The Hamas militant group attacked Israel on Saturday, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare, “We are at war.” Israel says more than 700 Israelis, most of them civilians, have been killed since Hamas launched the coordinated, multi-fronted attack from the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian territory it has controlled for years.
Several U.S. citizens were also killed in the attacks, a National Security Council spokesperson confirmed Sunday evening.
What happened Between Hamas and Israel?
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Gaza’s ruling Hamas militant group launched an unprecedented attack on Israel at daybreak Saturday, firing thousands of rockets as hundreds of Hamas fighters infiltrated the heavily fortified border in several locations by air, land, and sea, catching the country off guard on a major holiday, Simchat Torah, a normally joyous day when Jews complete the annual cycle of reading the Torah scroll.
Israeli officials confirmed early on Monday that more than 700 Israeli civilians and members of the military had been killed. Another 2,150 were wounded. At least four Americans were among those killed in the attacks, according to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
In an assault of startling breadth, Hamas gunmen rolled into as many as 22 locations outside the Gaza Strip, including Israeli towns and other communities as far as 15 miles from the Gaza border. In some places they gunned down civilians and soldiers as Israel’s military scrambled to muster a response.
The Hamas militant group attacked Israel on Saturday, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare, “we are at war.” Israel says more than 700 Israelis, most of them civilians, have been killed since Hamas launched the coordinated, multi-fronted attack from the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian territory it has controlled for years.
Several U.S. citizens were also killed in the attacks, a National Security Council spokesperson confirmed Sunday evening.
Here’s what we know so far.
More than 250 mostly young people who had been attending a music festival near Kibbutz Re’im in the Southern Israeli desert were among the dead after Hamas militants entered the area and began firing into the crowd. Others were apparently dragged away as hostages. Haaretz, one of Israel’s largest newspapers, described the scene as a “massacre” and a “battlefield,” reporting that terrorists on motorcycles drove into the crowd shooting.
Hamas says it’s holding “dozens” of Israeli civilians and soldiers captive in the Gaza Strip. Their capture marks a major escalation in the fighting. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Sunday that the U.S. was working to verify reports that a number of American citizens were among those being held.
Summary of why did hamas attack israel
| Reason | Detail |
| Blockade of Gaza | A 16-year blockade by Israel and Egypt impacted Gaza’s economy, leading to humanitarian crises. |
| Israeli Raids | The ongoing Israeli military interventions in West Bank cities have often resulted in civilian casualties. |
| Al-Aqsa Mosque Violence | Disputes and violence at this revered site in Jerusalem have escalated tensions over the years. |
| Alleged Attacks | Claims of intensified violence against Palestinian women and in Israeli prisons played a role. |
| Anniversary of the Yom Kippur War | The attack date marks the 50th anniversary of this significant war. |
| Hamas’s Objectives | Hamas’s long-term goal has been to liberate Palestine and establish an Islamic state. |
| Casualties from the Attack | The aftermath witnessed over 500 Israelis and 313 Palestinians losing their lives. |
Historical Background
The Israeli-Palestinian discord has its inception in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The emergence of nationalist movements among Jews and Arabs in the Middle East was the seed of the current conflict. Their contrasting pursuits of sovereignty have since fueled recurrent tensions.
The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, on territory previously part of the British Mandate of Palestine, led to the displacement of numerous Palestinians. Their yearning to return remains a core issue.
Recent Events Leading to the Attack
Gaza’s 16-year blockade by Israel and Egypt severely crippled its economy, creating dire conditions. This blockade, combined with recurring violent Israeli raids in the West Bank, intensified the resentment.
Moreover, Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa mosque, sacred for both Muslims and Jews, became a flashpoint. Alleged violations and violence at this site ignited fiery reactions.
Furthermore, alleged attacks on Palestinian women and unresolved disputes over the al-Aqsa mosque compound exacerbated the rift.
Hamas’s Motivations and Objectives
Founded in 1987, Hamas aspired to liberate Palestine from Israeli occupation, striving for an Islamic state spanning Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. Their commitment to this vision has involved numerous rocket attacks on Israel.
Timing of the Attack
The decision to strike on October 6, 2023, wasn’t arbitrary. The date marks the 50th anniversary of the 1973 Yom Kippur War—a significant event in the Israeli-Palestinian chronicle. By attacking on this specific date, Hamas aimed to underline its unwavering commitment to their cause.
Consequences of the Attack
The ramifications of the October 6 assault were catastrophic. Over 500 Israeli lives were lost, along with 313 Palestinians. Infrastructure damage was extensive on both sides. Relations, already fragile, worsened considerably post-attack, casting a shadow on future peace endeavors.
Final Words
The question, “why did Hamas attack Israel?”, though seemingly straightforward, is embedded in a maze of history, politics, and religion. The reasons are manifold: from the longstanding blockade of Gaza, provocations at religious sites, to poignant historical anniversaries. The tragic events of October 6, 2023, underscore the intricate challenges facing any peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Faqs
1: Why did Hamas choose October 6, 2023, for the attack?
The date corresponds to the 50th anniversary of the 1973 Yom Kippur War, a significant event in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
2: What is the significance of the al-Aqsa mosque?
The al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem is a holy site for both Muslims and Jews. Disputes and perceived violations at this site often lead to heightened tensions.
3: How many people died in the October 6, 2023 attack?
The attack resulted in over 500 Israeli and 313 Palestinian casualties.
4: What is Hamas’s primary objective?
Hamas aims to liberate Palestine from Israeli occupation and establish an Islamic state across Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip.