Hamas still says October 7 attack was 'necessary'

However, the Islamist group admitted in a 16-page report justifying the attack that “several mistakes were made… due to the rapid collapse of Israel’s security and military systems, as well as the chaos caused along the border areas with Gaza.”

Fierce fighting continues between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Photo: AFP

The document is the group's first public report released in English and Arabic explaining the context of the attack, when militants crossed Gaza's military border.

At the end of the Jewish holiday on October 7, hundreds of Hamas militants entered Israel by land, air and sea and killed civilians in the streets, in their homes and at an outdoor music festival.

The attack killed some 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to official Israeli figures.

According to Israeli social security data, about 700 Israeli civilians and 76 foreigners were among the dead, with one Israeli still missing.

The gunmen took about 250 hostages during the attack, according to the latest Israeli figures. Israeli officials say about 132 of the captives remain in Gaza, of whom at least 27 are believed to have been killed.

“If there were any cases of targeting civilians, it was accidental and in the course of confrontation with the occupying forces,” Hamas said in the report.

Israel retaliated by declaring war on Hamas, attacking the Gaza Strip in the deadliest bombing campaign the region has ever faced. Israel's war in Gaza has left more than 25,000 people dead, mostly women and children.

Hamas said the attack was a “necessary step” to counter Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories. On Sunday, Hamas called on Israel to end the war in Gaza. The group also said it rejected any international and Israeli efforts to decide Gaza’s future after the war.

Mai Van (according to AFP, SCMP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/hamas-van-cho-rang-cuoc-tan-cong-ngay-7-thang-10-la-can-thiet-post281873.html