On October 7, 2023, a surprise attack by Hamas militants from Gaza stunned Israel and escalated into a full-scale war. The attack began with rockets fired from Gaza into Israel, followed by a ground invasion from Hamas militants. The conflict quickly intensified, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring that Israel was at war and vowing to defeat Hamas. The fighting resulted in hundreds of deaths on both sides.
The attack had far-reaching consequences beyond the Middle East. The international community voiced support for Israel, with world leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, expressing solidarity with Israel. Israel's unexpected conflict with Hamas also led to the cancellation of a scheduled concert in Tel Aviv by popular artist Bruno Mars.
Significant damage was inflicted during the war, with reports of a high-rise tower in Gaza being destroyed. The conflict was described as unprecedented, with both sides engaging in intense fighting and Hamas militants infiltrating Gaza. The war evoked memories of the Yom Kippur War, a major conflict between Israel and its neighboring Arab countries that took place in 1973.
As the war continued, more details emerged about the scale of the conflict and the ongoing situation on the ground. The situation was described as a crisis, with further days of war expected. The war between Israel and Hamas was marked by heavy fighting and attacks, leading to a significant loss of life. The attack and subsequent conflict sparked analysis and commentary on the history and implications of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Overall, the surprise attack by Hamas militants from Gaza led to a full-scale war with Israel, causing significant damage and loss of life. The conflict generated international attention and support for Israel while raising questions about the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.