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2023 Israel–Hamas war: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Part of the | {{Short description|Part of the Arab–Israeli conflict}} | ||
{{Current|date=October 2023}} | |||
<noinclude>{{User:RMCD bot/subject notice|1=2023 Palestine−Israel War|2=Talk:October 2023 Gaza−Israel conflict#Requested move 7 October 2023}} | |||
</noinclude> | |||
{{pp|small=yes}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}} | ||
{{Use | {{Use American English|date=October 2023}} | ||
{{Infobox military conflict | {{Infobox military conflict | ||
| conflict = 2023 Gaza−Israel | | conflict = October 2023 Gaza−Israel conflict | ||
| partof = the [[ | | partof = the [[Arab–Israeli conflict]] | ||
| image = October 2023 Gaza−Israel War.png | | image = October 2023 Gaza−Israel War.png | ||
| caption = | | caption = {{leftlegend|#F08080|[[Gaza Strip]]}} | ||
| date = 7 October 2023 – present | {{leftlegend|#4169E1|[[Israel|Israeli territory]] with Palestinian militants' presence}}<br />See [[:Template:Israeli-Palestinian conflict detailed map|here]] for a more comprehensive map. | ||
| place = [[Israel]] | | date = 7 October 2023 – present<br />({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=10|day1=7|year1=2023}}) | ||
| status = Ongoing{{bulletedlist|Palestinian militants break through the [[Gaza–Israel barrier]] and invade Israel's [[Southern District (Israel)|Southern District]]|Israeli military carries out airstrikes in the Gaza Strip}} | | place = [[Israel]], [[State of Palestine|Palestine]], southern [[Lebanon]]<ref name="auto3"/> | ||
| status = Ongoing{{bulletedlist|Palestinian militants break through the [[Gaza–Israel barrier]] and invade Israel's [[Southern District (Israel)|Southern District]]|Israeli military carries out airstrikes in the [[Gaza Strip]]}} | |||
| combatant1 = {{plainlist| | | combatant1 = {{plainlist| | ||
* {{flag|Hamas}} | *{{flag|Hamas}} | ||
* {{flagicon image|Flag of the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine.svg}} [[Islamic Jihad | *{{flagicon image|Flag of the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine.svg}} [[Palestinian Islamic Jihad]] | ||
* {{flagicon image|PFLP Infobox Flag.svg}} [[Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine | * {{flagicon image|PFLP Infobox Flag.svg}} [[Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.alahednews.com.lb/fastnewsdetails.php?fstid=217239|title=الجبهة الشعبية: قرار الإدارة الأمريكية بتوفير الدعم للكيان هدفه تطويق النتائج الاستراتيجية لمعركة طوفان الأقصى|website=alahednews.com.lb|access-date=8 October 2023|archive-date=9 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009000624/https://www.alahednews.com.lb/fastnewsdetails.php?fstid=217239|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
* {{flagicon image|Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine - Flag.svg}} [[Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine | * {{flagicon image|Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine - Flag.svg}} [[Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine]] | ||
* [[File:Lion's Den Emblem.png| | * [[File:Lion's Den Emblem.png|link=|25px]] [[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> | ||
* {{flag|Hezbollah}}<ref name="auto3">{{cite news |title=Israel Army Fires Artillery at Lebanon as Hezbollah Claims Attack |url=https://english.aawsat.com/arab-world/4591836-israel-army-fires-artillery-lebanon-hezbollah-claims-attack |access-date=8 October 2023 |work=Asharq Al-Awsat | * {{flag|Hezbollah}}<ref name="auto3">{{cite news |title=Israel Army Fires Artillery at Lebanon as Hezbollah Claims Attack |url=https://english.aawsat.com/arab-world/4591836-israel-army-fires-artillery-lebanon-hezbollah-claims-attack |access-date=8 October 2023 |work=[[Asharq Al-Awsat]] |language=en |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008055038/https://english.aawsat.com/arab-world/4591836-israel-army-fires-artillery-lebanon-hezbollah-claims-attack |url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
* '''Supported by:''' | |||
* {{flag|Iran}} (alleged, denied by Iran)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/iran-israel-hamas-strike-planning-bbe07b25|title=Iran Helped Plot Attack on Israel Over Several Weeks|language=en-US|access-date=2023-10-09|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008215433/https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/iran-israel-hamas-strike-planning-bbe07b25|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/israel-hamas-gaza-rockets-attack-palestinians/card/hamas-says-attacks-on-israel-were-backed-by-iran-kb2ySPwSyBrYpQVUPyM9|title=Hamas Says Attacks on Israel Were Backed by Iran|accessdate=2023-10-09|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=October 2023|language=en-US|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008140033/https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/israel-hamas-gaza-rockets-attack-palestinians/card/hamas-says-attacks-on-israel-were-backed-by-iran-kb2ySPwSyBrYpQVUPyM9|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="reuters iran">{{cite web |title=Iran's UN mission says Tehran not involved in Hamas attacks |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/irans-un-mission-says-tehran-not-involved-hamas-attacks-2023-10-09/ |website=Reuters |access-date=9 October 2023 |language=en |date=9 October 2023 |archive-date=9 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009033748/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/irans-un-mission-says-tehran-not-involved-hamas-attacks-2023-10-09/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
}} | |||
| combatant2 = {{plainlist| | |||
* {{flag|Israel}} | |||
* '''Supported by:''' | |||
* {{flag|United States}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-67049196|title=US moves warships closer to Israel after Hamas attack|date=8 October 2023|website=[[BBC News]]|access-date=8 October 2023|archive-date=9 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009023420/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-67049196|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
}} | }} | ||
| commander1 = {{plainlist| | | commander1 = {{plainlist| | ||
* {{flagdeco|Hamas}} [[Ismail Haniyeh]] | * {{flagdeco|Hamas}} [[Ismail Haniyeh]] | ||
* {{flagdeco|Hamas}} [[Mohammed Deif | * {{flagdeco|Hamas}} [[Yahya Sinwar]] | ||
* {{flagdeco|Hamas}} [[Mohammed Deif]] | |||
* {{flagdeco|Hamas}} [[Abu Obaida (Hamas)|Abu Obaida]] | * {{flagdeco|Hamas}} [[Abu Obaida (Hamas)|Abu Obaida]] | ||
* {{flagicon image|Flag of the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine.svg}} [[Ziyad al-Nakhalah]] | |||
* {{flagdeco|Hezbollah}} [[Hassan Nasrallah]] | |||
}} | }} | ||
| commander2 = {{plainlist| | | commander2 = {{plainlist| | ||
| Line 31: | Line 45: | ||
* {{flagdeco|Israel}} [[Kobi Shabtai]] | * {{flagdeco|Israel}} [[Kobi Shabtai]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
| units1 = {{plainlist| | | units1 = {{plainlist| | ||
* {{flagdeco|Hamas}} [[Al-Qassam Brigades]] | * {{flagdeco|Hamas}} [[Al-Qassam Brigades]] | ||
* {{flagicon image|Flag of the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine.svg}} [[Al-Quds Brigades]] | * {{flagicon image|Flag of the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine.svg}} [[Al-Quds Brigades]] | ||
* {{flagicon image|PFLP Infobox Flag.svg}} [[Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades]] | * {{flagicon image|PFLP Infobox Flag.svg}} [[Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bianet.org/haber/hamide-rencus-israil-ilk-defa-gazze-sinirindaki-kontrolu-kaybetmis-durumda-285983|title=Hamide Rencüs: İsrail ilk defa Gazze sınırındaki kontrolü kaybetmiş durumda|website=bianet.org|access-date=8 October 2023|archive-date=9 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009000610/https://bianet.org/haber/hamide-rencus-israil-ilk-defa-gazze-sinirindaki-kontrolu-kaybetmis-durumda-285983|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
* {{flagicon image|Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine - Flag.svg}} National Resistance Brigades | * {{flagicon image|Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine - Flag.svg}} [[National Resistance Brigades]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/al-qassam-fighters-engage-iof-on-seven-fronts-outside-gaza: |title=Al-Qassam fighters engage IOF on seven fronts outside Gaza: Statement |date=8 October 2023 |website= Al Mayadeen English |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008121355/https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/al-qassam-fighters-engage-iof-on-seven-fronts-outside-gaza: |access-date= 8 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023 }}</ref> | ||
* {{flagicon image|Fatah Flag.svg}} [[al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades]]<ref name="alaqsa"/> | |||
}} | }} | ||
| units2 = {{plainlist| | | units2 = {{plainlist| | ||
* {{armed forces|Israel}} | * {{armed forces|Israel}} | ||
* {{flagicon image|Flag of Israel Police.svg}} [[Israel Police]] | * {{flagicon image|Flag of the Israel Police.svg}} [[Israel Police]] | ||
* {{flagicon image|}} [[Shin Bet]] | |||
}} | }} | ||
| campaignbox = {{Campaignbox Gaza–Israel conflict}} | | strength1 = | ||
| strength2 = | |||
| casualties1 = Per Palestine: | |||
*424 killed{{efn|413 in Gaza<ref name="659Israelis">{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hamas-says-413-palestinians-killed-in-gaza-strip-so-far/#:~:text=The%20Hamas-run%20health%20ministry,result%20of%20Israel%27s%20retaliatory%20strikes.|title=Hamas says 413 Palestinians killed in Gaza Strip so far|website=[[The Siasat Daily]]|date=8 October 2023|access-date=8 October 2023|archive-date=9 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009000355/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hamas-says-413-palestinians-killed-in-gaza-strip-so-far/#:~:text=The%20Hamas-run%20health%20ministry,result%20of%20Israel%27s%20retaliatory%20strikes.|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Hamas says it will publish number of captured Israelis| date=7 October 2023 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-middle-east-67037895?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=6522884202d73c280f4a9258%26Hamas%20says%20it%20will%20publish%20number%20of%20captured%20Israelis%262023-10-08T11%3A10%3A35.224Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:6e6154c9-4d3f-47af-95dd-1f4f4ea6286a&pinned_post_asset_id=6522884202d73c280f4a9258&pinned_post_type=share|access-date=8 October 2023|agency=BBC News|language=en-gb|archive-date=9 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009000401/https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-middle-east-67037895?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=6522884202d73c280f4a9258%26Hamas%20says%20it%20will%20publish%20number%20of%20captured%20Israelis%262023-10-08T11%3A10%3A35.224Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:6e6154c9-4d3f-47af-95dd-1f4f4ea6286a&pinned_post_asset_id=6522884202d73c280f4a9258&pinned_post_type=share|url-status=live}}</ref> and 11 in West Bank<ref name="auto4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/palestinians-report-11-killed-across-west-bank-in-clashes-with-israeli-forces/|title=Palestinians report 11 killed across West Bank in clashes with Israeli forces|first=Emanuel|last=Fabian|website=The Times of Israel|access-date=8 October 2023|archive-date=9 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009001123/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/palestinians-report-11-killed-across-west-bank-in-clashes-with-israeli-forces/|url-status=live}}</ref>}} | |||
*2,392 wounded{{efn|2,300 in Gaza<ref name="659Israelis"/> and 92 in West Bank<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/death-toll-from-at-6-from-israeli-soldiers-opening-fire-in-west-bank/3011089|title=Death toll from at 6 from Israeli soldiers opening fire in West Bank|website=aa.com.tr|access-date=8 October 2023|archive-date=7 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007231759/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/death-toll-from-at-6-from-israeli-soldiers-opening-fire-in-west-bank/3011089|url-status=live}}</ref>}} | |||
*74,000 displaced<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/israel-approves-significant-steps-to-retaliate-against-hamas-as-casualties-continue-to-rise|title=Israel approves 'significant' steps to retaliate against Hamas as casualties continue to rise|date=8 October 2023|website=PBS NewsHour|access-date=8 October 2023|archive-date=9 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009000904/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/israel-approves-significant-steps-to-retaliate-against-hamas-as-casualties-continue-to-rise|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| casualties2 = Per Israel: | |||
*700+ killed{{efn|Including: | |||
*73 Israeli soldiers, 34 police officers and 5 ISA members<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/authorities-name-44-soldiers-30-police-officers-killed-in-hamas-attack/|title=Authorities name 57 soldiers, 34 police officers killed in Hamas attack|first=Emanuel|last=Fabian|website=The Times of Israel|access-date=8 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008151607/https://www.timesofisrael.com/authorities-name-44-soldiers-30-police-officers-killed-in-hamas-attack/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
*10 Nepalis,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/nepal-confirms-10-of-its-citizens-killed-in-hamas-attack-on-israel/|title=Nepal confirms 10 of its citizens killed in Hamas attack on Israel|website=www.timesofisrael.com|access-date=8 October 2023|archive-date=9 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009000914/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/nepal-confirms-10-of-its-citizens-killed-in-hamas-attack-on-israel/|url-status=live}}</ref> 4 Americans,<ref>{{cite news |title=Preliminary reports indicate at least 4 Americans were killed in attacks against Israel, US official says |url=https://fox28savannah.com/news/nation-world/preliminary-reports-indicate-at-least-4-americans-were-killed-in-attacks-against-israel-us-official-says-gaza-strip-hamas-surprise-attack-rocket-missiles-military-operations-fatalities-injuries |access-date=8 October 2023|agency=Associated Press |publisher=[[WTGS]] |archive-date=9 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009001126/https://fox28savannah.com/news/nation-world/preliminary-reports-indicate-at-least-4-americans-were-killed-in-attacks-against-israel-us-official-says-gaza-strip-hamas-surprise-attack-rocket-missiles-military-operations-fatalities-injuries |url-status=live }}</ref> 4 Argentines,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ambito.com/ataques-israel-confirman-la-muerte-otra-argentina-n5840726|title=Ataques en Israel: confirman la muerte de otra argentina y son cuatro los fallecidos|date=8 October 2023|website=Ambito|access-date=8 October 2023|archive-date=9 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009001618/https://www.ambito.com/ataques-israel-confirman-la-muerte-otra-argentina-n5840726|url-status=live}}</ref> 2 [[Overseas Thai|Thais]],<ref name="bkpost">{{cite news |title=2 Thais killed, 8 injured, 11 kidnapped in Hamas attack on Israel |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2659873 |access-date=8 October 2023 |work=Bangkok Post |language=en |archive-date=9 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009001424/https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2659873 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Two Thais killed in Israel-Gaza violence, says Thailand PM|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=8 October 2023|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/world/two-thais-killed-in-israel-gaza-violence-says-thailand-pm|access-date=8 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008083759/https://www.straitstimes.com/world/two-thais-killed-in-israel-gaza-violence-says-thailand-pm|url-status=live}}</ref> 2 Ukrainians,<ref name="kyiv"/> 1 Cambodian,<ref name="phnom"/> 1 Chilean,<ref name="chile1"/><ref name="chile2"/> 1 French,<ref name="frenchcasualty">{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/france-ukraine-germany-confirm-their-citizens-among-those-killed-kidnapped-in-israel/|title=France, Ukraine, Germany confirm their citizens among those killed, kidnapped in Israel|website=The Times of Israel|access-date=8 October 2023|archive-date=9 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009001618/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/france-ukraine-germany-confirm-their-citizens-among-those-killed-kidnapped-in-israel/|url-status=live}}</ref> and 1 German national<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67046444|title=Shani Louk: Mother pleads for help as daughter goes missing at festival|work=BBC News |date=8 October 2023|access-date=8 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008145437/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67046444|url-status=live}}</ref>}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/death-toll-from-hamas-onslaught-passes-600-over-100-kidnapped-as-israel-strikes-gaza/|title=Death toll from Hamas onslaught passes 700, over 100 kidnapped, as Israel strikes Gaza|website=[[The Times of Israel]]|date=8 October 2023|access-date=8 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008151511/https://www.timesofisrael.com/death-toll-from-hamas-onslaught-passes-600-over-100-kidnapped-as-israel-strikes-gaza/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
*2,156 wounded<ref name="659Israelis"/> | |||
*100+ captured{{efn|Including 17 [[Nepali people|Nepalis]],<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 |archive-date=7 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007122157/https://www.indiatodayne.in/international/story/at-least-7-nepali-injured-17-held-captive-by-hamas-in-israel-690676-2023-10-07 |url-status=live}}</ref> 11 [[Overseas Thai|Thais]]<ref name="bkpost"/> and 2 Mexicans<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/two-mexican-citizens-believed-to-be-held-captive-in-gaza/|title=Two Mexican citizens believed to be held captive in Gaza|website=The Times of Israel|access-date=8 October 2023|archive-date=9 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009001618/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/two-mexican-citizens-believed-to-be-held-captive-in-gaza/|url-status=live}}</ref>}}<ref>{{cite news |title=Israel Says Over 600 Dead, More Than 100 'Prisoners' In War With Hamas |url=https://www.barrons.com/amp/news/israel-says-over-600-dead-more-than-100-prisoners-in-war-with-hamas-edb69cef |access-date=8 October 2023 |work=Barron's |archive-date=9 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009000403/https://www.barrons.com/amp/news/israel-says-over-600-dead-more-than-100-prisoners-in-war-with-hamas-edb69cef |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| casualties3 = | |||
| campaignbox = {{Campaignbox October 2023 Gaza−Israel conflict}}{{Campaignbox Gaza–Israel conflict}} | |||
}} | }} | ||
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Organizations that have taken part in the Palestinian assault include [[Hamas]], [[Palestinian Islamic Jihad|Islamic Jihad]], and the [[Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine]]. In an emergency meeting in the [[West Bank]] shortly after the attacks began, [[Mahmoud Abbas]] of the [[Palestinian National Authority|Palestinian Authority]] expressed support for the Gazan infiltration, stating that Palestinians had the right to defend themselves against the [[Israeli-occupied territories|Israeli occupation]].<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Yang|first1=Maya|last2=Bayer|first2=Lili|last3=Ho|first3=Vivian|last4=Fulton|first4=Adam |last5=Bayer |date=7 October 2023 |title=Israel says civilians and soldiers held hostage in Gaza after major Palestinian attack – 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 |url-status=live |access-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 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{Cite news |title=Mahmoud Abbas: Palestinians have right to defend themselves against 'terror'|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2023/10/07/Mahmoud-Abbas-Palestinians-have-right-to-defend-themselves-against-terror- |work=[[Al Arabiya]] |access-date=7 October 2023 |archive-date=7 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007120458/https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2023/10/07/Mahmoud-Abbas-Palestinians-have-right-to-defend-themselves-against-terror- |url-status=live}}</ref> In Israel, all major opposition parties have advocated for the formation of a [[national unity government]] to combat the Palestinian offensive.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |date=7 October 2023 |title=Yair Lapid offers to form emergency unity government with Netanyahu after Hamas terror attack|url=https://www.thejc.com/news/israel/yair-lapid-offers-to-form-emergency-unity-government-with-netanyahu-after-hamas-terror-attack-5MOYdwsOxNSgKXhEBrsOVb |access-date=8 October 2023 |website=[[The Jewish Chronicle]] |archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008000729/https://www.thejc.com/news/israel/yair-lapid-offers-to-form-emergency-unity-government-with-netanyahu-after-hamas-terror-attack-5MOYdwsOxNSgKXhEBrsOVb |url-status=live }}</ref> | Organizations that have taken part in the Palestinian assault include [[Hamas]], [[Palestinian Islamic Jihad|Islamic Jihad]], and the [[Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine]]. In an emergency meeting in the [[West Bank]] shortly after the attacks began, [[Mahmoud Abbas]] of the [[Palestinian National Authority|Palestinian Authority]] expressed support for the Gazan infiltration, stating that Palestinians had the right to defend themselves against the [[Israeli-occupied territories|Israeli occupation]].<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Yang|first1=Maya|last2=Bayer|first2=Lili|last3=Ho|first3=Vivian|last4=Fulton|first4=Adam |last5=Bayer |date=7 October 2023 |title=Israel says civilians and soldiers held hostage in Gaza after major Palestinian attack – 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 |url-status=live |access-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 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{Cite news |title=Mahmoud Abbas: Palestinians have right to defend themselves against 'terror'|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2023/10/07/Mahmoud-Abbas-Palestinians-have-right-to-defend-themselves-against-terror- |work=[[Al Arabiya]] |access-date=7 October 2023 |archive-date=7 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007120458/https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2023/10/07/Mahmoud-Abbas-Palestinians-have-right-to-defend-themselves-against-terror- |url-status=live}}</ref> In Israel, all major opposition parties have advocated for the formation of a [[national unity government]] to combat the Palestinian offensive.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |date=7 October 2023 |title=Yair Lapid offers to form emergency unity government with Netanyahu after Hamas terror attack|url=https://www.thejc.com/news/israel/yair-lapid-offers-to-form-emergency-unity-government-with-netanyahu-after-hamas-terror-attack-5MOYdwsOxNSgKXhEBrsOVb |access-date=8 October 2023 |website=[[The Jewish Chronicle]] |archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008000729/https://www.thejc.com/news/israel/yair-lapid-offers-to-form-emergency-unity-government-with-netanyahu-after-hamas-terror-attack-5MOYdwsOxNSgKXhEBrsOVb |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
At least | At least 3,000 rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip as Hamas militants broke through the border and entered Israel, killing at least 700 Israelis<ref name = "scmp8oct"/><ref>{{Cite news |title=At Least 600 Israelis Killed, 2,000 Wounded as Surprise Infiltration, Massive Barrages Rock Israel; Civilians and Soldiers Held Hostage in Gaza |language=en |work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-10-08/ty-article-live/over-250-israelis-killed-1-590-wounded-civilians-and-soldiers-held-hostage-in-gaza/0000018b-0cd2-d8fc-adff-6dfe855e0000 |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008062437/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-10-08/ty-article-live/over-250-israelis-killed-1-590-wounded-civilians-and-soldiers-held-hostage-in-gaza/0000018b-0cd2-d8fc-adff-6dfe855e0000 |url-status=live }}</ref> and prompting Israel's government to declare a state of emergency. Israeli prime minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] stated that Israel "is at war" in a national address following the beginning of the attacks.<ref>{{cite news |title=Live updates: Militants infiltrate Israel from Gaza as Hamas claims major rocket attack|url=https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/al-aqsa-storm-militants-infiltrate-israel-after-gaza-rockets-10-07-intl-hnk/index.html |publisher=[[CNN]] |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007221148/https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/al-aqsa-storm-militants-infiltrate-israel-after-gaza-rockets-10-07-intl-hnk/index.html |archive-date=7 October 2023 |access-date=7 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="guardian7oct">{{Cite news|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|work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Staff |first=ToI |title='We are at war,' Netanyahu says, after Hamas launches devastating surprise attack|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/we-are-at-war-netanyahu-says-after-hamas-launches-devastating-surprise-attack/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007104131/https://www.timesofisrael.com/we-are-at-war-netanyahu-says-after-hamas-launches-devastating-surprise-attack/ |archive-date=7 October 2023 |access-date=7 October 2023 |work=[[The Times of Israel]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Palestinian militants who infiltrated Israel made their way into several [[Kibbutz|''kibbutzim'']] near the Gaza Strip as well as the city of [[Sderot]].<ref name="ynet">{{Cite news |last=Ynet |date=7 October 2023 |title=Netanyahu: 'We are at war' |language=en |work=Ynetnews |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rysg8i0l6 |url-status=live |access-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007052803/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rysg8i0l6 |archive-date=7 October 2023}}</ref> Israel retaliated against the invasion by bombarding strategic buildings and homes.<ref name = "alahram">{{cite web|url= https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContentP/2/509784/World/Live-updates-Israel-strikes-civilian-targets-in-Ga.aspx | title= Hamas-Israel war: Israel bombards Gaza as death toll surpasses 1000 on second day of fighting - as it happened |date=8 October 2023|work=Al-Ahram}}</ref> The [[Ministry of Health, Palestine|Palestinian Ministry of Health]] led by Hamas in Gaza reported Israel had killed at least 400 Palestinians in gunfights and by airstrikes, including civilians, 78 children and 41 women;<ref name="nyt7oct" /><ref name = "nbc7oct">{{cite news |title='We are in a war,' Netanyahu says after Hamas launches surprise attack |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-says-palestinian-militants-are-infiltrating-gaza-rcna119315 |date=7 October 2023 |publisher=[[NBC News]] |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008035129/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-says-palestinian-militants-are-infiltrating-gaza-rcna119315 |url-status=live}}</ref> while the [[Israel Defense Forces]] (IDF) stated it killed more than 400 "terrorists".<ref>{{cite news |title=Israeli military says 'hundreds of terrorists' killed; Gaza death toll reaches 313|newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=8 October 2023 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/israel-palestine-hamas-gaza-conflict-october-8-2023-live-updates/article67395219.ece |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008085932/https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/israel-palestine-hamas-gaza-conflict-october-8-2023-live-updates/article67395219.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> Both Palestinian and Israeli media sources reported that Israeli soldiers and civilians, including children, had been taken hostage by Palestinian militants;<ref>[https://twitter.com/Russianowarabic/status/1710562275646411223 Israeli family kidnapped to Gaza], "Russia Now" in arabic, 7 October 2023</ref> several of these hostages have reportedly since been taken to the Gaza Strip. Numerous cases of violence against Israeli civilians have also been reported since the beginning of the Hamas offensive, including a [[Re'im music festival massacre|massacre at a music festival in Re'im]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Crisp |first=James |date=7 October 2023 |title=Naked Israeli woman paraded by jeering Hamas fighters |language=en-GB |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/10/07/naked-israeli-woman-paraded-jeering-hamas-fighters/ |access-date=7 October 2023 |issn=0307-1235 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007211651/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/10/07/naked-israeli-woman-paraded-jeering-hamas-fighters/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Harel|first=Amos|date=7 October 2023 |title='Nightmare Scenario': Hamas' Victory Is an Israeli Failure on a Massive Scale |language=en |work=[[Haaretz]] |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-10-07/ty-article/.premium/hamas-victory-is-an-israeli-failure-massive-scale/0000018b-0a1a-d8fc-adff-6b7e7e3b0000 |access-date=8 October 2023 |quote=There have been terrible massacres in some communities and military bases. |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007211915/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-10-07/ty-article/.premium/hamas-victory-is-an-israeli-failure-massive-scale/0000018b-0a1a-d8fc-adff-6b7e7e3b0000 |url-status=live}}</ref> while Israeli bombardement of civilian targets, including a hospital and ambulance, killed almost 200.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://abcnews.go.com/amp/International/rockets-fired-gaza-tel-aviv-jerusalem-hamas-militants/story?id=103803865 |title= 198 killed in Gaza |date=9 October 2023 |work=abcnews |access-date= 9 October 2023 |archive-date= 8 October 2023|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231008050222/https://abcnews.go.com/amp/International/rockets-fired-gaza-tel-aviv-jerusalem-hamas-militants/story?id=103803865 |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.businessinsider.com/doctors-without-borders-hospitals-ambulances-targets-israel-hamas-gaza-2023-10?amp |title= Doctors Without Borders says healthcare facilities 'cannot become targets' after Israeli forces struck a hospital and ambulance in Gaza |date=9 October 2023 |work= businessinsider |access-date= 7 October 2023 |archive-date= 8 October 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231008185039/https://www.businessinsider.com/doctors-without-borders-hospitals-ambulances-targets-israel-hamas-gaza-2023-10?amp |url-status= live }}</ref> | ||
A Hamas spokesman announced Iran supported the Palestinian offensive and claimed the attack came in response to [[Israeli settler violence|attacks by Jewish settlers in the West Bank]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Hamas: Iran backed the attacks |url=https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/israel-hamas-gaza-rockets-attack-palestinians/card/hamas-says-attacks-on-israel-were-backed-by-iran-kb2ySPwSyBrYpQVUPyM9#:~:text=A%20spokesman%20for%20Hamas%2C%20Ghazi,the%20broadcaster%20without%20naming%20them. |access-date=8 October 2023 |agency=[[BBC News]] |date=7 October 2023 |language=en |quote=A Hamas spokesperson earlier told the BBC that the militant group had backing from its ally, Iran, for its surprise attacks on Israel |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008140033/https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/israel-hamas-gaza-rockets-attack-palestinians/card/hamas-says-attacks-on-israel-were-backed-by-iran-kb2ySPwSyBrYpQVUPyM9#:~:text=A%20spokesman%20for%20Hamas%2C%20Ghazi,the%20broadcaster%20without%20naming%20them. |url-status=live }}</ref> Nations of the [[Western world]] as well as its allies condemned Hamas for the violence and described the tactics used as terrorism,<ref name="auto2">{{cite news |title=World reaction to surprise attack by Palestinian Hamas on Israel |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/7/we-are-at-war-reactions-to-palestinian-hamas-surprise-attack-in-israel |access-date=8 October 2023 |agency=[[Al Jazeera]] |language=en |archive-date=7 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007201341/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/7/we-are-at-war-reactions-to-palestinian-hamas-surprise-attack-in-israel |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0"/><ref name="india1" /><ref name="india2" /> while some Muslim countries blamed the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and the denial of [[Palestinian self-determination]] as the root cause of the escalation.<ref>{{cite news |title=Arab states call for restraint after Hamas attack— but some blame Israel |work=[[The Forward]]|url=https://forward.com/fast-forward/563491/arab-states-gaza-hamas-israel-attack-blame-reaction/ |url-status=live |access-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008063302/https://forward.com/fast-forward/563491/arab-states-gaza-hamas-israel-attack-blame-reaction/ |archive-date=8 October 2023}}</ref>{{efn|Over 70% of world countries recognize the [[State of Palestine]] (including the UN) and condemn the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. These countries also recognize the right to self determination of the Palestinian peoples.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Countries that Recognize Palestine 2023|url=https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/countries-that-recognize-palestine|access-date=8 October 2023|website=worldpopulationreview.com|archive-date=14 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230914191647/https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/countries-that-recognize-palestine|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto5">{{Cite web |title=Right of Self-Determination of the Palestinian People - CEIRPP, DPR study |url=https://www.un.org/unispal/document/auto-insert-196558/|access-date=8 October 2023 |website=Question of Palestine |language=en-US |archive-date=9 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009002142/https://www.un.org/unispal/document/auto-insert-196558/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
In 1970, the United Nations General Assembly "reasserting previous demands for Israeli withdrawal from territories occupied in 1967, for the observance of the right of return of the refugees, and for the cessation of violations of human rights", underlined the central position of the Palestine issue in the Middle East situation, declaring it recognizes that "the people of Palestine are entitled to equal rights and self-determination, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations: 'Declares that full respect for the inalienable rights of the people of Palestine is an indispensable element in the establishment of a just and lasting peace in the Middle East'."<ref name="auto5"/>|name=Note 1}} Others called for de-escalation.<ref name="GlobalCalls"/><ref name="NigeriaReacts"/> A conflict was reported between Hezbollah forces in Lebanon and Israeli forces on October 8.<ref name = "alahram"/> | |||
== Background == | == Background == | ||
{{See also|Gaza–Israel conflict|July 2023 Jenin incursion|2023 Al-Aqsa clashes}} | {{See also|Gaza–Israel conflict|July 2023 Jenin incursion|2023 Al-Aqsa clashes}} | ||
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 |work=[[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, | 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 |work=[[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, leading [[Human Rights Watch]] to call the strip an "open-air prison".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/video-photos/video/2022/06/13/gaza-open-air-prison|title=Gaza: An 'Open-Air Prison'|access-date=7 October 2023|date=7 October 2023|archive-date=6 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606095136/https://www.hrw.org/video-photos/video/2022/06/13/gaza-open-air-prison|url-status=live}}</ref> Furthermore, Gaza is closed off from the rest of the world, and access to resources including food, water, and electricity is almost entirely controlled by Israel.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.pcrf.net/information-you-should-know/electricity-in-gaza.html |title=What You Need To Know About The Electricity Crisis In Gaza |work=PCRF |access-date=8 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231008083802/https://www.pcrf.net/information-you-should-know/electricity-in-gaza.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The blockade has caused significant economic hardship upon the Palestinians,<ref>{{cite news|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 |work=[[Reuters]] |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007134952/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-unrest-sends-message-about-economic-misery-under-israeli-blockade-2023-10-04/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and was cited by Hamas as one of the reasons for its offensive.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fears of a ground invasion of Gaza grow as Israel vows 'mighty vengeance'|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/7/world-is-watching-fears-grow-of-a-massive-gaza-invasion-by-israel|quote=Hamas said its unprecedented offensive by land, air and sea was in response to the desecration of the Al Aqsa Mosque as well as Israeli atrocities against Palestinians over the decades. These include the 16-year blockade of Gaza, Israeli raids inside West Bank cities over the past year, increasing attacks by settlers on Palestinians as well as the growth of illegal settlements.|access-date=8 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008024318/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/7/world-is-watching-fears-grow-of-a-massive-gaza-invasion-by-israel|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
In 2023, there were several violent flare-ups in the [[Israeli–Palestinian conflict]]. Prior to the attack, including combatants and civilians on both sides, at least 247 Palestinians had been killed by Israeli forces, while 32 Israelis and two foreign nationals had been killed in Palestinian attacks.<ref name="aj1"/><ref name=f24>{{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> 2023 also witnessed the rise of Israel's far-right government, which has ramped up settlement construction in the [[Israeli-occupied territories|Israeli-occupied]] [[West Bank]]; an increase in Israeli settler attacks there, which has displaced hundreds of Palestinians; and [[2023 Al-Aqsa clashes|tensions flaring]] around a flashpoint Jerusalem holy site, the [[Al-Aqsa Mosque]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-ca7903976387cfc1e1011ce9ea805a71|title=Israel declares war, goes after Hamas fighters and bombards Gaza|website=[[Associated Press News]] |accessdate=7 October 2023|date=7 October 2023|agency=The Associated Press|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008051308/https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-ca7903976387cfc1e1011ce9ea805a71|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
The commander of the [[Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades]], [[Mohammed Deif]], said in a recorded message on the first day of the attack, that it was in response to "desecration of the Al-Aqsa Mosque", and Israel killing and wounding hundreds of Palestinians this year.<ref name="TOI1"/> He called on Palestinians and Arab Israelis to "expel the occupiers and demolish the walls".<ref name="TOI1">{{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 |access-date=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=7 October 2023 |script-title=he:מוחמד דף על מתקפת הרקטות: ישראל חיללה את אל-אקצא, קורא לערביי ישראל להצטרף |title= |trans-title=Mohammed Page on the rocket attack: Israel has blasphemed al-Aqsa, calls on the Israeli Arabs to join |language=he |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/byezsprea |access-date=7 October 2023 |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> He also added that the operation was launched so "the enemy will understand that the time of their rampaging without accountability has ended."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/article/israel-gaza-hamas-what-we-know.html|title=What We Know About the Hamas Attack and Israel's Response|work=The New York Times|date=7 October 2023|accessdate=7 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008143358/https://www.nytimes.com/article/israel-gaza-hamas-what-we-know.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He continued:<ref>{{Cite news|last=Srivastava|first=Mehul|date=2023-10-08|title='The Guest': the Palestinian mastermind behind deadly Israel incursion |work=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/d52e8653-8ee6-40fd-a9b0-14fb5e1794c9 |access-date=2023-10-08 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008222504/https://www.ft.com/content/d52e8653-8ee6-40fd-a9b0-14fb5e1794c9 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
{{cquote|In light of the continuing crimes against our people, in light of the orgy of occupation and its denial of international laws and resolutions, and in light of American and western support, we’ve decided to put an end to all this, so that the enemy understands that he can no longer revel without being held to account.}} | |||
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 start of the [[Yom Kippur War]], which also began with a surprise attack.<ref name="ap1"/> 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"/> | |||
The Palestinian militant groups dubbed their assault '''Operation al-Aqsa Flood''' (or Deluge) ({{Lang-ar|عملية طوفان الأقصى|ʿamaliyyat ṭūfān al-ʾAqṣā}}),<ref>{{Cite news|last=McKernan|first=Bethan|date=7 October 2023|title=Hundreds die and hostages held as Hamas assault shocks Israel|language=en-GB|work=[[The Guardian]]|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/07/israel-strikes-back-after-massive-palestinian-attack |access-date=7 October 2023|issn=0029-7712|archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007192641/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/07/israel-strikes-back-after-massive-palestinian-attack |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ToI-5000-flood2">{{Cite news|last=Pacchiani|first=Gianluca|date=7 October 2023 |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/ |url-status=live |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/ |archive-date=7 October 2023 |access-date=7 October 2023 |work=[[The Times of Israel]] |language=en-US}}</ref> while Israel announced the beginning of a counteroffensive effort called '''Operation Iron Swords''' ({{Lang-he|מבצע חרבות ברזל|Mivtsa harvot barzel{{cn|date=October 2023|reason= Compare talk page section "Correct Hebrew transliteration"}}}}).<ref>{{Cite news |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 |url-status=live |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 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |access-date=7 October 2023|publisher=[[CNN]]}}</ref> Several news agencies and observers have described the ongoing conflict as the '''Third Intifada''', following the prior Palestinian uprisings of the [[First Intifada|First]] and [[Second Intifada]].<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |last=Sengupta |first=Arjun |date=7 October 2023|title=A Third Intifada? What we know about the latest Hamas-Israel escalation |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/third-intifada-hamas-israel-escalation-8972498/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007160227/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/third-intifada-hamas-israel-escalation-8972498/ |archive-date=7 October 2023 |access-date=7 October 2023 |website=[[The Indian Express]] |language=en |quote=Some observers have referred to the latest escalation as the beginning of the "Third Intifada".}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=McKernan|first=Bethan |date=7 October 2023 |title=Civilians will pay price for biggest challenge to Israel since 1973 |language=en-GB |work=[[The Observer]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/07/civilians-will-pay-price-for-biggest-challenge-to-israel-since-1973 |access-date=7 October 2023|issn=0029-7712 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007194124/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/07/civilians-will-pay-price-for-biggest-challenge-to-israel-since-1973 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=jcookson |date=7 October 2023|title=Experts react: Israel is 'at war' after Hamas militants launch major assault|url=https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/experts-react/experts-react-israel-is-at-war-after-hamas-militants-launch-major-assault/|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007182346/https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/experts-react/experts-react-israel-is-at-war-after-hamas-militants-launch-major-assault/ |archive-date=7 October 2023 |access-date=7 October 2023 |publisher=[[Atlantic Council]] |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
Israel and [[Saudi Arabia]] are conducting [[Arab–Israeli normalization|negotiations to normalize relations]], with [[Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia|Saudi Arabian 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> | |||
A spokesperson for [[Palestinian Islamic Jihad]] stated that they do not consider Israeli citizens to be civilians: "We are not killing civilians. This is a military society. They are the ones who elect their governments."<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Revheim-Rafaelsen |first1=Mathias |last2=Alayoubi |first2=Mohammed |last3=Løve Pilskog Loe |first3=Isak |date=7 October 2023 |title=Hamas til NRK: – Hovedmålet er å få palestinske fanger løslatt |language=Norwegian Bokmål|trans-title=Hamas to NRK: "Primary goal is to have Palestinian prisoners freed" |work=[[NRK]] |url=https://www.nrk.no/urix/hamas-til-nrk_-__hovedmalet-er-a-fa-palestinske-fanger-loslatt-1.16586790 |url-status=live |access-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007155819/https://www.nrk.no/urix/hamas-til-nrk_-__hovedmalet-er-a-fa-palestinske-fanger-loslatt-1.16586790 |archive-date=7 October 2023}}</ref> | |||
Israel | ===Palestinian prisoners=== | ||
{{main|Palestinian prisoners in Israel}} | |||
Since 1967, Israel has arrested around 1 million Palestinians; 40% of Palestinian males have been in an Israeli jail at some point in their life.<ref>{{cite news|title=Why are so many Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails?|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/8/why-are-so-many-palestinian-prisoners-in-israeli-jails|access-date=9 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008155702/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/8/why-are-so-many-palestinian-prisoners-in-israeli-jails|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Special Rapporteur Says Israel's Unlawful Carceral Practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory Are Tantamount to International Crimes and Have Turned it into an Open-Air Prison|url=https://www.ohchr.org/en/news/2023/07/special-rapporteur-says-israels-unlawful-carceral-practices-occupied-palestinian|publisher=[[United Nations]]|access-date=9 October 2023|archive-date=11 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711181212/https://www.ohchr.org/en/news/2023/07/special-rapporteur-says-israels-unlawful-carceral-practices-occupied-palestinian|url-status=live}}</ref> Currently there are nearly 5,200 Palestinian prisoners, including 170 children.<ref name="aj2"/> Israel has also detained 1,200 Palestinians without charge or trial.<ref>{{cite news|title=Israel formally declares war, approves 'significant' steps to retaliate for Hamas attack|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/israel-gaza-hamas-hezbollah-1.6990466|publisher=[[CBC News]]|access-date=9 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008232028/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/israel-gaza-hamas-hezbollah-1.6990466|url-status=live}}</ref> The length of detention for these detainees is a year on average.<ref name=abc>{{cite news|title=Israel holds over 1,200 detainees without charge. That's the most in 3 decades, a rights group says|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/israel-holds-1200-detainees-charge-3-decades-rights-101905571|access-date=9 October 2023|archive-date=29 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829044933/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/israel-holds-1200-detainees-charge-3-decades-rights-101905571|url-status=live}}</ref> Israel keeps allegations against these prisoners secret, citing security reasons.<ref name=abc/> | |||
Hamas justified its abductions by pointing to the thousands of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel,<ref name="ap1" /> and claimed it was fighting to secure their freedom via [[prisoner swap]]s.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hamas says it has enough Israeli captives to free all Palestinian prisoners|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/7/hamas-says-it-has-enough-israeli-captives-to-free-all-palestinian-prisoners|access-date=7 October 2023|archive-date=7 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007163709/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/7/hamas-says-it-has-enough-israeli-captives-to-free-all-palestinian-prisoners|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2006, Hamas captured [[Gilad Shalit]], forcing Israel to release 1,000 Palestinians as part of a prisoner swap.<ref>{{cite news|title=Israeli hostage crisis in Hamas-ruled Gaza becomes a political trap for Netanyahu|url=https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-israel-military-prisoners-hostage-hamas-soldiers-e75729364f8c0b453da272365c16d136|access-date=9 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008201317/https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-israel-military-prisoners-hostage-hamas-soldiers-e75729364f8c0b453da272365c16d136|url-status=live | |||
}}</ref> | |||
== Palestinian offensive == | == Palestinian offensive == | ||
| Line 75: | Line 111: | ||
{{see also|Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel}} | {{see also|Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel}} | ||
[[File:A rocket hit a vehicle in Rishon Lezion.jpg|thumb|Aftermath of a rocket attack in [[Rishon LeZion]]]] | [[File:A rocket hit a vehicle in Rishon Lezion.jpg|thumb|Aftermath of a rocket attack in [[Rishon LeZion]]]] | ||
At around 06:30 local time (UTC+3) on 7 October 2023,<ref name="aj1">{{Cite news |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 | At around 06:30 local time ([[Israel Summer Time|IDT]], UTC+3) on 7 October 2023,<ref name="aj1">{{Cite news |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 sources reported that at least 3,000 projectiles had been launched from Gaza. At least five people were killed by the rocket attacks.<ref name = "scmp8oct"/><ref name="aj7oct">{{Cite news |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"/><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 news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67036625 |title=Strikes on Gaza after Palestinian militants enter Israel|date=7 October 2023 |publisher=[[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 news|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" /> In the evening Hamas launched another barrage of about 150 rockets towards Israel, with explosions being reported in [[Yavne]], [[Givatayim]], [[Bat Yam]], [[Beit Dagan]], Tel Aviv, and Rishon Lezion.<ref name="aj7oct"/> It was followed by another rocket barrage on the morning of 8 October, with one rocket hitting a hospital in Ashkelon.<ref name="ap1"/> It also fired 100 rockets at Sderot.<ref name="bbc3"/> | ||
[[File:Palestinian_rocket_being_fired_at_Israel's_occupied_territories,_October_2023.jpg|thumb|A Palestinian rocket]] | |||
=== Militant incursions into Israel === | === Militant incursions into Israel === | ||
{{See also|Stand-off in Be'eri and Ofakim|Battle of Re'im|Battle of Sderot}} | {{See also |Stand-off in Be'eri and Ofakim |Battle of Re'im |Battle of Sderot |Re'im music festival massacre}} | ||
Simultaneously, around 1,000<ref name="aj7oct"/> Palestinian militants infiltrated Israel from Gaza using trucks, [[pickup truck]]s, motorcycles, bulldozers, speedboats 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. Other videos appeared to show Israelis taken prisoner and a burning Israeli tank,<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Federman |first1=Josef |last2=Adwan |first2=Issam |date=7 October 2023 |title=Hamas militant group launches unprecedented operation against Israel with rockets and infiltration |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007073124/https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |access-date=7 October 2023 | | Simultaneously, around 1,000<ref name="aj7oct"/> Palestinian militants infiltrated Israel from Gaza using trucks, [[pickup truck]]s, motorcycles, bulldozers, speedboats 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. Other videos appeared to show Israelis taken prisoner and a burning Israeli tank,<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Federman |first1=Josef |last2=Adwan |first2=Issam |date=7 October 2023 |title=Hamas militant group launches unprecedented operation against Israel with rockets and infiltration |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007073124/https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |access-date=7 October 2023|publisher=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref><ref name="guardian7oct" /> as well as militants driving Israeli military vehicles.<ref name="bbc1" /> On that morning, a [[Re'im music festival massacre|massacre unfolded at an outdoor music festival near Re'im]], potentially resulting in hundreds dead, with many still missing and in hiding. Witnesses recounted militants on motorcycles opening fire on fleeing participants, who were already dispersing due to rocket fire that had wounded some attendees; some were also taken hostage.<ref name="npr" /> Infiltrators were also spotted at [[Nir Oz]],<ref name="cnn1"/> [[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 amphibious landing occurred in [[Zikim]].<ref name="bbc1"/><ref>{{Cite web|last=O'Connor|first=Tom|date=2023-10-07|title=What's happening in Israel right now as it battles full-scale Hamas assault |url=https://www.newsweek.com/whats-happening-israel-right-now-it-battles-full-scale-hamas-assault-1832883|access-date=2023-10-09|website=Newsweek|language=en |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008210405/https://www.newsweek.com/whats-happening-israel-right-now-it-battles-full-scale-hamas-assault-1832883|url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
Several Palestinian groups voiced their support for the operation. The National Resistance Brigades, the armed wing of the secular-socialist [[Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine]] (DFLP) confirmed their participation in the operation through their military spokesman Abu Khaled.<ref>{{Cite web |last=الانترنت |first=الحرية-مجلة التقدميين العرب على |title="أبو خالد" الناطق العسكري لكتائب المقاومة الوطنية (قوات الشهيد عمر القاسم) الجناح العسكري للجبهة الديمقراطية لتحرير فلسطين|url=https://alhourriah.org/article/125236 |access-date=8 October 2023 |publisher=مجلة التقدميين العرب على الانترنت |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008113130/https://alhourriah.org/article/125236 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 7 October they claimed to have lost three fighters in combat with the [[Israel Defense Forces]] (IDF), and on 8 October that they are engaged with Israeli forces in [[Kfar Aza|Kfar Azza]], [[Be'eri|Be'eri]], and [[Kissufim]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=الانترنت |first=الحرية-مجلة التقدميين العرب على |title=خلال بيان لها قبل قليل.. كتائب المقاومة الوطنية (قوات الشهيد عمر القاسم) الجناح العسكري للجبهة الديمقراطية |url=https://alhourriah.org/article/125237 |access-date=8 October 2023|publisher=مجلة التقدميين العرب على الانترنت|archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008112533/https://alhourriah.org/article/125237 |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[PFLP]], another Palestinian socialist militant group, and the [[Lions' Den (militant group)|Lions' Den]] group voiced their support for the operation and declared maximum alertness and general mobilization amongst their troops, and the [[Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades]] (armed wing of the PFLP) published videos of it storming Israeli watchtowers.<ref>{{Cite web|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-|title=صادر عن كتائب الشهيد أبو علي مصطفى الجناح العسكري للجبهة الشعبية لتحرير فلسطين|date=7 October 2023|publisher=الجبهة الشعبية لتحرير فلسطين|access-date=7 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008000112/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-|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=English |first=Al Mayadeen |date=7 October 2023 |title=Side by side: Palestinian Resistance factions announce mobilization|url=https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/side-by-side:-palestinian-resistance-factions-announce-mobil |access-date=8 October 2023 |website=Al Mayadeen English |language=en-EN |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008112531/https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/side-by-side:-palestinian-resistance-factions-announce-mobil |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
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 news |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 |work=[[The 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 21 active high-confrontation locations in southern Israel.<ref name="jordan1" /> | 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 news |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 |work=[[The 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 21 active high-confrontation locations in southern Israel.<ref name="jordan1" /> | ||
== Israeli response == | == Israeli response == | ||
The attack, which coincided with the Jewish holiday of [[Simchat Torah]], | === 7 October === | ||
The attack, which coincided with the Jewish holiday of [[Simchat Torah]], appeared to have been a complete surprise to the 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" /> Gallant later approved the mobilisation of tens of thousands of army reservists<ref name="aj1"/><ref name="bbc1"/> and declared a state of emergency for areas within {{convert|80|km|mi}} of the Gaza border.<ref name="guardianlive">{{Cite news |last1=Bayer |first1=Lili |last2=Ho |first2=Vivian |last3=Fulton |first3=Adam |last4=Yang |first4=Maya <!-- author names are changing over time --> |date=7 October 2023|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=7 October 2023 |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 declared a "state of readiness for war".<ref name="aj7oct"/> It also 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 news |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 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007112343/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- |url-status=live}}</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 news |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 |publisher=[[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 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008000139/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/10/07/israel-gaza-rocket-attack-hamas/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The IDF declared a state of readiness for war, and Prime Minister 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"/> 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=7 October 2023 |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=7 October 2023 |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 to "civilian movement" as well as the deployment of the [[Yamam]] counterterrorism unit to the area.<ref name="jordan1">{{Cite web |date=7 October 2023 |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> The IDF's chief spokesperson, Rear Admiral [[Daniel Hagari]] said four divisions were deployed to the area, augmenting 31 preexisting battalions.<ref name="ap1"/> | |||
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 tweet |user=netanyahu |number=1710622311760413115 |date=7 October 2023 |script-title=he:דבריי בפתח ישיבת הקבינט |trans-title=My words at the beginning of the cabinet meeting: |access-date=7 October 2023 |language=he}}</ref> In a later address, he threatened to "turn Gaza into a deserted island", and urged its residents to "leave now."<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 October 2023 |title=Fears of a ground invasion of Gaza grow as Israel vows 'mighty vengeance'|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/7/world-is-watching-fears-grow-of-a-massive-gaza-invasion-by-israel |publisher=[[Al Jazeera]] |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008024318/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/7/world-is-watching-fears-grow-of-a-massive-gaza-invasion-by-israel |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Airports in southern and central Israel were closed to commercial and private use, while [[Ben Gurion Airport]]<ref>{{Cite news |title=Airports close in southern, central Israel following rocket fire|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/syme7drgt |access-date=7 October 2023 |newspaper=Ynetnews |date=7 October 2023 |language=en |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007073207/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/syme7drgt |url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Eilat Airport]] remained operational. [[Lufthansa]], [[Emirates (airline)|Emirates]], [[Ryanair]], [[Aegean Airlines]], [[Air France]], [[Transavia]], and several US airliners cancelled flights to and from Israel.<ref name="f24live"/> | |||
=== 7 October === | Overnight on 7–8 October, Israel's [[Security Cabinet of Israel|Security Cabinet]] voted to undertake a series of actions to bring about the "destruction of the military and governmental capabilities of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad", according to a statement by the [[Prime Minister's Office (Israel)|Prime Minister's Office]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Security cabinet says Israel will destroy military, governmental abilities of Hamas, Islamic Jihad|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/security-cabinet-says-israel-will-destroy-military-governmental-abilities-of-hamas-islamic-jihad/ |access-date=7 October 2023 |work=[[The Times of Israel]] |date=7 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008000150/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/security-cabinet-says-israel-will-destroy-military-governmental-abilities-of-hamas-islamic-jihad/|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Israel Electric Corporation]], which supplies up to 80% of the Gaza Strip's electricity, cut off power to the area.<ref name="bbc1"/> As a result, Gaza's power supply was reduced from 120 MW to only 20 MW, forcing it to rely on power plants paid for by the [[Palestinian Authority]].<ref name="aj4"/> | ||
==== Stand-off in Be'eri and Ofakim ==== | ==== Stand-off in Be'eri and Ofakim ==== | ||
{{main article|Stand-off in Be'eri and Ofakim}} | {{main article|Stand-off in Be'eri and Ofakim}} | ||
In Be'eri, Hamas militants took up to 50 people hostage. During a stand-off between militants and IDF forces, videos emerged from Be'eri showing the hostages being led, by Hamas militants, barefoot across a street in town. Approximately 18 hours after the stand-off began, the IDF announced that they had freed the hostages in Be'eri.<ref name="BBChostage">{{cite news |title=What we know about Israeli hostages taken by Hamas |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67044255 |date=8 October 2023 | | In Be'eri, Hamas militants took up to 50 people hostage. During a stand-off between militants and IDF forces, videos emerged from Be'eri showing the hostages being led, by Hamas militants, barefoot across a street in town. Approximately 18 hours after the stand-off began, the IDF announced that they had freed the hostages in Be'eri.<ref name="BBChostage">{{cite news |title=What we know about Israeli hostages taken by Hamas |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67044255 |date=8 October 2023 |agency=[[BBC News]]|first=Alys|last=Davies |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008025612/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67044255 |url-status=live}}</ref> In the town of [[Urim, Israel|Urim]], a suburb of Ofakim, two Israelis were rescued by the IDF. During the rescue, four Hamas militants were killed and three Israeli soldiers were injured.<ref name="BBChostage" /> | ||
In the town of [[Urim, Israel|Urim]], a suburb of Ofakim, two Israelis were rescued by | |||
==== Airstrikes in the Gaza Strip ==== | ==== Airstrikes in the Gaza Strip ==== | ||
The IDF said it attacked targets in Gaza using fighter jets,<ref name="aj7oct"/> reportedly hitting 17 Hamas military compounds and four operational command centres.<ref name="guardianlive" /> Among the locations struck was the 11-story Palestine Tower in downtown [[Gaza City]] that housed Hamas radio stations on the rooftop. Israel also struck two hospitals, killing an ambulance driver and a nurse.<ref name="bbc1" /> | The IDF said it attacked targets in Gaza using fighter jets,<ref name="aj7oct"/> reportedly hitting 17 Hamas military compounds and four operational command centres.<ref name="guardianlive" /> Among the locations struck was the 11-story Palestine Tower in downtown [[Gaza City]] that housed Hamas radio stations on the rooftop. Israel also struck two hospitals, killing an ambulance driver and a nurse.<ref name="bbc1" /> | ||
[[File:Palestinians who survived an Israeli missile strike, 2023.jpg|thumb|Palestinians near the site of an airstrike]] | |||
=== 8 October === | === 8 October === | ||
The [[Security Cabinet of Israel|Security Cabinet]] formally placed the country under a [[Declaration of war|state of war]] for the first time since the [[Yom Kippur War|1973 Yom Kippur War]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2023-10-08|title=Security cabinet approves declaration of war |url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-765222 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008205931/https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-765222|archive-date=8 October 2023 |access-date=2023-10-09 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="war dec">{{cite news |title=Israel officially declares war for 1st time since 1973 as death toll mounts to 600 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/israel-officially-declares-war-for-1st-time-since-1973-as-death-toll-mounts-to-600/articleshow/104261182.cms?from=mdr |access-date=8 October 2023 |work=The Times of India |date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008131015/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/israel-officially-declares-war-for-1st-time-since-1973-as-death-toll-mounts-to-600/articleshow/104261182.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref> Israel struck up to 426 targets<ref name="ap4" /> in the Gaza Strip, including housing blocks, tunnels, the Al-Amin Muhammad Mosque, homes of Hamas officials, and the Watan Tower, which served as a hub for internet providers in the area.<ref name="bbc3">{{cite news |last1=Abu Alouf |first1=Rushdi |title=Gaza: Fear and chaos for Palestinians as Israel strikes back|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67045078 |access-date=8 October 2023 |publisher=BBC News |date=8 October 2023 |language=en |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008144624/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67045078 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Lubell |first1=Maayan |last2=Al-Mughrabi |first2=Nidal |title=Israel pounds Gaza after deadly Hamas raid as conflict threatens to spiral|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-forces-clash-with-hamas-gunmen-after-hundreds-killed-2023-10-08/ |access-date=8 October 2023 |work=Reuters |date=8 October 2023 |language=en |archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008055211/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-forces-clash-with-hamas-gunmen-after-hundreds-killed-2023-10-08/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Jihane Rahhou|title=Israeli Strike Destroys Al-Amin Muhammad Mosque in Gaza|url=https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2023/10/358152/israeli-strike-destroys-al-amin-muhammad-mosque-in-gaza|date=8 October 2023|access-date=8 October 2023|archive-date=9 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009000405/https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2023/10/358152/israeli-strike-destroys-al-amin-muhammad-mosque-in-gaza|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-middle-east-67045650|title=Mosque destroyed in Israeli strikes on Gaza|publisher=BBC News|access-date=8 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008104732/https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-middle-east-67045650|url-status=live}}</ref> An Israeli military spokesperson claimed that two hostage situations had been "resolved".<ref name="ap3">{{cite news|last1=Goldenberg|first1=Tia|last2=Shurafa |first2=Wafaa |date=8 October 2023 |title=Hamas fighters storm Israeli towns in surprise attack; Israel responds with deadly strikes on Gaza |work=[[Associated Press News]]|url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-ca7903976387cfc1e1011ce9ea805a71 |url-status=live |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008051308/https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-ca7903976387cfc1e1011ce9ea805a71 |archive-date=8 October 2023}}</ref> The IDF also said it had secured 22 locations from Palestinian forces but were still trying to clear eight other locations including Sderot and Kfar Aza. In one community, it rescued nearly 50 hostages. Several Palestinian gunmen riding in a stolen car were killed by Israeli forces near Ashkelon following a shootout on a main road.<ref name="bbc2">{{cite news |date=8 October 2023 |title=Israeli forces fight to drive out Hamas militants and free hostages |agency=[[BBC News]] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67045138 |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008100223/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67045138 |url-status=live }}</ref> Israeli forces also retook Sderot police station, killing ten militants.<ref>{{cite news |date=8 October 2023 |title=Israeli security forces take control of Sderot police station; 10 terrorists killed |work=[[The Times of Israel]] |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/israeli-forces-take-control-of-sderot-police-station-10-terrorists-killed/ |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008063026/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/israeli-forces-take-control-of-sderot-police-station-10-terrorists-killed/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At the same time, more Palestinian fighters were reported to have entered [[Magen, Israel|Magen]].<ref name="ajlive2" /> | |||
Evacuations of residents living near the Gaza Strip were ordered,<ref name="bbc2" /><ref name="ajlive2" /> and Netanyahu appointed former brigadier general [[Gal Hirsch]] as the government's point man on missing and kidnapped citizens.<ref>{{cite news |date=8 October 2023 |title=Netanyahu names general as government point man on missing Israelis |work=[[The Times of Israel]] |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/netanyahu-names-general-as-government-point-man-on-missing-israelis/ |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008223922/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/netanyahu-names-general-as-government-point-man-on-missing-israelis/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
== Outside Gaza == | |||
{{see also|October 2023 Hezbollah strike|2023 Alexandria shooting}} | |||
Between 7 and 8 October, 11 [[Palestinian]] youths, including a 13-year-old, were killed in confrontations with [[Israel Defense Forces|Israeli forces]] throughout the [[Israeli occupation of the West Bank|occupied]] [[West Bank]].<ref name="auto4"/><ref>[https://nournews.ir/En/News/152621/Israeli-forces-kill-6-Palestinian-youths-in-West-Bank Israeli forces kill 6 Palestinian youths in West Bank] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009000911/https://nournews.ir/En/News/152621/Israeli-forces-kill-6-Palestinian-youths-in-West-Bank |date=9 October 2023 }}<br>[https://www.newarab.com/news/palestinian-killed-west-bank-death-toll-reaches-seven Palestinian killed near Nablus as West Bank death toll reaches seven] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008113627/https://www.newarab.com/news/palestinian-killed-west-bank-death-toll-reaches-seven |date=8 October 2023 }}</ref> On the morning of 8 October, [[Hezbollah]] fired rockets and shells at the [[Shebaa Farms]] region; in response the IDF fired artillery shells and a drone into southern Lebanon.<ref>{{cite news |date=8 October 2023 |title=Israel, Hezbollah exchange fire raising regional tensions |agency=[[Al Jazeera]] |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/8/israel-hezbollah-exchange-fire-raising-regional-tensions |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008101121/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/8/israel-hezbollah-exchange-fire-raising-regional-tensions |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Fabian |first1=Emanuel |date=8 October 2023|title=IDF artillery strikes targets in Lebanon as mortar shells fired toward Israel |work=[[The Times of Israel]] |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-artillery-strikes-targets-in-lebanon-as-mortar-shells-fired-toward-israel/ |url-status=live |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008044429/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-artillery-strikes-targets-in-lebanon-as-mortar-shells-fired-toward-israel/ |archive-date=8 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="auto3" /> Two Lebanese children were reportedly injured by broken glass.<ref name="ap4"/> On the same day, an Egyptian policeman [[2023 Alexandria shooting|attacked]] Israeli tourists and their Egyptian guides in [[Alexandria]], Egypt, killing two Israelis and one Egyptian, and wounding a third Israeli. The gunman was detained by the [[Egyptian National Police|Egyptian police]].<ref name="auto">{{Cite news|date=8 October 2023 |title=Two Israeli tourists and local guide shot dead in Egypt, Israel says |language=en-GB |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67046394 |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008120503/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67046394 |url-status=live }}</ref> Video footage confirmed that a small unit belonging to Palestinian militias had arrived at the Jewish settlement of [[Psagot]] near occupied [[East Jerusalem]].<ref name="auto6">{{Cite web|url=https://www.palestinechronicle.com/in-shocking-video-gaza-resistance-fighters-arrive-at-qalandiya-checkpoint/|title=In Shocking Video, Gaza Resistance Fighters Arrive at Qalandiya Checkpoint|date=8 October 2023|access-date=8 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008221437/https://www.palestinechronicle.com/in-shocking-video-gaza-resistance-fighters-arrive-at-qalandiya-checkpoint/|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the statement, the unit, made up of several fighters from Gaza, clashed with Israeli soldiers at the [[Qalandia checkpoint]].<ref name="auto6"/> | |||
== Casualties == | == Casualties == | ||
=== Israel === | === Israel === | ||
At least 700 Israelis were killed and over 2,200 wounded, with 360 of them in critical condition.<ref>{{cite news |title=At Least 700 Israelis Killed, 2,000 Wounded; Over 130 Civilians and Soldiers Held Hostage in Gaza|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-10-08/ty-article-live/over-250-israelis-killed-1-590-wounded-civilians-and-soldiers-held-hostage-in-gaza/0000018b-0cd2-d8fc-adff-6dfe855e0000 |work=Haaretz |access-date=8 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008150126/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-10-08/ty-article-live/over-250-israelis-killed-1-590-wounded-civilians-and-soldiers-held-hostage-in-gaza/0000018b-0cd2-d8fc-adff-6dfe855e0000 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Israel declares war, goes after Hamas fighters and bombards Gaza |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-ca7903976387cfc1e1011ce9ea805a71 |publisher=Associated Press |date=8 October 2023 |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008051308/https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-ca7903976387cfc1e1011ce9ea805a71 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Lubell |first1=Maayan |last2=Al-Mughrabi |first2=Nidal |title=Israel retaliates after Hamas attacks, deaths pass 1,100 |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-forces-clash-with-hamas-gunmen-after-hundreds-killed-2023-10-08/ |publisher=Reuters |date=8 October 2023 |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008103621/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-forces-clash-with-hamas-gunmen-after-hundreds-killed-2023-10-08/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At least one civilian death was reported in [[Kfar Aviv]], while three people were reportedly injured in [[Ashkelon]] and [[Yavne]].<ref name="cnn1" /> Nine people were fatally shot at a bus shelter in Sderot.<ref name="ap1" /> 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=[[The 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> | |||
Hamas | The police commander of [[Rahat]], [[Jayar Davidov]], was killed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 October 2023 |title=The Chief of the Rahat police, Sen. Giyar Davidov, was killed today |url=https://cedarnews.net/task/breakingnews/news-task/640691/the-chief-of-the-rahat-police-sen-giyar-davidov-was-killed-today/ |access-date=7 October 2023 |website=Cedar News |language=ar |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007231427/https://cedarnews.net/task/breakingnews/news-task/640691/the-chief-of-the-rahat-police-sen-giyar-davidov-was-killed-today/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The IDF confirmed that 44 of its soldiers had been killed.<ref name="ap4">{{cite news|title=Israel battles Hamas militants as country's death toll from mass incursion reaches 600 |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-ca7903976387cfc1e1011ce9ea805a71 |access-date=8 October 2023 |work=[[Associated Press News]] |date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008051308/https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-ca7903976387cfc1e1011ce9ea805a71 |url-status=live }}</ref> Among the confirmed IDF dead was Colonel [[Yonatan Steinberg]], the commander of the [[Nahal Brigade]], who was killed near [[Kerem Shalom]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Commander of IDF's Nahal Brigade killed in clashes with Hamas on Gaza border |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/commander-of-idfs-nahal-brigade-killed-in-clashes-with-hamas-on-gaza-border/ |work=[[The Times of Israel]]|date=7 October 2023 |access-date=7 October 2023 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007231424/https://www.timesofisrael.com/commander-of-idfs-nahal-brigade-killed-in-clashes-with-hamas-on-gaza-border/|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" /> Dozens of bodies were reportedly discovered at the site of a nature party in [[Re'im]], after the [[Battle of Re'im]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Report: Bodies being removed, identified from site of large party near Re'im |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/report-bodies-being-removed-identified-from-site-of-large-party-near-reim/ |access-date=7 October 2023 |work=Times of Israel |date=7 October 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008000621/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/report-bodies-being-removed-identified-from-site-of-large-party-near-reim/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Colonel [[Roi Levy]] was killed in the battle.<ref>{{cite news |last=Fabian |first=Emanuel |date=8 October 2023|title=IDF says commander of elite 'Ghost' unit among those killed in battles |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-says-commander-of-elite-ghost-unit-among-those-killed-in-battles/ |work=The Times of Israel |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=9 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009001617/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-says-commander-of-elite-ghost-unit-among-those-killed-in-battles/ |url-status=live }}</ref> An emergency responder at the scene said that there were at least 200 bodies in the area he was in.<ref>{{cite news |title=How an Israel music festival turned into a nightmare after Hamas attack |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67047034 |access-date=8 October 2023 |publisher=BBC News |date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008143208/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67047034 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
At least 100 Israelis were taken prisoner by Hamas and transported to the Gaza Strip.<ref name="f24-3">{{cite news |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20231008-israel-battles-hamas-as-pm-warns-of-long-and-difficult-war|title=Almost 1,000 killed in Israel war with Hamas |publisher=[[France 24]] |date=8 October 2023 |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=9 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009001110/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20231008-israel-battles-hamas-as-pm-warns-of-long-and-difficult-war |url-status=live }}</ref> On 8 October, [[Palestinian Islamic Jihad]] claimed to be holding at least 30 captives.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pacchiani|first1=Gianluca |title=Islamic Jihad leader claims terror group is holding over 30 Israeli hostages |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/islamic-jihad-leader-claims-terror-group-is-holding-over-30-israeli-hostages/|access-date=8 October 2023 |work=Times of Israel |date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008184608/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/islamic-jihad-leader-claims-terror-group-is-holding-over-30-israeli-hostages/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At least four people were reportedly taken from Kfar Azza.<ref name="ap3" /> A photograph was released appearing to show Israeli major general [[Nimrod Aloni (general)|Nimrod Aloni]] being held by Palestinians, Hamas also claimed to have captured him;<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 |access-date=7 October 2023 |archive-date=7 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007160757/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/10/07/israel-palestine-war-commander-captured-by-hamas/ |url-status=live}}</ref> a [[Persian language]] post by the IDF on X (formerly known as Twitter) quoted a post about his capture from [[Tasnim News Agency]] and wrote "Tasnim: Distributors of fake news of [[Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps|IRGC]]" without either denying or confirming the capture of Aloni.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=IDFFarsi|number=1710621593905373503 |date=7 October 2023 |script-title=fa:تسنیم: توزیع کنندگان اخبار جعلی سپاه پاسداران |language=fa |trans-title=Tasnim: Distributors of fake news of IRGC |access-date=8 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Hamas claims to have captured Israeli commander |url=https://www.thejc.com/news/israel/hamas-claims-to-have-captured-israeli-commander-1eFJtqR70ytSrXHrCUtHpF |access-date=7 October 2023 |work=[[The Jewish Chronicle]]|quote=An IDF source told the JC the Hamas claim about Commander Aloni was "unclear and unconfirmed". |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008000236/https://www.thejc.com/news/israel/hamas-claims-to-have-captured-israeli-commander-1eFJtqR70ytSrXHrCUtHpF |url-status=live}}</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" /> | |||
=== Palestine === | === Palestine === | ||
Following Israel's airstrikes in response, the [[Ministry of Health, Palestine|Palestinian Health | Following Israel's airstrikes in response, the [[Ministry of Health, Palestine|Palestinian Ministry of Health]] led by the Hamas government in Gaza reported an unspecified number of injuries among "many citizens". It later said that 313 Palestinians, including 20 children, had been killed and about 2,000 others had been injured.<ref name="nyt7oct"/><ref name="nbc7oct"/><ref name="aj4">{{cite news |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2023/10/8/israeli-strikes-flatten-buildings-mosques-in-gaza |title=Israeli strikes flatten buildings, mosques in Gaza |publisher=[[Al Jazeera]] |date=8 October 2023 |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008150411/https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2023/10/8/israeli-strikes-flatten-buildings-mosques-in-gaza |url-status=live }}</ref> 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 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007163706/https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20231007-in-pictures-hamas-israel-palestine-gaza-attack-netanyahu |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Medecins Sans Frontieres]] said a nurse and an ambulance driver were killed in Israeli strikes on two hospitals.<ref name="bbc1"/> Palestinian media reported that several casualties occurred after an Israeli aircraft fired a missile at an ambulance in front of the Nasser hospital in [[Khan Younis]]. A paramedic was reported to be in critical condition.<ref name="aj7oct"/> Ten civilians were reportedly killed in a strike on a residential building in the Shabora on a residence near Khan Younis.<ref name="ajlive2"/> A Hamas leader named Ayman Younis was reported to have been killed on October 8 after shelling.<ref name = "scmp8oct">{{cite news|title=Around 1,000 dead in Israel-Hamas war, as Lebanon's Hezbollah also launches strikes|website=[[South China Morning Post]]|date=8 October 2023|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/world/middle-east/article/3237210/hundreds-dead-israel-hamas-war-lebanons-hezbollah-launches-attacks|access-date=9 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008185151/https://www.scmp.com/news/world/middle-east/article/3237210/hundreds-dead-israel-hamas-war-lebanons-hezbollah-launches-attacks|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
The [[United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East]] reported on 8 October that more than 20,000 Palestinians had left areas of the Gaza Strip bordering Israel, taking refuge inside the territory and in U.N. schools.<ref name="ap4"/> | |||
===Foreign nationals=== | ===Foreign nationals=== | ||
The [[Nepal]]i ambassador to Israel, | ====In Israel==== | ||
The [[Nepal]]i 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 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007163708/https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/at-least-7-nepali-injured-17-held-captive-by-hamas-in-israel-nepals-envoy20231007181710/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Israeli media also reported that migrant workers from [[Thailand]] and the [[Philippines]] were also taken captive by Palestinian militants.<ref name="ap1" /> The Thai government later confirmed that two of its nationals were killed during the Palestinian attack, while eight others were injured and 11 were captured by the militants.<ref name="bkpost" /> | |||
A German-Israeli woman was reportedly captured or killed while attending an outdoor music festival near the border with Gaza; a video of Palestinians parading her unconscious naked body in a car was circulated on the internet.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 October 2023 |title=Israel-Hamas war: Woman paraded naked by militants identified as German tattoo artist |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/israelhamas-war-woman-paraded-naked-by-militants-identified-as-german-tattoo-artist-101696752176453.html |access-date=8 October 2023 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008145012/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/israelhamas-war-woman-paraded-naked-by-militants-identified-as-german-tattoo-artist-101696752176453.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=8 October 2023 |publisher=[[CNN]] |title=Desert horror: Music festival goers first took cover from rockets, then Gaza militants began firing on them |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/07/middleeast/israel-gaza-fighting-hamas-attack-music-festival-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008042354/https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/07/middleeast/israel-gaza-fighting-hamas-attack-music-festival-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Another British attendee of the music festival was reported missing.<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 October 2023 |title=British citizen missing after Hamas attack on music festival in Israel|language=en|publisher=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/british-citizen-missing-after-hamas-attack-music-festival-israel-2023-10-08/ |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=9 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009001117/https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/british-citizen-missing-after-hamas-attack-music-festival-israel-2023-10-08/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Two Ukrainians, a Cambodian student, a Chilean woman, and a French woman were confirmed to have been killed by Hamas.<ref name="phnom">{{Cite news |date=8 October 2023 |title=Cambodian student killed as Israel fighting rages |language=en |work=The Phnom Penh Post|url=https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/cambodian-student-killed-israel-fighting-rages |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=9 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009001126/https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/cambodian-student-killed-israel-fighting-rages |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="kyiv">{{Cite news |date=8 October 2023 |title=Embassy: 2 Ukrainians killed in Israel attacks |language=en |work=The Kyiv Independent |url=https://kyivindependent.com/embassy-2-ukrainians-killed-in-israel/ |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=9 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009001411/https://kyivindependent.com/embassy-2-ukrainians-killed-in-israel/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="chile1">{{cite news |title=Hija de chilena murió en Israel tras ataque de Hamas: habría recibido 8 disparos |url=https://www.24horas.cl/internacional/noticias/hija-de-chilena-murio-en-israel-tras-ataque-de-hamas-habria-recibido-8-disparos |access-date=8 October 2023 |work=24 Horas |date=7 October 2023 |language=es-CL |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008033837/https://www.24horas.cl/internacional/noticias/hija-de-chilena-murio-en-israel-tras-ataque-de-hamas-habria-recibido-8-disparos |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="chile2">{{cite news |title=Hija de chilena murió en ataque de Hamás|url=https://cooperativa.cl/noticias/mundo/medio-oriente/conflicto-israel-palestina/hija-de-chilena-murio-en-ataque-de-hamas/2023-10-07/180351.html |access-date=8 October 2023 |work=Cooperativa.cl |date=7 October 2023 |language=es-CL |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008115547/https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/mundo/medio-oriente/conflicto-israel-palestina/hija-de-chilena-murio-en-ataque-de-hamas/2023-10-07/180351.html|url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="frenchcasualty"/> At least four Americans were killed during the attacks, with reports of more missing and captives held in Gaza.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 8, 2023 |title=Four Americans killed in Israel attacks, with death toll expected to rise, sources say |publisher=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/08/politics/blinken-israel-war-cnntv/index.html |access-date=9 October 2023 |archive-date=9 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009050013/https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/08/politics/blinken-israel-war-cnntv/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
[[Doctors Without Borders]] stated that Israel attacked an [[Indonesia]]n-run hospital in the Gaza Strip, killing one nurse, one ambulance driver and injuring several others.<ref>{{cite news|title=Doctors Without Borders says healthcare facilities 'cannot become targets' after Israeli forces struck a hospital and ambulance in Gaza|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/doctors-without-borders-hospitals-ambulances-targets-israel-hamas-gaza-2023-10|access-date=8 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008044430/https://www.businessinsider.com/doctors-without-borders-hospitals-ambulances-targets-israel-hamas-gaza-2023-10|url-status=live}}</ref> | ====In Palestine==== | ||
[[Doctors Without Borders]] stated that Israel attacked an [[Indonesia]]n-run hospital in the Gaza Strip, killing one nurse, one ambulance driver and injuring several others.<ref>{{cite news |title=Doctors Without Borders says healthcare facilities 'cannot become targets' after Israeli forces struck a hospital and ambulance in Gaza |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/doctors-without-borders-hospitals-ambulances-targets-israel-hamas-gaza-2023-10 |work=[[Business Insider]] |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008044430/https://www.businessinsider.com/doctors-without-borders-hospitals-ambulances-targets-israel-hamas-gaza-2023-10 |url-status=live}}</ref> Indonesian NGO Medical Emergency Rescue Committee (MER-C) confirmed that one of its personnel had been killed and the IDF had targeted its hospital.<ref name=indonesia>{{cite news|title=Indonesia's MER-C condemns Israeli strikes killing its staff in Gaza |url=https://en.antaranews.com/news/295563/indonesias-mer-c-condemns-israeli-strikes-killing-its-staff-in-gaza |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008044431/https://en.antaranews.com/news/295563/indonesias-mer-c-condemns-israeli-strikes-killing-its-staff-in-gaza |url-status=live}}</ref> The Indonesian Foreign Ministry, however, confirmed that the fatality was not an Indonesian national, but a Palestinian.<ref>{{cite news|date=8 October 2023|language=id|title=KBRI Amman: Tidak ada WNI jadi korban dalam konflik Palestina-Israel di Jalur Gaza pada Sabtu|url=https://megapolitan.antaranews.com/berita/262884/kbri-amman-tidak-ada-wni-jadi-korban-dalam-konflik-palestina-israel-di-jalur-gaza-pada-sabtu|publisher=Antara News|accessdate=8 October 2023|archive-date=9 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009001412/https://megapolitan.antaranews.com/berita/262884/kbri-amman-tidak-ada-wni-jadi-korban-dalam-konflik-palestina-israel-di-jalur-gaza-pada-sabtu|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
== Reactions == | == Reactions == | ||
=== Israel === | === Israel === | ||
The protest group Kaplan Force announced the cancellation of | The protest group Kaplan Force announced the cancellation of [[2023 Israeli judicial reform protests|its demonstration]] against [[2023 Israeli judicial reform|the 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 news |date=7 October 2023|title=Judicial reform protests cancelled amid security situation |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-762050 |access-date=7 October 2023 |work=[[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"/> | ||
Magen David Adom appealed for blood donations and announced plans for a special blood donation drive in Tel Aviv on 7 October.<ref name="cnn1"/> | Magen David Adom appealed for blood donations and announced plans for a special blood donation drive in Tel Aviv on 7 October.<ref name="cnn1"/> Israel's [[Ministry of Education (Israel)|Education Ministry]] announced the closure of all schools in the country on 7 October. This was later extended until 10 October.<ref name="ajlive2">{{cite news |title=Israel-Hamas war live: Israel declares 'state of war' as battles rage |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2023/10/8/israel-palestine-escalation-live-israeli-forces-bombard-gaza |access-date=8 October 2023 |publisher=[[Al Jazeera]] |date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008051513/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2023/10/8/israel-palestine-escalation-live-israeli-forces-bombard-gaza |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Haifa International Film Festival]] was cancelled.<ref name="aj7oct"/> [[Bruno Mars]] canceled his scheduled concert in Tel Aviv on 7 October due to the attacks and left Israel.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Steinburg |first1=Jessica |title=Bruno Mars leaves Israel after being caught up in rocket attacks|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/bruno-mars-leaves-israel-after-being-caught-up-in-rocket-attacks/ |access-date=8 October 2023 |newspaper=[[The Times of Israel]] |date=7 October 2023 |archive-date=9 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009000628/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/bruno-mars-leaves-israel-after-being-caught-up-in-rocket-attacks/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
An investigation was launched as to the failure of Israeli authorities to prevent the attack from occurring.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Gardner|first=Frank|date=7 October 2023|title=How did Israeli intelligence fail to stop major attack from Gaza?|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67040221 |url-status=live |access-date=7 October 2023| | An investigation was launched as to the failure of Israeli authorities to prevent the attack from occurring.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gardner |first=Frank |date=7 October 2023|title=How did Israeli intelligence fail to stop major attack from Gaza?|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67040221 |url-status=live |access-date=7 October 2023 |agency=[[BBC News]] |language=en-US |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007132638/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67040221}}</ref> | ||
[[Ofer Cassif]], a member of the Knesset, told [[Al Jazeera]] that his left-wing [[Hadash]] party had repeatedly warned that the continued Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories would lead to events like this, where innocent civilians on both sides pay the price. He called the Israeli government "fascist", and accused it carrying out [[pogrom]]s and [[ethnic cleansing]] against the Palestinian population.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/8/israeli-lawmaker-blames-pogroms-against-palestinians-for-terrible-attacks|title=Israeli lawmaker blames pogroms against Palestinians for 'terrible' attacks|agency=Al Jazeera|access-date=7 October 2023|date=7 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008145253/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/8/israeli-lawmaker-blames-pogroms-against-palestinians-for-terrible-attacks|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==== Proposed emergency unity government ==== | |||
Among opposition parties, [[Yesh Atid]] leader and former prime minister [[Yair Lapid]], [[National Unity (political alliance)|National Unity]] chairman [[Benny Gantz]], [[Yisrael Beiteinu]] party leader [[Avigdor Lieberman]] 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 news |date=7 October 2023 |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=7 October 2023 |work=[[The Times of Israel]] |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proposed that Yesh Atid and National Unity enter an emergency unity government with his [[Likud]]-led coalition,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Netanyahu offers Lapid, Gantz to join him in emergency unity government |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/netanyahu-offers-lapid-gantz-to-join-him-in-emergency-unity-government/ |access-date=7 October 2023 |work=[[The Times of Israel]]|date=7 October 2023|first=Jeremy|last=Sharon|language=en-US |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007182953/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/netanyahu-offers-lapid-gantz-to-join-him-in-emergency-unity-government/ |url-status=live}}</ref> after Lapid urged Netanyahu put "aside our differences and form an emergency, narrow, professional government."<ref name=Keller-Lynn>{{Cite news |last=Keller-Lynn |first=Carrie|title=Lapid urges emergency government, says PM can't manage war with extreme cabinet |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/lapid-urges-emergency-government-says-pm-cant-manage-war-with-extreme-cabinet/ |access-date=7 October 2023|work=[[The Times of Israel]] |language=en-US|archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007182954/https://www.timesofisrael.com/lapid-urges-emergency-government-says-pm-cant-manage-war-with-extreme-cabinet/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Lapid said that Israel could not effectively manage the war with "the extreme and dysfunctional composition of [[Thirty-seventh government of Israel|the current cabinet]]" and called upon Netanyahu to eject the far-right [[Religious Zionist Party]] and [[Otzma Yehudit]] parties as a condition for Yesh Atid to join an emergency unity government.<ref name=Keller-Lynn/> | |||
=== Palestine === | === Palestine === | ||
The [[Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education|Palestinian Education Ministry]] said schools in the Gaza Strip were closed until further notice.<ref name="aa1"/> The Palestinian Health Ministry appealed for blood donations.<ref name="ap1"/> | The [[Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education|Palestinian Education Ministry]] said schools in the Gaza Strip were closed until further notice.<ref name="aa1"/> The Palestinian Health Ministry appealed for blood donations.<ref name="ap1"/> | ||
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 name=":22"/> In the [[West Bank]], celebrations occurred in [[Ramallah]]. Neighborhood watches were established in 50 locations amid fears of reprisals by [[Israeli settlement|Israeli settlers]], while a general strike was called for 8 October.<ref name="aj7oct"/> | 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 name=":22"/> In the [[West Bank]], celebrations occurred in [[Ramallah]]. Neighborhood watches were established in 50 locations amid fears of reprisals by [[Israeli settlement|Israeli settlers]], while a general strike was called for 8 October.<ref name="aj7oct"/> Seven Palestinians were killed in clashes with Israeli forces on 7 October,<ref name="f24-3"/> while 126 others were injured.<ref name="aj7oct"/> | ||
Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri told [[Al Jazeera]] that its forces had taken enough Israeli hostages to secure the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israel in an exchange.<ref name="aj2">{{cite news|date=7 October 2023|title=Hamas says it has enough Israeli captives to free all Palestinian prisoners|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/7/hamas-says-it-has-enough-israeli-captives-to-free-all-palestinian-prisoners|work=[[Al Jazeera]] |access-date=7 October 2023 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007163709/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/7/hamas-says-it-has-enough-israeli-captives-to-free-all-palestinian-prisoners |url-status=live}}</ref> Hamas spokesperson [[Abu Obaida (Hamas)|Abu Obaida]] said it was holding captured Israeli soldiers in "safe places" and tunnels.<ref name="ap1"/> | Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri told [[Al Jazeera]] that its forces had taken enough Israeli hostages to secure the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israel in an exchange.<ref name="aj2">{{cite news |date=7 October 2023|title=Hamas says it has enough Israeli captives to free all Palestinian prisoners |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/7/hamas-says-it-has-enough-israeli-captives-to-free-all-palestinian-prisoners |work=[[Al Jazeera]]|access-date=7 October 2023 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007163709/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/7/hamas-says-it-has-enough-israeli-captives-to-free-all-palestinian-prisoners |url-status=live}}</ref> Hamas spokesperson [[Abu Obaida (Hamas)|Abu Obaida]] said it was holding captured Israeli soldiers in "safe places" and tunnels.<ref name="ap1"/> | ||
=== International === | === International === | ||
{{main|International reactions to the October 2023 Gaza–Israel conflict}} | {{main|International reactions to the October 2023 Gaza–Israel conflict}} | ||
[[File:Pro-Palestinian protest in Istanbul in 2023.png|thumb|Pro-Palestinian protest in [[Istanbul]] ]] | |||
[[File:Israel solidarity protest Berlin 2023-10-08 19.jpg|thumb|Pro-Israeli protest in [[Berlin]]]] | |||
International leaders, including from Argentina, India,<ref name="india1">{{cite news |title=India sides with West, condemns 'terrorist attacks in Israel' by Palestine's Hamas group |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/amp/world/india-sides-with-west-condemns-terrorist-attacks-in-israel-by-palestines-hamas-group/cid/1971848 |work=[[The Telegraph (India)|The Telegraph]] |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008100157/https://www.telegraphindia.com/amp/world/india-sides-with-west-condemns-terrorist-attacks-in-israel-by-palestines-hamas-group/cid/1971848 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="india2">{{cite news |title=PM Modi affirms solidarity with Israel, surprise assault chills recent thaw in region |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pm-modi-reaction-hamas-israel-palestine-assault-8972604/lite/ |work=[[Indian Express]] |date=7 October 2023 |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007182001/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pm-modi-reaction-hamas-israel-palestine-assault-8972604/lite/ |url-status=live}}</ref> most European countries and the United States condemned the attacks by Hamas, expressed solidarity with Israel, and said Israel has a right to defend itself from armed attacks and describing Hamas's tactics as terrorism.<ref name="auto2"/><ref name=":0" /> Some [[Arab League]] countries such as [[Oman]], [[Yemen]], Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and non-Arab countries like Iran and [[Pakistan]] expressed support for the Palestinians, blaming the [[Israeli-occupied territories|Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories]] for the escalation of violence. A number of other countries called for de-escalation and a ceasefire.<ref name="GlobalCalls">{{cite web |date=7 October 2023 |title=Saudi Arabia joins global calls for de-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><ref name="NigeriaReacts">{{Cite web |url=https://leadership.ng/nigeria-reacts-to-israel-palestine-hostilities-calls-for-de-escalation/ |title=Nigeria Reacts To Israel, Palestine Hostilities, Calls For De-escalation |first=James |last=Kwen |date=7 October 2023 |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008051308/https://leadership.ng/nigeria-reacts-to-israel-palestine-hostilities-calls-for-de-escalation/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Michaelson |first=Ruth |date=7 October 2023 |title=Condemnation and calls for restraint after Hamas attack on Israel |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/07/condemnation-and-calls-for-restraint-after-hamas-attack-on-israel |url-status=live |access-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007155544/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/07/condemnation-and-calls-for-restraint-after-hamas-attack-on-israel |archive-date=7 October 2023 |quote=International leaders condemned an unprecedented incursion by Palestinian militants into southern Israel, while governments across the Middle East called for restraint after an attack that shook the Israeli security establishment.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain call for immediate de-escalation between Israel and Palestine |url=https://gulfnews.com/world/mena/saudi-arabia-qatar-oman-and-bahrain-call-for-immediate-de-escalation-between-israel-and-palestine-1.1696676016283 |access-date=7 October 2023 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007182352/https://gulfnews.com/world/mena/saudi-arabia-qatar-oman-and-bahrain-call-for-immediate-de-escalation-between-israel-and-palestine-1.1696676016283 |url-status=live}}</ref> Demonstrations took place in many Middle Eastern countries, such as Yemen, [[Jordan]], [[Lebanon]], [[Kuwait]], [[Turkey]], [[Bahrain]], and [[Iran]] in solidarity with the Palestinian groups.<ref>{{Citation |title=Demonstrations in solidarity with Palestine in several countries |url=https://www.youtube.com/shorts/axcNW83ViOw |access-date=8 October 2023 |language=en |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008025147/https://www.youtube.com/shorts/axcNW83ViOw |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Argentina,<ref>{{cite news |title=El Gobierno deploró el ataque a Israel y reforzó la seguridad |trans-title=The Government deplored the attack on Israel and reinforced security |url=https://www.telam.com.ar/notas/202310/642683-gobierno-argentino-condena-ataques-hamas-israel.html |access-date=8 October 2023 |work=[[Télam]] |date=8 October 2023 |language=es |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008001924/https://www.telam.com.ar/notas/202310/642683-gobierno-argentino-condena-ataques-hamas-israel.html |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Canada]], [[Germany]], the [[United Kingdom]], [[Spain]], [[France]], and [[Uruguay]] said that they would increase security in Jewish-associated sites in response to the attack.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aarup |first=Sarah Anne |date=2023-10-08 |title=European countries ramp up security for Jewish community in wake of Hamas attacks on Israel |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/european-countries-ramp-up-security-for-jewish-community-in-wake-of-hamas-attacks-on-israel/ |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=Politico |language=en |archive-date=9 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009002119/https://www.politico.eu/article/european-countries-ramp-up-security-for-jewish-community-in-wake-of-hamas-attacks-on-israel/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=7 October 2023 |title=Canada increases police presence at synagogues, mosques following Hamas attack on Israel |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/canadian-politicians-condemn-deadly-surprise-hamas-attack-on-israel |website=[[National Post]] |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008034903/https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/canadian-politicians-condemn-deadly-surprise-hamas-attack-on-israel |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="f24live">{{cite news |title=More than 200 killed in unprecedented Hamas assault on Israel, 232 killed in Gaza |url=https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20231007-sirens-heard-as-dozens-of-rockets-fired-from-gaza-towards-israel |access-date=8 October 2023 |work=France 24 |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>{{cite news |title=Heber ordenó a la Policía reforzar la seguridad de ciudadanos y organizaciones israelíes en Uruguay |url=https://www.elpais.com.uy/mundo/heber-ordeno-a-la-policia-reforzar-la-seguridad-de-ciudadanos-y-organizaciones-israelies-en-uruguay |access-date=9 October 2023 |work=El Pais |date=7 October 2023 |language=es-UY}}</ref> | |||
On 8 October, the [[United Nations Security Council]] held a closed-door meeting for 90 minutes on the conflict. The meeting concluded without the unanimity required for a joint statement to be released.<ref>{{cite news |title=UN Security Council meets on Gaza-Israel, but fails to agree on statement |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/9/un-security-council-meets-on-gaza-israel-but-fails-to-agree-on-statement |work=[[Al Jazeera]] |date=9 October 2023 |access-date=9 October 2023 |archive-date=9 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009035044/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/9/un-security-council-meets-on-gaza-israel-but-fails-to-agree-on-statement |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
On 8 October, [[Brazil]] announced a rescue operation of nationals using an air force transport aircraft.<ref>{{cite news |title=Governo prepara seis aviões para resgatar brasileiros na zona de conflito entre Israel e Hamas |url=https://g1.globo.com/politica/noticia/2023/10/08/reuniao-itamaraty-confronto-israel-hamas.ghtml |access-date=8 October 2023 |work=[[G1 (website)|G1]] |date=8 October 2023 |language=pt |archive-date=9 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009000613/https://g1.globo.com/politica/noticia/2023/10/08/reuniao-itamaraty-confronto-israel-hamas.ghtml |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Poland]] announced that it would deploy two [[C-130]] transport planes to evacuate 200 of its nationals from Ben-Gurion airport.<ref name="f24live2">{{cite news |title=Live: More than 600 Israelis killed, more than 100 held 'prisoner' in war with Hamas |url=https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20231007-%F0%9F%94%B4-live-us-israel-discussions-on-military-aid-very-much-underway-says-white-house-official |access-date=8 October 2023 |publisher=[[France 24]] |date=8 October 2023 |language=en |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008000908/https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20231007-%F0%9F%94%B4-live-us-israel-discussions-on-military-aid-very-much-underway-says-white-house-official |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
On 8 October, an Egyptian official told the [[Associated Press]] that Israel sought Egyptian assistance to ensure the safety of hostages held by Palestinian militants, and that Egypt's intelligence chief contacted Hamas and Islamic Jihad to seek information.<ref name="ap4"/> | |||
== Analysis == | == Analysis == | ||
According to [[Daniel Byman]] and Alexander Palmer, the attacks showcased the decline of the [[Palestine Liberation Organization]] and the rise of Hamas as the main power center in [[Politics of the Palestinian National Authority|Palestinian politics]]. They predicted the PLO's further decline if the status quo held.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Byman |first1=Daniel |last2=Palmer |first2=Alexander |date=7 October 2023 |title=What You Need to Know About the Israel-Hamas Violence |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/10/07/hamas-attack-israel-declares-war-gaza-why-explained/ |access-date=8 October 2023 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007230520/https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/10/07/hamas-attack-israel-declares-war-gaza-why-explained/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | According to [[Daniel Byman]] and Alexander Palmer, the attacks showcased the decline of the [[Palestine Liberation Organization]] (PLO) and the rise of Hamas as the main power center in [[Politics of the Palestinian National Authority|Palestinian politics]]. They predicted the PLO's further decline if the ''status quo'' held.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Byman |first1=Daniel |last2=Palmer |first2=Alexander |date=7 October 2023 |title=What You Need to Know About the Israel-Hamas Violence |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/10/07/hamas-attack-israel-declares-war-gaza-why-explained/ |access-date=8 October 2023 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007230520/https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/10/07/hamas-attack-israel-declares-war-gaza-why-explained/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
According to Israeli analyst Seth Frantzman, 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.<ref>{{cite web|last=Frantzman|first=Seth J.|date=7 October 2023|title=A massive unprovoked attack on Israel – analysis|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-762048 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007095117/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-762048 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |access-date=7 October 2023|work=[[The Jerusalem Post]]}}</ref> It has been compared to the 1973 [[Yom Kippur War]], the 2001 [[September 11 attacks]], the 2003 [[Ramadan Offensive (2003)|Ramadan Offensive]], the 1941 [[Attack on Pearl Harbor]], and the 1968 [[Tet Offensive]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rothwell |first1=James |last2=Vasilyeva |first2=Nataliya |date=7 October 2023 |title=Hamas terrorists butcher civilians as stunned Israel suffers '9/11' moment |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/10/07/israel-palestine-war-hamas-terrorists-gaza-hostages/ |archive-url=https://archive.is/ZcJxA |archive-date=7 October 2023 |access-date= |website=[[The Daily Telegraph]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Swift |first1=David |title=Why Hamas's attack will backfire |url=https://unherd.com/thepost/why-hamass-attack-will-backfire/ |archive-url=https://archive.is/KeLV1 |archive-date=8 October 2023|access-date=9 October 2023 |website=[[UnHerd]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=7 October 2023 |title='Human shield horror' and Israel's '9/11 moment' |language=en-GB |publisher=[[BBC News]] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-the-papers-67043868 |access-date= |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008131227/https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-the-papers-67043868 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Boot|first=Max|date=2023-10-08 |title=This is Israel's 9/11. The consequences will be dangerous — and unforeseeable. |language=en-US |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/10/07/gaza-israel-war-hamas-destruction/ |access-date=9 October 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008160604/https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/10/07/gaza-israel-war-hamas-destruction/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Berlinger |first=Joshua |date=2023-10-07 |title=A 'Pearl Harbor' moment: Why didn't Israel's sophisticated border security stop Saturday's attack? |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/07/middleeast/israel-gaza-border-security-intl/index.html |access-date=2023-10-09 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008223900/https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/07/middleeast/israel-gaza-border-security-intl/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Like the Vietnamese Tet Offensive, Hamas' offensive came on the morning of a holiday, seemed to be "everywhere at once", and demonstrated capabilities not thought possible in a guerrilla force.<ref name=time1>{{cite news|title=A Surprise Attack Upends Israel and the Middle East|url=https://time.com/6321849/israel-attack/|access-date=9 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008223434/https://time.com/6321849/israel-attack/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
===Israeli intelligence failure=== | |||
Political journalist [[Peter Beaumont (journalist)|Peter Beaumont]] described the attack as "an intelligence failure for the ages" on the part of the Israeli government.<ref name="beaumont">{{cite news|last=Beaumont|first=Peter|date=7 October 2023|title=Hamas's stealth attack will be remembered as Israeli intelligence failure for the ages|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/07/hamas-stealth-attack-will-be-remembered-as-israeli-intelligence-failure-for-the-ages |url-status=live |access-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 |archive-date=7 October 2023}}</ref> Similarly, the [[Jewish News Syndicate]] deemed it a "[[failure of imagination]]".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Limor |first=Yoav |date=7 October 2023 |title=Israel's failure of imagination on Hamas |url=https://www.jns.org/israels-failure-of-imagination-on-hamas/ |access-date=8 October 2023 |publisher=[[Jewish News Syndicate]] |language=en-US |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008025009/https://www.jns.org/israels-failure-of-imagination-on-hamas/ |url-status=live}}</ref> A BBC report tackled the intelligence failure question, claiming that while Israel had the most extensive and well-funded intelligence agency in the region, and a network of informants and agents inside militant groups, it had failed to foresee the escalation. It added that "it must have taken extraordinary levels of operational security by Hamas."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67040221|title=How did Israeli intelligence fail to stop major attack from Gaza?|publisher=BBC News|date=8 October 2023|access-date=8 October 2023|archive-date=7 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007132638/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67040221|url-status=live}}</ref> US officials expressed shock at how Israeli intelligence was unaware of any preparations by Hamas.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/07/politics/us-officials-israeli-intelligence-concerns/index.html|title=US officials raise concerns over Israeli intelligence after Hamas attacks|publisher=CNN|date=8 October 2023|access-date=8 October 2023|archive-date=7 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007223740/https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/07/politics/us-officials-israeli-intelligence-concerns/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Amir Avivi, former deputy commander of the Gaza Division of Israel's military, told the ''[[Financial Times]]'', which reported that the attacks shook faith in the country's intelligence services, that "this is a failure that is no smaller than the [[Yom Kippur War]]."<ref>{{cite web |date=8 October 2023 |title=The day that stunned Israel: attacks shake faith in intelligence services |url=https://www.ft.com/content/575cfb86-3a96-42b2-9af6-e9ae2a011f18 |url-access=subscription |access-date=8 October 2023 |work=[[Financial Times]] |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007223022/https://www.ft.com/content/575cfb86-3a96-42b2-9af6-e9ae2a011f18 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
Sources in Hamas and Israel's military establishment told [[Reuters]] that the attack was the culmination of a years-long campaign by Hamas to deceive Israel into thinking that the group was primarily interested in economic and governance issues instead of fighting.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nakhoul |first1=Samia |last2=Saul |first2=Jonathan |title=How Israel was duped as Hamas planned devastating assault |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/how-israel-was-duped-hamas-planned-devastating-assault-2023-10-08/ |access-date=9 October 2023 |work=Reuters |date=8 October 2023 |language=en |archive-date=9 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009020650/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/how-israel-was-duped-hamas-planned-devastating-assault-2023-10-08/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
===Effect on Israeli–Saudi Arabian normalization=== | |||
In an analysis by ''[[The Times of Israel]]'', the newspaper wrote that "Hamas has violently shifted the world's eyes back to the Palestinians and dealt a severe blow to the momentum for securing a landmark US-brokered deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia."<ref>{{cite web |date=8 October 2023 |title=Saudi-Israeli normalization effort takes a violent detour after Hamas attack |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/saudi-israeli-normalization-effort-takes-a-violent-detour-after-hamas-attack/ |access-date=8 October 2023 |work=[[The Times of Israel]] |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008112031/https://www.timesofisrael.com/saudi-israeli-normalization-effort-takes-a-violent-detour-after-hamas-attack/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[The New York Times]]'' reported that the prospects of [[Israel–Saudi Arabia relations|Israeli and Saudi normalization]] appeared dimmer, citing Saudi Arabia's statement that the country had repeatedly warned "of the dangers of the explosion of the situation as a result of the continued occupation, the deprivation of the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights and the repetition of systemic provocations against its sanctities."<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Wong |first1=Edward |last2=Nereim |first2=Vivian |date=7 October 2023 |title=The war could upend Biden's diplomacy on Saudi-Israel normalization. |language=en-US|work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/07/world/middleeast/saudi-israel-gaza-war.html |access-date=8 October 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008012102/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/07/world/middleeast/saudi-israel-gaza-war.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=8 October 2023 |title=Israel Violence Jeopardizes Biden's Middle East Agenda|url=https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/israel-violence-jeopardizes-bidens-middle-east-agenda-8708165a |url-access=subscription |access-date=8 October 2023 |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |first=Stephen |last=Kalin |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008003422/https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/israel-violence-jeopardizes-bidens-middle-east-agenda-8708165a |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
Andreas Kluth, a former writer for ''[[The Economist]]'', wrote in his [[Bloomberg News]] column that Hamas "torched Biden's deal to remake the Middle East", arguing that the deal that was being discussed between Saudi Arabia, Israel and the United States would have left Palestinians in the cold, so the group decided to "blow the whole thing up." He added that, viewed from Gaza, things were only going to get worse, considering that Netanyahu's [[Thirty-seventh government of Israel|coalition partners]] opposed a two-state solution for the conflict, and that they would prefer to annex the entirety of the West Bank, even at the expense of [[Israel and apartheid|turning Israel into an apartheid state]].<ref>{{cite news|date=8 October 2023|title=Hamas Just Torched Biden's Deal to Remake the Middle East|newspaper=Bloomberg|first=Andreas|last=Kluth|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2023-10-07/hamas-s-attack-on-israel-just-torched-biden-s-deal-to-remake-the-middle-east|access-date=8 October 2023|agency=[[Bloomberg News]]|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008111839/https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2023-10-07/hamas-s-attack-on-israel-just-torched-biden-s-deal-to-remake-the-middle-east|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Speculation arose that Iran was trying to sabotage [[Israel–Saudi Arabia relations|relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/iran-hamas-attacks-against-israel-palestine-jerusalem/|title=Iran's support for Hamas fans suspicion it's wrecking Israel-Saudi deal|work=Politico|first1=Jamie|last1=Dettmer|first2=Christian|last2=Oliver|date=7 October 2023|access-date=8 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008003450/https://www.politico.eu/article/iran-hamas-attacks-against-israel-palestine-jerusalem/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
=== Possible spread === | |||
[[Ismail Haniyeh]], the leader of Hamas, speculated the war would spread to [[Jerusalem]] and the [[West Bank]].<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Lubell |first1=Maayan |last2=Al-Mughrabi |first2=Nidal |date=2023-10-08 |title=Israel retaliates after Hamas attacks, deaths pass 1,100 |language=en |publisher=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-forces-clash-with-hamas-gunmen-after-hundreds-killed-2023-10-08/ |access-date=2023-10-08 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008103621/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-forces-clash-with-hamas-gunmen-after-hundreds-killed-2023-10-08/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Hashim Safi Al Din]], Head of Hezbollah's Executive Council, echoed these sentiments.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pacchiani |first=Gianluca |title=Top Hezbollah official warns US, Israel that fighting may spread |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/top-hezbollah-official-warns-us-israel-that-fighting-may-spread/ |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=The Times of Israel |language=en-US |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008210727/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/top-hezbollah-official-warns-us-israel-that-fighting-may-spread/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
[[Northeastern University]] professor Max Abrahms stated that the conflict could escalate into a war between Israel and Iran.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hibbert |first=Cynthia McCormick |date=2023-10-07 |title=Hamas attack on Israel is a 'major strategic mistake' for the Palestinian cause, expert says. Will it escalate to war with Iran? |url=https://news.northeastern.edu/2023/10/07/hamas-attack-war-with-iran/ |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=Northeastern Global News |language=en-US |archive-date=9 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009002125/https://news.northeastern.edu/2023/10/07/hamas-attack-war-with-iran/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
{{Portal|Israel|Palestine}} | |||
*[[Timeline of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict in 2023]] | *[[Timeline of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict in 2023]] | ||
*[[Timeline of the October 2023 Gaza–Israel conflict]] | |||
*[[May 2023 Gaza–Israel clashes]] | *[[May 2023 Gaza–Israel clashes]] | ||
*[[2021 Israel–Palestine crisis]] | *[[2021 Israel–Palestine crisis]] | ||
*[[Gaza War (2008–2009)]] | |||
*[[2006 Gaza–Israel conflict]] | |||
*[[2014 Gaza War]] | *[[2014 Gaza War]] | ||
*[[First Intifada]] | *[[First Intifada]] | ||
*[[Second Intifada]] | *[[Second Intifada]] | ||
*[[Yom Kippur War]] | |||
*[[Coastal Road massacre]] | |||
*[[Kfar Etzion massacre]] | |||
== Notes == | == Notes == | ||
{{notelist}} | |||
{{reflist|group=N}} | {{reflist|group=N}} | ||
{{reflist|group=note}} | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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==External links== | ==External links== | ||
*[https://www.ochaopt.org/content/escalation-gaza-strip-and-israel-flash-update-1 Escalation in the Gaza Strip and Israel | OCHA Flash Update #1 as of 18:00, 7 October 2023] | |||
*[https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/escalation-gaza-strip-and-israel-flash-update-2 OCHA Escalation in the Gaza Strip and Israel | Flash Update #2] | |||
{{October 2023 Gaza–Israel conflict}} | |||
{{Israel–Gaza conflict}} | {{Israel–Gaza conflict}} | ||
[[Category:October 2023 Gaza−Israel conflict| ]] | |||
[[Category:2023 in the Gaza Strip]] | [[Category:2023 in the Gaza Strip]] | ||
[[Category:Conflicts in 2023]] | [[Category:Conflicts in 2023]] | ||
[[Category:October 2023 events in Israel| | [[Category:October 2023 events in Israel|Gaza-Israel conflict]] | ||
[[Category:Gaza–Israel conflict]] | [[Category:Gaza–Israel conflict]] | ||
[[Category:Hamas attacks]] | [[Category:Hamas attacks]] | ||
| Line 185: | Line 271: | ||
[[Category:Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine attacks]] | [[Category:Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine attacks]] | ||
[[Category:Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine attacks]] | [[Category:Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine attacks]] | ||
[[Category:Israeli attacks against the Gaza Strip]] | |||
[[Category:Military operations of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict]] | [[Category:Military operations of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict]] | ||
[[Category:Wars involving Israel]] | [[Category:Wars involving Israel]] | ||
[[Category:Wars involving Hezbollah]] | |||
[[Category:Wars involving Palestinians]] | [[Category:Wars involving Palestinians]] | ||
[[Category:Benjamin Netanyahu]] | [[Category:Benjamin Netanyahu]] | ||
[[Category:Invasions of Israel]] | |||