OCTOBER 7,2023: OPERATION AQSA FLOOD AND UNFOLDING EVENTS
In the dramatical turn of event, on the eve of Saturday October 7, the Palestinian group Hamas executed a surprise attack on Israel, combining the breaching of security barriers by gunmen with a barrage of rockets launched from Gaza. The assault unfolded at dawn during the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, marking a poignant moment in the region’s history.
This Saturday attack occurred 50 years and a day after Egyptian and Syrian forces launched a similar assault during the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, aiming to reclaim territory taken by Israel in the 1967 conflict. At approximately 6:30 am (03:30 GMT), Hamas initiated a substantial rocket barrage into southern Israel, triggering sirens heard as far as Tel Aviv and Beersheba.
Hamas claimed responsibility for launching 5,000 rockets in the initial barrage, while Israel’s military reported 2,500 rockets fired. Smoke engulfed residential Israeli areas, leading people to seek shelter as sirens blared, resulting in at least one reported casualty.
The head of the Qassam Brigades which is the military wing of HAMAS, Mohammed Deif, announced the commencement of “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood,” revealing that the first strike targeted enemy positions, airports, and military fortifications. The rocket attack served as cover for an unprecedented infiltration of fighters into Israel, with various entry points utilized.
Videos and images emerged, showcasing fighters breaching security barriers, utilizing motorcycles, a powered parachute, and even a motorboat to access Israeli territory. The incursion extended to multiple military installations, including the Beit Hanoon border crossing, the Zikim base, and the Gaza division headquarters at Reim.
The conflict escalated as Hamas fighters penetrated Israeli communities, such as Sderot, Be’eri, and Ofakim. Residents fortified their homes, using them as bomb shelters and panic rooms. Israel’s military ordered residents to seek shelter, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
By evening, Israeli troops were still engaged in clearing communities overrun by Hamas fighters. Air attacks persisted, along with rocket fire into southern Israel. The conflict continued, with Israeli troops combating Hamas fighters in 22 locations near the Gaza Strip.
As of the latest update, casualties have been devastating, with Gaza bearing the brunt of the violence: at least 26,083 people killed, including over 10,000 children and 7,000 women. More than 64,487 are reported injured, including 8,663 children and 6,327 women, with over 8,000 missing. Israel has also faced losses, with about 1,139 people killed and at least 8,730 injured, including soldiers targeted by resistance forces in Gaza.
The West Bank witnessed escalating tensions as Israel’s actions resulted in at least 370 deaths and over 4,250 injuries. The conflict persists, with both sides grappling with the profound human cost and geopolitical ramifications of this ongoing crisis.
A lot of several other events occured in relation with this event among which are the temporary ceasefire that happened between Hamas and Israel in order to bring humanitarian aid into Gaza in exchange for some of the hostages captured by Hamas.
The most recent is the filing of genocidal case by South Africa against Israel. In proceedings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the Republic of South Africa alleged that Israel is responsible for violations of the Genocide Convention in respect of its actions taken in Gaza, allegations which Israel rejects. On the 26th of January, The court ordered Israel to take all measures to prevent genocide in Gaza, but stopped short of calling on Israel to suspend its military operations.
The war has been in continuity for 108 days and we hope that justice shall prevail finally and all parties that at fault shall be tried by the mighty power of Allah.
