BY: MIA SANCHEZ / STAFF WRITER
Saturday, Oct. 7, marked the 50th anniversary of the 1973 Israeli and Arab war. Saturday, Oct. 7, also marked the beginning of a new Israeli and Arab war when Hamas launched another unexpected attack.
Hamas, a Palestinian military group, fired about 2,200 rockets from Gaza into Tel Aviv, Israel, at 6:30 a.m., damaging the area and killing civilians. Armed Hamas members stormed areas of the Gaza Strip, shooting at Jewish settlers and capturing many Israeli military.
Shortly after the attacks began, the Commander in Chief of the Hamas military, Mohammed Dief, released a video claiming full responsibility. Hundreds of children, women, and men were killed. The violence had a devastating effect on the local population, leading to the destruction of homes and infrastructure.
Later that day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a state of war in Israel on Hamas, confidently stating, “The enemy will pay an unprecedented price.” He promised that the Israeli army would unleash its full might against Hamas. He swore the country would do whatever it takes to protect its citizens, "We will exact a heavy price from Hamas," Netanyahu said. In response, Israel's allies are expressing their support for the country. The United States has a long history of support for Israel; President Biden specifically expressed “We stand with Israel.” during a press conference on Oct. 10.
Gaza is home to roughly 2.2 million residents and has one of the highest population densities in the world. The Gaza Strip is a narrow piece of land about 41km long and 10km wide. The territory is surrounded by Israel, located between Israel, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Sea. Hamas has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2007, when it gained control of the area after ousting the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority.
Hamas is responsible for security in Gaza. However, funding for healthcare, power, and other services comes mainly from the United Nations and foreign countries. The sole power plant in Gaza runs on diesel that Israel supplies. When Israel announced a "siege" on Gaza, they cut off its electricity, fuel, food, goods, and water supplies.
Israel says the siege will not end until Israeli hostages are released. There has been no electricity since Gaza's single power station ran out of fuel on Wednesday, Oct. 11. Without electricity, the water and sewage systems are expected to shut down. This could lead to a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with hospitals, schools, and businesses unable to function.
“This is the equivalent for Israel of probably what happened in the United States for 9/11,” an Israeli military spokesperson said. As of Thursday, Oct. 12, at least 1,417 people have been killed in Gaza, including 447 children, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Hamas assailants killed men, women, and children at home, strolling on the street, or dancing at the Supernova Music Festival. Dozens of foreigners, including Americans, were among the victims.
A CBS statement said, “Hamas has said it was motivated to launch the attack essentially as the culmination of long-building anger over Israeli policy, including recent outbreaks of violence at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, but more generally over the treatment of Palestinians and the expansion of Israeli settlements.”
Mohammad Deif said in a recorded message that the group had decided to launch an “operation” so that “the enemy will understand that the time of their rampaging without accountability has ended.”
In response to the attack, Israel's goal is to destroy Hamas. It also wants to rescue the hostages seized when Hamas attacked Israel. It now believes 199 people are being held in Gaza, up from an estimated 155. Israel has massed thousands of soldiers on its borders with Gaza, tanks, and artillery.
The situation is creating a larger sense of instability within the Middle East. The escalating tension between Israel and Hamas is increasing the already challenging living conditions for the people in the region, while the international community continues to play a pivotal role in seeking a path toward peace and humanitarian relief.