Gunmen from Hamas attacked Israeli towns, resulting in the killing and capturing of civilians and soldiers. Israel responded with retaliatory air strikes in the Gaza Strip, leading to further casualties. The escalating conflict between the two sides has been described as the worst attack on Israel in decades. Both parties have vowed to escalate the war, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that Israel is in a war and will win it. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh also promised that the assault would spread to the West Bank and Jerusalem.
In the aftermath of the attack, bodies of Israeli civilians were found in Sderot, while terrified Israelis hid in safe rooms, sharing their stories on live TV. The situation in Gaza was equally devastating, with black smoke and flames filling the sky due to Israeli retaliatory strikes. Hospitals in Gaza were overwhelmed with dead and wounded, as medical supplies and equipment were in severe shortage. Streets were deserted, and Israel even cut off the power, plunging the city into darkness.
By nightfall, residents in southern Israel were still waiting for the all-clear to leave the shelters where they had sought refuge. The situation remained tense, with occasional explosions being heard. Hamas responded to the Israeli air strike by launching 150 rockets towards Tel Aviv. Hamas deputy chief Saleh al-Arouri claimed that the group had Israeli captives, including senior officials, and demanded the release of all Palestinians in Israeli jails.
The Israeli military confirmed that Israelis were being held in Gaza and expressed preparedness for war on its northern front against Lebanon’s Hezbollah group. Hamas justified their attack as retaliation for Israel’s actions against Palestinians in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Israeli prisons. Meanwhile, scenes of violence within Israel itself were reminiscent of the suicide bombings during the Palestinian Intifada.
Israel’s intelligence failure in anticipating the attack was seen as one of the worst in its history. In anticipation of ongoing warfare, Gazans rushed to buy supplies and some even evacuated their homes. Clashes at the border into Israel resulted in numerous Palestinian deaths and injuries, with some civilians caught in the crossfire.
Western countries, led by the United States, denounced the Palestinian attack and expressed support for Israel’s right to self-defense. Demonstrations in support of Hamas took place across the Middle East, while Iran and Hezbollah openly praised the attack. The UN Middle East peace envoy called for de-escalation, describing the situation as dangerous.
This escalation occurs amidst surging violence between Israel and Palestinian militants in the West Bank. In addition, Israel is experiencing internal political upheaval and seeking recognition from Arab countries like Saudi Arabia. Palestinians are concerned that any normalization deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia could undermine their aspirations for an independent state.