October 7, 2023

Overview of Hamas Attack

The operation, dubbed “Al-Aqsa Flood” by Hamas, began around 6:30 AM local time with a barrage of thousands of rockets from Gaza, overwhelming Israel’s Iron Dome system. Gunmen breached the border fence using explosives, bulldozers, and paragliders, entering Israeli territory. Attacks focused on southern communities near Gaza, including kibbutzim (communal settlements) like Kfar Aza, Be’eri, and Nir Oz, as well as cities such as Sderot and Ofakim. A major site was the Supernova music festival near Kibbutz Re’im, where at least 364 people were killed. Militants also targeted military bases, killing soldiers and capturing equipment.

Hamas stated the assault was a “necessary step” against Israeli occupation, the 16-year Gaza blockade, and the constent provocations at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Sources like Al Jazeera note that while rocket fire and militant actions triggered Israeli retaliation, the scale caught Israel off guard, leading to intelligence failures acknowledged by Israeli officials.

Casualties and Hostages

Israeli figures, as cited in sources, report 1,139 deaths (revised from initial estimates of 1,400), including about 800 civilians, 300 soldiers, and foreign nationals. Around 250 individuals were taken hostage to Gaza, with some later released in exchanges. Palestinian casualties from immediate Israeli counterstrikes reached about 230 on the first day, escalating rapidly.

Controversial Claims and Debunking

Allegations of atrocities like baby beheadings and systematic rape have been widely circulated but largely debunked in forensic analyses and reports from allowed sources.

For instance, Israel claims of “40 beheaded babies” originated from unverified reports and were walked back by officials, with no evidence found. On sexual violence, while some incidents may have occurred based on circumstantial evidence, sources emphasize a lack of direct proof linking systematic rape to Hamas directives, and no formal rape complaints from October 7 have been filed per Israeli prosecutors.

 A subsequent UN Commission of Inquiry (June 2024) found no evidence of rape committed by Hamas on October 7, attributing some violence to other actors and highlighting unverified Israeli narratives.