The Palestinian armed group Hamas and Israeli forces have been engaged in a decades-long conflict over a complex web of political, historical and territorial disputes. In the early morning of October 7, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel by land, air and sea. In response, Israel declared war and bombed the Gaza Strip, killing over 400 people and injuring over 2,300.
Gaza is currently under heavy bombardment. Video from today’s bombing. #GazaUnderAttack #Gauze #IsraelPalestineWar#Palestine #Hamas #Palestinian #IsraelUnderAttack #Israel #Mossad pic.twitter.com/DXopDBWY76
— Shashank Singh (@RccShashank)
October 9, 2023
Here’s what’s happened so far:
Hamas-Israel conflict timeline 2023
- In the early morning of October 7, Hamas – an armed group from Palestine, launched “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” against Israel.
- The first missile fire was fired at 6:30 am local time (03:30 GMT). According to the group, they fired more than 5,000 rockets.
- The attacks took place on the Jewish festival of Simchat Torah, which is held at the end of the week-long Jewish festival known as Sukkot, or the Feast of Tabernacles.
- Hamas fighters then broke through the border between Gaza and Israel. They drove into southern Israel and occupied Israeli villages and towns along the border, killing soldiers and civilians and abducting others.
- Israel has confirmed the incursion of Hamas fighters into its territory as well as their attacks by land, air and sea.
Related | What is Hamas and its role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
How did Israel respond?
- In retaliation against Hamas, Israeli forces launched “Operation Iron Swords” in the Gaza Strip.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that “the enemy will pay an unprecedented price.”
- Israel also cut off electricity to Gaza and said it would stop sending gasoline and supplies to the besieged region.
Which regions were attacked?
Hamas launched 5,000 rockets and attacked by land, air and sea. Rockets were reportedly fired as far as Tel Aviv, Israel’s cultural and commercial capital. The group also sent its fighters to the south of Israel.
According to Israeli media reports, Hamas gunmen opened fire on civilians in Sderot, a town near Gaza. If the images circulating on social media platforms are to be believed, there are also fights on city streets, as well as armed assailants in jeeps roaming the countryside. According to the Israeli army, dozens of warplanes are attacking Hamas locations in Gaza, and numerous villages in the southern part of the country have been mired in armed conflicts.
Source: UN | A map showing the territories occupied by Israel.
What is the death toll?
At least 700 Israelis and 413 Palestinians have been killed and tens of thousands displaced in the conflict that followed a year of increased violence in Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank. The total death toll rose to 1,100, making this the deadliest conflict in history between the two.
Why did Hamas attack Israel?
The root cause of Hamas’ attacks on Israel can be found in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the years of occupation and oppression faced by the Palestinian people. In addition, Hamas sees itself as a resistance movement fighting against what it sees as Israeli oppression and violations of Palestinian rights. The lack of a solution to the conflict, including ongoing Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories, has fueled frustration and despair among Palestinians, leading some to support and join Hamas.
According to a Hamas spokesman, the crimes in Gaza against the people of Palestine must be stopped. In addition, attacks on holy sites such as Al-Aqsa are one of the reasons why the armed group has launched surprise attacks. Hamas believes that the failure of the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions has only strengthened their determination to resist and fight for their rights.
How do global powers react to the conflict?
- At least 3 American citizens were killed in the attacks. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said they had received reports that several Americans were among the dead and “we are working very hard to verify those reports”. Meanwhile, hundreds of people in North America took to the streets to protest against Israel.
- US President Joe Biden assured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that “additional aid for the Israel Defense Forces is now on its way to Israel, and more will follow in the coming days.”
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed solidarity with Israel and condemned the “terrorist” attacks.
- British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the nation “unequivocally” stands with Israel.
- Following Israeli airstrikes in response to Hamas attacks, the UN World Food Program called for the development of humanitarian corridors to transfer food supplies to Gaza.
- Iran, which has supported Palestine for years, said: “Iran supports the legitimate defense of the Palestinian nation,” President Ebrahim Raisi said on national television.
- Josep Borrell, head of the European Union’s foreign policy, expressed his condolences to Israel.
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Source: HIS Education