Hamas and Israel at War: What We Know
Gunshots are what was heard by Israeli citizens this morning as Hamas infiltrated various towns near the Gaza border (Taylor Brandon/Unsplash).
Hamas attacked the Israeli state from the land, sea and air.
Article by Georgia Simon, Assistant White House Editor
JERUSALEM - Throughout the early hours of the morning, Hamas made a surprise attack against 22 close local communities near the Gaza Strip, killing more than 300 and wounding over a thousand Israeli citizens.
“Israelis across the country- on Shabbat and the holiday of Simchat Torah- woke up to sirens sounding and Hamas firing rockets at them from Gaza this morning, “ Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on X (formerly Twitter).
Immediately responding to the conflict, Israel issued airstrikes across Gaza as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war.
“This morning, Hamas launched a murderous surprise attack against the State of Israel and its citizens,” Netanyahu said in an address today following the attacks. “We are at war, not in operation or in rounds, but at war.”
Who is the Group Behind this Attack
Hamas stands for Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya. First appearing in the late 80’s, the group hopes to create an Islamic state in the Middle Eastern Israeli territory while single-handedly ending the Jewish state in its tracks. The group is financially backed by Iran and has previously used Iranian resources to fight Israelis in the last two decades.
Attack Details
Gunshots are what was heard by Israeli citizens this morning as Hamas infiltrated various towns near the Gaza border. Gunmen crossed into Israel by land or sea while 2,000 rockets were sent into the country. It remains unknown how Hamas managed to move across one of the most protected and defended borders in the world.
Throughout the day, many local citizens as well as soldiers were kidnapped by Hamas. Although it is unclear specific locations, it is assumed that those captured are being held in border towns or being taken back into Gaza. Hamas is claiming the capturing of 53 Israelis.
Why did Hamas do this
Since the beginning of Israel as a country in 1948, Palestinians have been variously displaced throughout the Middle East. Israel controls the West Bank, home to many Palestinians, which has increased tension and led to extreme deracination for the ethnic group. The ultimate goal of the terrorist group is to end Israel and start an Islamic state in the territory.
The Gaza Strip
The Gaza Strip is a Palestinian-controlled enclave bordering the countries of Egypt and Israel. It lies on the southwestern front of Israel and is on the coast of the Mediterranean. It is around 141 square miles and hosts millions of Palestinians.
The strip was originally occupied by Egypt from 1948 to 1967 after Israel’s War of Independence. However, during the Six-Day War of 1967, Israel won back the strip and was in control until 2005 after withdrawing to the Palestinians. Hamas began controlling Gaza following a brief civil war with a rival Palestinian branch named Fatah in 2007. Israel currently has a naval as well as air blockade set on Gaza.
Yom Kippur War
Today's recent attack also marks the 50th anniversary of the 1973 War, referred to by Israel as the Yom Kippur War. On October 6th, 1973, Egypt and Syria sent troops into Israel with hopes of gaining back territory seized by Israel during the Six-Day War in June 1967.
This war can be referred to as the Yom Kippur War, as the attack started on the Jewish holiday, similar to today's attack as it was during Shabot and Simchat Torah.
Countries standing with Israel
Countries across North America and Europe immediately came to the defense of Israel, while Qatar, Iran and Saudi Arabia have shown support for Palestinians.
“I made clear to Prime Minister Netanyahu that we stand ready to offer all appropriate means of support to the Government and people of Israel,” President Biden said in a statement. “Terrorism is never justified. Israel has a right to defend itself and its people.”
Details
Many airports in the central and southern regions of Israel are closed while numerous airlines are halting and or diverting flights into the country.
The United States Embassy has issued a shelter-in-place warning. Washington is keeping close tabs on the attack.
Brazil, the current president of the United National Security Council, has also called for an emergency meeting. The meeting is set for Sunday at 3 p.m.