LOGIN

Surprise Attack by Hamas From Gaza Results in Substantial Casualties, Provoking Israeli Counterattack

by Ethan Kim
0 comments
Hamas surprise attack

In a sudden and shocking offensive on a major Jewish holiday, Hamas militants launched a sweeping attack involving thousands of rockets and multiple incursions into towns near the Gaza Strip, leaving Israel stunned and leading to dozens of casualties. In response, Israel announced a state of war against Hamas, initiating air raids over Gaza with the promise to exact a “historically unparalleled cost.”

Israeli troops engaged Hamas gunmen across 22 locations near the Gaza Strip well into the hours following the initial assault, according to military spokesperson Daniel Hagari, underscoring the expansive scale of the attack.

Israel’s national emergency services reported a death toll exceeding 100, and injuries numbering in the hundreds, marking this as Israel’s most lethal incident in recent years. Additionally, an undisclosed number of Israeli civilians and military personnel were abducted and taken to Gaza. Hostages were also held in two towns, Beeri and Ofakim, located approximately 15 miles from the Gaza border, Hagari revealed.

Counterstrikes by Israel resulted in significant casualties in the Gaza Strip, with at least 198 people reported dead and over 1,600 injured, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Israeli airstrikes escalated after dark, demolishing several residential buildings, including a 14-story tower in central Gaza City that housed both civilians and Hamas offices.

The intricate and well-timed nature of the Hamas assault surprised Israel. Utilizing explosives to breach the border fence, militants entered Israeli territory using motorcycles, pickup trucks, paragliders, and speed boats. Bodies of Israelis and Hamas fighters were visibly strewn across Israeli towns, fueling a climate of fear and tension.

This crisis brings to light the ongoing volatility between Israel and Hamas, with both sides demonstrating an increased willingness to escalate the conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared in a televised speech that the situation amounted to war, vowing a robust response that would be unparalleled in scale.

Mohammed Deif, the elusive leader of Hamas’ military wing, claimed that the operation was a reaction to a range of grievances, including Israel’s 16-year blockade of Gaza, ongoing raids in the West Bank, settler violence, and tensions at the disputed holy site in Jerusalem, Al Aqsa.

The timing of the attack on Simchat Torah evoked comparisons to the 1973 Mideast war, further fueling criticisms of Netanyahu and his political allies for their failure to anticipate and counter the elaborate planning behind the Hamas offensive.

The capture of Israeli civilians and military personnel presents Israel with a difficult and sensitive dilemma, given its past history of engaging in imbalanced prisoner exchanges to secure the return of its nationals.

Israel is now massing substantial military forces along the Gaza border, raising questions about the likelihood of a full-scale ground invasion, a move that historically has resulted in high casualties.

Internationally, the crisis has drawn varying responses. U.S. President Joe Biden expressed strong condemnation of the Hamas attacks, affirming Israel’s right to self-defense. Conversely, Saudi Arabia issued a more balanced statement, urging restraint from both parties and pointing to the protracted occupation as a root cause of the conflict.

This escalating violence coincides with deepening divisions within Israel over judicial reforms proposed by Netanyahu and deteriorating relations between Israelis and Palestinians. The situation serves as a harsh reminder of the fraught and complex dynamics that have perpetuated conflict in the region for years.

Contributions to this report were made by journalists located in Rafah, Gaza Strip, and Jerusalem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hamas surprise attack

What happened in the surprise attack by Hamas?

Hamas militants launched an unprecedented early morning attack on Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip during a major Jewish holiday. The assault involved thousands of rockets and dozens of fighters, resulting in dozens of Israeli casualties.

Who are the parties involved in this conflict?

The main parties involved are Hamas, the militant organization controlling the Gaza Strip, and the State of Israel. Both have declared a state of war against each other following the initial surprise attack by Hamas.

What was Israel’s response to the Hamas attack?

Israel declared that it is now at war with Hamas and commenced airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. The Israeli government vowed to inflict an “unprecedented price” in retaliation for the attack.

How many casualties have been reported?

At least 100 people in Israel and 198 people in the Gaza Strip have been reported dead. Hundreds are wounded on both sides. The exact number of casualties is still not confirmed.

Are there any hostages involved?

Yes, an unknown number of Israeli soldiers and civilians have been taken captive and brought into Gaza. Militants are also holding hostages in two towns near the Gaza border.

What has been the international response?

U.S. President Joe Biden condemned the assault by Hamas, affirming Israel’s right to defend itself. Saudi Arabia called for restraint from both sides, while Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group congratulated Hamas for the attack.

What led to this sudden escalation?

Hamas stated that the assault was in response to a 16-year blockade of Gaza, Israeli raids in West Bank cities over the past year, violence at the Al Aqsa holy site, and increased attacks by settlers on Palestinians.

Is a ground invasion by Israel likely?

It remains uncertain, but Israel’s military is amassing troops and tanks near the Gaza border, suggesting that a ground assault is a possibility.

What are the implications for the Israeli government?

The Israeli government, particularly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, faces sharp criticism for failing to anticipate the level of planning and coordination behind the Hamas attack.

Is there any precedent for such an attack?

The attack revives memories of the 1973 Mideast war, almost 50 years to the day, when Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Yom Kippur, another significant Jewish holiday.

More about Hamas surprise attack

  • Israeli Government Official Statement
  • Hamas Media Office Press Release
  • United Nations Security Council Resolution
  • U.S. Department of State Briefing
  • BBC News Coverage of the Hamas Attack
  • Al Jazeera English Analysis on Gaza-Israel Conflict
  • Human Rights Watch Report on Gaza
  • History of the 1973 Yom Kippur War
  • Reuters: International Reactions to the Conflict
  • The New York Times: Israel-Hamas Conflict Timeline

You may also like

Leave a Comment

BNB – Big Big News is a news portal that offers the latest news from around the world. BNB – Big Big News focuses on providing readers with the most up-to-date information from the U.S. and abroad, covering a wide range of topics, including politics, sports, entertainment, business, health, and more.

Editors' Picks

Latest News