The Israeli government officially declared a state of war on October 7, 2023, approving “significant military steps” in response to a surprise attack launched by Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip.
As the conflict enters a new and dangerous phase, casualties on both sides have tragically surpassed 1,300, intensifying concerns of further escalation in this deeply troubling crisis.
The attack has been described as the deadliest day of violence for Israel since the Yom Kippur War 50 years ago.
Hamas launches surprise attack, Israel responds with airstrikes
The latest crisis was sparked when dozens of Hamas militants, backed by a relentless barrage of rockets, managed to break out of the tightly blockaded Gaza Strip in an unprecedented attack by land, sea and air.
In a swift and unflinching response, Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes aimed at suppressing the threat. Prime Minister Netanyahu made it unequivocally clear that the country is now in a state of war, as tensions in the region continue to soar.
As the dust settles from the initial incursion, more than 24 hours later, Israeli forces find themselves locked in fierce battles with militant fighters who have sought refuge in several southern Israeli towns.
Israeli death toll hits 800
The death toll in Israel has reached a staggering 800 – a scale the Jewish nation has not experienced in decades. There are also reports about the capture of nearly 100 soldiers and civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, by Hamas fighters during the chaotic upheaval.
The latest casualty figures from several Israeli media outlets report that at least 800 people have been killed in Israel, including 44 soldiers. Another 2,200 people have been injured.
Israeli security forces have claimed the elimination of 400 militants and the capture of dozens more.
500+ Palestinians killed
Meanwhile, in the beleaguered Gaza enclave, Israeli bombardments have resulted in over 500 Palestinian casualties.
The Gaza Health Ministry has reported 510 deaths, which tragically include 20 children, with 2,700 more wounded as a result of the ongoing Israeli attack on the besieged coastal enclave.
In response to the escalating violence, the U.N. agency for Palestinian Refugees, UNRWA, has activated emergency measures to accommodate over 20,000 people seeking refuge in 44 schools scattered across Gaza. This influx of displaced persons has only served to exacerbate the already dire humanitarian conditions in the territory.
Israel cuts off Gaza’s electricity and other supplies
As the conflict escalates, Israel has taken the extraordinary step of severing the supply of electricity, fuel, and essential goods to Gaza, plunging the territory into deeper darkness and despair.
The Palestinian territory has endured an Israeli land, sea, and air blockade since 2007, further deepening the humanitarian crisis that has gripped the region for years.
Netanyahu declares war
“We are at war and we will win it,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel said in a televised statement, announcing a call-up of hundreds of thousands of Israeli military reservists.
Netanyahu also vowed that Hamas “will pay an unprecedented price.” He further warned: “This war will take time. It will be difficult.”
In a recorded message, Hamas military leader Muhammad Deif announced the group’s decision to undertake an “operation” to convey a message that the era of unchecked Israeli actions has concluded. Deif pointed to Israel’s long-standing occupation of the West Bank since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, recent Israeli police incursions at the Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, and the detention of numerous Palestinian militants in Israeli prisons as key motivations.
Hamas attack prompts concerns about Israeli intelligence failure
The high death toll and the apparent delay in responding to the Hamas incursion have prompted questions regarding a significant intelligence failure within Israel. This development challenges the long-held perception that the nation maintains an infallible surveillance apparatus.
“As we can see it, Israel was completely surprised, by a very well coordinated attack,” said retired General Giora Eiland, a former head of Israel’s National Security Council.
Prime Minister Netanyahu also acknowledged the shortcoming when he said: “What happened today is unprecedented in Israel – and I will see to it that it does not happen again.” He pledged that Hamas would face an “unprecedented price” for its actions. He further warned that the road ahead would be long and arduous, indicating that this war was far from over.
Israel and Hezbollah exchange fire
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation, Israel has engaged in a tense exchange of fire with the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. This development has raised grave concerns of a broader regional conflict.
Hezbollah, backed by Iran, launched guided rockets and artillery “in solidarity” with the Palestinian people. In response, Israel reported artillery fire into Lebanon, citing cross-border mortar attacks. Israel’s military stated unequivocally that they were “prepared for all scenarios” and remained committed to protecting the security of the State of Israel.
Biden condemns Hamas attack and offers support for Israel
On the international front, U.S. President Joe Biden was quick to condemn the “appalling assault” by Hamas and expressed unwavering support for Israel’s inherent right to self-defense.
He reassured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the United States’ readiness to provide all necessary means of support to the Israeli government and its people. President Biden underscored that the Jewish state’s security remained “rock solid and unwavering” in the eyes of the United States.
European leaders stand with Israel
European leaders also condemned the Hamas attack while offering their solidarity with Israel during these perilous times. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Union’s executive commission, denounced the attack as “terrorism in its most despicable form.”
Leaders such as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani have firmly reiterated their support for Israel’s right to defend itself. They have also implored an end to the ongoing violence, recognizing the profound impact it has on the lives of civilians and the broader stability of the region.
