injured-17-held-captive-by-hamas-in-israel-nepals-envoy20231007181710/ |access-date=7 October 2023}}</ref>

Following Israel's airstrikes in response, the [[Ministry of Health, Palestine|Palestinian Health Ministry]] in Gaza reported an unspecified number of injuries among "many citizens". It later said 198 Palestinians had been killed and 1,610 others were injured.<ref name="ap1" /><ref name="nyt7oct" /> Yousef Abu al-Rish, the top Palestinian health official in Gaza, stated that most casualties were from firefights inside Israel.<ref name="nyt7oct" /> Reporters for the [[Associated Press]] in the Gaza Strip saw funerals being held for 15 victims and eight other bodies in hospitals.<ref name="ap1" /> At least one person was reported to have been killed in an airstrike on the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/10/07/world/israel-gaza-attack/0bc05a70-c71e-5352-a0d0-2a37d56973e1?smid=url-share |title=Israel-Gaza Conflict: Update from Raja Abdulrahim |work=The New York Times |date=7 October 2023 |access-date=7 October 2023 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007114908/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/10/07/world/israel-gaza-attack/0bc05a70-c71e-5352-a0d0-2a37d56973e1?smid=url-share |url-status=live}}</ref> Four Palestinians were killed and five others were wounded in clashes with the IDF along Gaza’s perimeter fence.<ref name="aj7oct" /> Five Palestinian militants were reported to have been killed in Sderot.<ref name="f24-2">{{cite news |url=https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20231007-in-pictures-hamas-israel-palestine-gaza-attack-netanyahu |title=In pictures: Scenes of war and chaos after Hamas launch surprise attack on Israel |work=France 24 |date=7 October 2023 |access-date=7 October 2023}}</ref>

==Reactions==

===Israel===

The protest group Kaplan Force announced the cancellation of its [[Reactions to the 2023 Israeli judicial reform|demonstration]] against the [[2023 Israeli judicial reform|judicial reform]] planned on 7 October in Tel Aviv. The group expressed support for 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". Forum 555 and [[Brothers in Arms (organization)|Brothers in Arms]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-07 |title=Judicial reform protests cancelled amid security situation |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-762050 |access-date=2023-10-07 |website=The Jerusalem Post |language=en-US |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007094613/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-762050 |url-status=live }}</ref> a protest group of reservist soldiers that organized boycotts of the [[Conscription in Israel|military draft]] in protest against the judicial reform, called on reservists to serve if they were called up.<ref name="npr"/>

Former prime minister and Leader of the Opposition [[Yair Lapid]], [[National Unity (political alliance)|National Unity]] chairman [[Benny Gantz]], [[Yisrael Beiteinu]] Party leader [[Avigdor Liberman]] and [[Israeli Labor Party|Labor Party]] leader [[Merav Michaeli]] issued a joint statement expressing full backing for the IDF and unity with the government, saying: "In times like these, there is no opposition and coalition in Israel."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-07 |title=Opposition heads call for united front amid massive ongoing Hamas attack |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/opposition-heads-call-for-united-front-amid-massive-ongoing-hamas-attack/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007100602/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/opposition-heads-call-for-united-front-amid-massive-ongoing-hamas-attack/ |archive-date=7 October 2023 |access-date=2023-10-07 |website=Times of Israel |language=en-US}}</ref>

Israeli rescue services appealed for blood donations.<ref name="ap1"/> The [[Ministry of Education (Israel)|Israeli Education Ministry]] announced the closure of all schools in the country on 7 October.<ref name="aj7oct"/>

===Palestine===

At an emergency meeting with officials of the [[Palestinian Authority]], Palestinian President [[Mahmoud Abbas]] said that Palestinians had the right to defend themselves against the "terror of settlers and occupation troops".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2023/10/07/Mahmoud-Abbas-Palestinians-have-right-to-defend-themselves-against-terror-|title=Mahmoud Abbas: Palestinians have right to defend themselves against ‘terror’  &#124; Al Arabiya English}}</ref> In the [[West Bank]], celebrations occurred in [[Ramallah]].<ref name="aj7oct"/>

* Italy: [[Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs|Minister of Foreign Affairs]] [[Antonio Tajani]] said the government condemned in the strongest terms the attacks on Israel; saying that "people's lives, the security of the region and the resumption of any political process are at risk." He also urged Hamas to "immediately stop this barbaric violence" and said that Italy supports "[[Israel's right to exist]] and defend itself".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Antonio Tajani |url=https://twitter.com/Antonio_Tajani/status/1710553437660708979 |publisher=X}}</ref>

* Netherlands: [[Prime Minister of the Netherlands|Prime Minister]] [[Mark Rutte]] said he spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu about the attack by Hamas on Israel and "told him that the Netherlands unequivocally condemns this terrorist violence and fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mark Rutte |url=https://x.com/MinPres/status/1710583233505608059?s=20 |website=X}}</ref>

* Norway: [[Prime Minister of Norway|Prime Minister]] [[Jonas Gahr Støre]] strongly condemned the attack against Israeli civilians, calling the situation "unprecedented". He said that "Israel has the right to defend itself against military attack" and that "it is important that the violence does not escalate".<ref>{{Cite tweet|user=jonasgahrstore|number=1710620794198323432|title=Norway strongly condemns attacks on Israeli civilians and calls for an immediate halt to attacks.}}</ref>

* United States: Acting [[List of ambassadors of the United States to Israel|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,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Stephanie Hallett |url=https://twitter.com/USAmbIsrael/status/1710547953297891426 |publisher=X}}</ref> and said that the US government fully supported "Israel's right to defend itself from such terrorist acts".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Stephanie Hallett |url=https://x.com/USAmbIsrael/status/1710528006685380673?s=20 |website=X}}</ref> The White House issued a statement saying the United States "unequivocally condemns the unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians".<ref>{{Cite web |last=House |first=The White |date=2023-10-07 |title=Statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson Condemning Terrorist Attacks Against Israel |url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/10/07/statement-from-nsc-spokesperson-adrienne-watson-condemning-terrorist-attacks-against-israel/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007120201/https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/10/07/statement-from-nsc-spokesperson-adrienne-watson-condemning-terrorist-attacks-against-israel/ |archive-date=7 October 2023 |access-date=2023-10-07 |website=The White House |language=en-US}}</ref> Embassy staff were reported to be sheltering in place.<ref name="npr23">{{Cite news |last=Estrin |first=Daniel |date=7 October 2023 |title=In surprise deadly attacks, Israel says Palestinian militants infiltrated from Gaza |publisher=NPR |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/10/07/1204436940/palestinian-militants-launch-rockets-into-israel |url-status=live |access-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007090901/https://www.npr.org/2023/10/07/1204436940/palestinian-militants-launch-rockets-into-israel |archive-date=7 October 2023}}</ref>

==== Expressed support to Palestinian groups====

* Iran: Yahya Rahim Safavi, an adviser to the [[Supreme Leader of Iran|supreme leader]] [[Ayatollah Ali Khamenei]], congratulated the Palestinian fighters, and stated that Iran would "stand by the Palestinian fighters", until the "liberation of Palestine and Jerusalem". During a session of the [[Islamic Consultative Assembly]], legislators rose from their seats chanting “[[Death to Israel]]” and "Palestine is victorious, Israel will be destroyed”.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Adviser to Iran's Khamenei expresses support for Palestinian attacks: Report |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2023/10/07/Adviser-to-Iran-s-Khamenei-expresses-support-for-Palestinian-attacks-Report |website=alarabiya}}</ref>

* Qatar: The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Qatar)|Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] issued a statement saying that Israel alone was responsible for the ongoing escalation of violence with the Palestinian people.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |title=Archived copy |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2386901/middle-east |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007120816/https://www.arabnews.com/node/2386901/middle-east |archive-date=7 October 2023 |access-date=7 October 2023}}</ref>

* Oman: The Foreign Ministry issued a statement urging both parties to "exercise utmost levels of restraint, stressing the importance of protecting civilians." State media added the Omani government was "following with concern the ongoing escalation between the Palestinian and Israeli sides as a result of continued illegal Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories, constant Israeli aggressions, which portend serious repercussions".<ref name=":02" />

* Saudi Arabia: The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Saudi Arabia)|Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] released a statement calling for an "immediate halt" to the "escalation" in Israel and Gaza.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Michael A. Horowitz |url=https://twitter.com/michaelh992/status/1710605271205134723?s=20 |website=X}}</ref> It added they were "closely following developments in the unprecedented situation between a number of Palestinian factions and the Israeli occupation forces, which has resulted in a high level of violence taking place on a number of fronts there” and reiterated “its repeated warnings [to Israel] of the dangers of the explosion of the situation as a result of the continued occupation, and deprivation of the Palestinian people of their legitimate rights, and the repetition of systematic provocations against its sanctities".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ministry of Foreign Affairs |url=https://twitter.com/KSAmofaEN/status/1710629609757086172?t=Y09utiz6nSjBLExKAkb2cA&s=19 |website=X}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=7 October 2023 |title=Saudi Arabia calls for 'immediate halt to escalation of conflict between Palestinians, Israelis' |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2386901/middle-east|work=Arab News |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007120816/https://www.arabnews.com/node/2386901/middle-east |archive-date=7 October 2023 |access-date=7 October 2023}}</ref>

* Turkey: At a congress for his ruling [[AK Party]] in [[Ankara]], President [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]] called on Israelis and Palestinians to act with restraint and refrain from hostile acts that could exacerbate the situation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-07 |title=Turkey's Erdogan calls on Israelis, Palestinians to act with restraint |url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-762085 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007110518/https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-762085 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |access-date=2023-10-07 |website=The Jerusalem Post |language=en-US}}</ref>

* Russia: issued a statement urging restraint, with Deputy Foreign Minister [[Mikhail Bogdanov (diplomat)|Mikhail Bogdanov]] saying they were in contact with both sides.<ref name="Russia3">{{cite news |last1=October 2023 |first1=Naharnet Newsdesk 07 |title=Countries condemn 'terrorist attacks' from Gaza, Russia urges 'restraint' |work=Naharnet |url=https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/300827-countries-condemn-terrorist-attacks-from-gaza |url-status=live |access-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007120820/https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/300827-countries-condemn-terrorist-attacks-from-gaza |archive-date=7 October 2023}}</ref>

* United Arab Emirates: The Foreign Ministry called for an immediate ceasefire.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Al Amir |first1=Khitam |title=Israel-Palestine conflict: UAE calls for immediate ceasefire to prevent dangerous consequences |url=https://gulfnews.com/uae/government/israel-palestine-conflict-uae-calls-for-immediate-ceasefire-to-prevent-dangerous-consequences-1.1696682065094 |work=[[Gulf News]]}}</ref>

===International organizations===

*[[European Union]]: [[President of the European Commission]] [[Ursula von der Leyen]] said she "unequivocally" condemned "the attack carried out by Hamas terrorists against Israel", calling it "terrorism in its most despicable form" and saying "Israel has the right to defend itself against such heinous attacks".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ursula von der Leyen |url=https://x.com/vonderleyen/status/1710568998197178680?s=46 |website=X}}</ref> EU ambassador to Israel [[Dimitar Tzanchev]] condemned the attack.<ref>{{Cite news |last=חדשות |date=2023-10-07 |title=שגריר האיחוד האירופי בישראל: "נחרד מהמתקפה הקטלנית, מגנים בכל תוקף" |language=he |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/hyl0qkcg6 |access-date=2023-10-07 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007095115/https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/hyl0qkcg6 |url-status=live }}</ref>

*[[NATO]]: Spokesperson Dylan White said in a statement that the bloc condemned "terrorist attacks by Hamas against NATO partner Israel" and supported Israel's right to defend itself.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 October 2023 |title=NATO Condemns Hamas 'Terrorist Attacks' Against Israel |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/nato-condemns-hamas-terrorist-attacks-against-israel-10c074e1 |website=Barron's |language=en |access-date=7 October 2023}}</ref>

*[[United Nations]]: The [[United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process]] [[Tor Wennesland]] condemned the attack, stating that the "events have resulted in horrific scenes of violence and many Israeli fatalities and injuries, with many believed to be kidnapped inside the Strip". He also urged that the "heinous attacks targeting civilians must stop immediately".<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 October 2023 |title=STATEMENT BY UN SPECIAL COORDINATOR FOR THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS, TOR WENNESLAND, ON THE SITUATION IN ISRAEL AND THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY |url=https://unsco.unmissions.org/statement-un-special-coordinator-middle-east-peace-process-tor-wennesland-situation-israel-and |website=unmissions.org |language=en |access-date=7 October 2023 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007095118/https://unsco.unmissions.org/statement-un-special-coordinator-middle-east-peace-process-tor-wennesland-situation-israel-and |url-status=live }}</ref>

===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.<ref name="ap1" />

 

 

Political journalist [[Peter Beaumont (journalist)|Peter Beaumont]] described the attack as "an intelligence failure for the ages", given the Israeli government's failure to detect it prior.<ref name=beaumont>{{cite news | last=Beaumont | first=Peter | title=Hamas's stealth attack will be remembered as Israeli intelligence failure for the ages | newspaper=The Guardian | date=7 October 2023 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/07/hamas-stealth-attack-will-be-remembered-as-israeli-intelligence-failure-for-the-ages | access-date=7 October 2023 | archive-date=7 October 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007114046/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/07/hamas-stealth-attack-will-be-remembered-as-israeli-intelligence-failure-for-the-ages | url-status=live }}</ref>

 

{{Israeli–Palestinian conflict}}

[[Category:Israeli–Palestinian conflict]]