Israel-Palestine War: Why Hamas Attacked, International Reaction and What You Need to Know

Israel also launched a retaliatory attack on the Gaza Strip, causing numerous casualties. Here’s what we need to know about this latest escalation:

Israel Palestine War Why Hamas Attacked International Response and Things You Need to Know Image 1 — The Gaza Strip continues to heat up after clashes between Israel and Hamas left thousands of people dead or injured. Photo: AP

What happened?

Early Saturday morning (October 7), the Palestinian armed group Hamas launched “Operation Al-Aqsa” against Israel, in the most serious escalation since the 11-day war in 2021.

Hamas said it had fired 5,000 rockets, while Israel confirmed its fighters had entered its territory. Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said the group had attacked from land, sea and air.

The first rockets were fired at 6:30 a.m. local time. The Israeli military also said it had launched “Operation Iron Sword” against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The early morning attacks occurred during the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah.

Where did the attacks take place?

Rockets have been fired as far north as Tel Aviv. Hamas has also sent troops into southern Israel.

Israeli media reported that gunmen opened fire on passersby in the town of Sderot. One report said Hamas militants had taken control of several Israeli population centers, where residents were pleading for help from the government .

The Israeli military says dozens of warplanes are carrying out strikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

The Times of Israel reported that gun battles were taking place in and around the towns of Kfar Aza, Sderot, Sufa, Nahal Oz, Magen, Be'eri and the Re'im military base.

How many casualties were there in Israel and Palestine?

Sources in Gaza said at least 232 Palestinians were killed and more than 1,000 injured.

According to the Israeli Health Ministry , at least 200 Israelis were killed and 750 injured in Hamas attacks.

Why does Hamas attack Israel?

Hamas spokesman Khaled Qadomi said the group's military operation was in response to all the atrocities Palestinians have faced over the decades.

“We want the international community to stop the atrocities in Gaza, against the Palestinian people, our holy sites like Al-Aqsa. All these are the reasons behind why we started this battle,” he said.

Israel Palestine War Why Hamas Attacked International Response and Things You Need to Know Image 2 — An area in Israel hit by a Hamas rocket. The fighting caused heavy losses on both sides. Photo: Reuters

"This is the day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on Earth," said Mohammed Deif, Hamas' military commander, adding that 5,000 rockets were launched.

Hamas called on “resistance fighters in the West Bank” as well as “Arab and Muslim countries” to join the battle, in a statement posted on Telegram.

What does the Israeli government say?

The Israeli military warned Israelis living near Gaza to stay indoors or take shelter. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country was at war and that it “will win”.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also asserted that Israel “will win this war.” He said Hamas had made “a grave mistake this morning and launched a war against the State of Israel.”

Latest News

Israeli media reported gun battles between Palestinian militant groups and security forces in towns in southern Israel. The Israeli police chief said there were 21 active gun battles in southern Israel.

Al Jazeera's Walid al-Omari, Ramallah bureau chief, said Israeli forces had surrounded a house in the Ofakim settlement and talks were underway with Palestinian militants who were believed to be holding Israeli hostages inside.

Israel's Education Ministry said all kindergartens and schools will remain closed nationwide on Sunday. Israeli Energy Minister Israel Katz said he had ordered the state-run electricity company to cut off power to the blockaded Gaza Strip.

International reaction

The Czech government has condemned Hamas for launching “terrorist attacks” against Israel, Prague’s traditional ally.

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, expressed solidarity with Israel.

The French Foreign Ministry said France condemned “the ongoing terrorist attacks against Israel and its people,” and expressed its full solidarity with Israel.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said the UK "unequivocally condemns" a surprise attack by the Hamas group on Israel on Saturday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “deeply shocked by the news of the terrorist attacks in Israel” and that India “stands in solidarity with Israel at this difficult time”.

Egypt warned of “grave consequences” from the escalation, in a foreign ministry statement carried by the state news agency on Saturday.

In contrast, across the Middle East, there were pro-Hamas protests, with Israeli and US flags burned and marchers waving Palestinian flags in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen.

Quoc Thien (according to Al Jazeera, AP, Reuters)

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