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Palestinian militants on Saturday fired thousands of rockets from the Gaza Strip toward Israel, and several assailant squads managed to break through the security fence and enter Israeli territory.
Israel has amassed 100,000 troops on Gaza border in preparation for a ground offensive against Hamas. The operation that appears to be imminent comes two days after Hamas carried out a surprise attack inside Israel, followed by a barrage of rockets, and Israeli airstrikes that have left at least 700 Israelis and 413 Palestinians killed.
On Saturday, militants from the group entered southern Israeli towns, took more than 100 hostages and fired more than 3,000 rockets toward the Jewish state. Thousands more on both sides were wounded.
With Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing “might vengeance” against Hamas and Gaza militants, Israel carried out 800 airstrikes since Saturday’s attack.
But with dozens of Israelis captured and believed to be in Gaza, the plans for a ground invasion are increasingly complicated. The leader of the Islamic Jihad movement said that his group is looking for a prisoner swap.
The United States has thrown its support behind the Israeli government, and the Pentagon has dispatched the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, which includes the guided missile cruiser USS Normandy and four guided-missile destroyers, to the Eastern Mediterranean.
The United States government is working to verify reports that “several Americans” were killed in the attack.
Israel is reportedly seeking to confine the war in the Gaza Strip as tens of thousands of residents have moved to UNRWA shelters. But with shots fired on its northern border by Hezbollah, the risks of a multifront war have increased.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that Iran green-lighted the Hamas operation following a Beirut meeting on Monday. The developments and Israel’s declaration of war mark the most serious escalation between Israel and Hamas since May 2021.
In a statement to Al-Monitor, however, the Iranian mission to the United Nations in New York, said Iran does not green light such decisions.
Al-Monitor’s Rina Bassist, Adam Lucente, Elizabeth Hagedorn, Jack Dutton, Beatrice Farhat, Jared Szuba, Ben Caspit and Al-Monitor’s contributors on the ground in Gaza contributed to this blog.
Live updates (all times EDT):
Monday Oct. 9, 2023
4:18 am: IDF says Israel moving to offensive
IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari said, “We have now moved to an offensive.” Hagari said that for the moment no more battles are taking place in Israeli towns or villages, stating that “we completely control all Israeli localities now.” He added this does not mean there are no more Palestinian assailants on Israeli territory, as some of them could be hiding. Hagari said that the IDF is currently evacuating all the villages and kibbutzim near the Gaza border, but is not planning to evacuate the southern town of Sderot for the time being.
3:57 am: Israel’s Foreign Ministry instructs its envoys abroad to stay home
Israeli diplomats are requested to stay home unless they receive a security authorization to go out, reports Ynet. In countries considered sensitive security-wise, such as Egypt, diplomats set to arrive to their duty stations were instructed to remain in Israel. Security measures of Jewish and Israeli institutions have been increased in several countries since Saturday morning, including in the United States, Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Switzerland. Several rallies in support of Israel took place on Sunday in the United States, as well as rallies in support of the Palestinians. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi participated at an Israel support rally at a synagogue in San Francisco. In New York, a clash broke out near the United Nations compound between supporters of Israel and a group of Palestinian supporters who had rallied at Times Square. A march in support of Israel is expected Monday evening in Paris, organized by the CRIF (umbrella organization of French Jews).
3:48 am: Nearly 500 people killed in Gaza according to latest death poll
At least 493 people have been killed since Saturday in Israeli strikes targeting various areas of the Gaza Strip, in response to Hamas’ surprise attack against Israel. The Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza said 2,751 others have been injured.
1:05 am: Israel Bank sells foreign currency, to prevent fall of shekel
The Bank of Israel announced an unusual intervention in the country’s foreign currency market, with the plan to sell up to $30 billion in foreign currency in order to prevent the fall of the shekel. By the end of August, Israel’s foreign currency reserves stood at $202 billion. Israel’s shekel dropped sharply following the Hamas attack, reaching 3.91 shekels to the dollar in the early hours of Monday. The ratio dropped slightly following the bank’s announcement to sell foreign currency.
0:01 am: Israeli airstrikes hit mosque in Gaza’s al-Shati camp, leaving casualties
The Israeli military launched a series of airstrikes in al-Shati refugee camp in the east of the Gaza Strip, hitting Al-Garbi Mosque and causing heavy damages. At least eight people have been killed, including a young girl, according to Palestine’s official WAFA news agency. The strikes destroyed much of the camp, with people still looking for victims under the rubble, while ambulances are having difficulties reaching the affected area. Israel’s N12 channel said the strikes targeted Hamas command posts in the camp, including one set up inside a mosque.
Sunday Oct. 8, 2023
11:59 pm: 11 Thai nationals kidnapped by Hamas
The Foreign Ministry of Thailand said that 12 Thai nationals were killed and eight injured in the Hamas attack on Saturday. Eleven Thai nationals have been taken to Gaza, said the ministry. According to Bangkok, there are approximately 30,000 Thai nationals living and working in Israel, 5,000 of them are in the vicinity of the Gaza border.
11:57 pm: Israel’s Ben-Gvir says ready for an emergency government
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said he agrees for National Unity party leader Benny Gantz and Israel Beitenu party leader Avigdor Liberman to join a Netanyahu-led emergency government. “As long as the basis for entering the government is a decision on the goal set for the IDF – to completely defeat and crush the military and governing powers of Hamas, then (my) Jewish Power party will welcome a broad emergency government,” he said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with Gantz Monday morning to discuss his entry into the government.
7:30 pm: Israel amasses 100,00 troops on Gaza’s border
The IDF announced on Monday morning local time that it has mobilized 100,000 soldiers in preparation for a ground offensive to neutralize Hamas’ capabilities in the Gaza Strip.
“We have amassed around 100,000 reserve troops who are currently in southern Israel preparing to execute the task the Israeli government has designated the IDF to do,” Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus said in a video statement.“
“Our objective is that at the end of this war, Hamas will no longer have any military capability to threaten Israeli civilians with,” Conricus added. Another goal is “to make sure that Hamas is not able to govern the Gaza Strip.” The militant group took control of Gaza in 2007.
Calling it a “dire” situation and the “worst day in Israeli history”, Conricus said Israeli forces are still fighting Hamas elements inside Israel. He also confirmed a “very large” number of Israelis [soldiers and civilians] are being held in Gaza, and said the number may be revealed in the coming days.
4:45 pm: Death toll crosses 1,000 in 2 days of Israel-Hamas conflict
At least 700 people have died in Israel and over 2,000 have been injured in the two days since the Hamas attack, Israeli officials said. In Gaza, at least 413 Palestinians have been killed, including 78 children, and 2,300 are injured, the Palestinian Health Ministry said.
4:40 pm: WSJ reports Iran helped plan Hamas attack against Israel
Iranian security officials helped plan Hamas’ surprise attack against Israel, The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday. Those officials “gave the green light for the assault at a meeting in Beirut last Monday,” senior members of Hamas and Hezbollah told the paper.
In a statement to Al-Monitor, however, the Iranian mission to the United Nations in New York, said Iran does not green light such decisions.
“The decisions made by the Palestinian resistance are fiercely autonomous and unwaveringly aligned with the legitimate interests of the Palestinian people. We emphatically stand in unflinching support of Palestine; however, we are not involved in Palestine’s response, as it is taken solely by Palestine itself,” the statement said.
4:30 pm: Islamic Jihad leader says group holding 30 hostages in Gaza
The Islamic Jihad group, based in Gaza, is holding at least 30 hostages in Gaza, all captured during the assault against Israel on Saturday. “The Islamic Jihad movement currently has more than 30 prisoners, and they will not return to their homes until our prisoners are liberated,” Islamic Jihad leader Ziad al-Nakhalah said in a speech late Sunday local time.
3:50 pm: Israel seeks to focus on Gaza front, prevent others
The Israeli government seeks to focus on Gaza and to prevent battles from breaking out on other fronts, namely on the border with Lebanon or the West Bank. A report by Israel’s public broadcaster KAN revealed that this was the main conclusion reached during the Security Cabinet meeting earlier this evening. That being said, Israel is preparing for the possibility of an escalation in Lebanon following Hezbollah’s attack on Shebaa Farms on Sunday.
3:00 pm: Israel recovers 260 bodies from musical festival site, with more coming, says volunteer group
More than 260 bodies have been pulled out in recent hours from the musical festival site near Re’im Kibbutz in the south of Israel, said the Zaka Search and Rescue group. The volunteer organization, which specializes in recovering remains, said they are still working at the site and are expected to find more bodies scattered around the area. Zaka was authorized to reach the site only after the Israel Police and the IDF cleared the area.
According to Israel’s public broadcaster KAN, it is likely that Hamas knew ahead of time about the party and that it was set to take place in the open. More than 3,000 youngsters had arrived for the festival, which traditionally takes place during the last weekend of the Tabernacle feast holiday.
2:48 pm: Palestine’s ambassador to UN accuses international community of inaction in face of Israeli violations
Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, said the Palestinian Authority has repeatedly warned of the Israeli actions against the Palestinian people and was met by international inaction, calling for an immediate cease-fire.
“This is a time to tell Israel it needs to change course, that there is a path to peace where neither Palestinians nor Israelis are killed. It is time for an immediate end to the violence and the bloodshed,” Mansour said.
2:10 pm: Islamic Jihad leader says Israel ‘broken’ in war
Islamic Jihad leader Ziad al-Nakhalah expressed confidence in the war against Israel in a speech broadcast by Al Jazeera Arabic. He said that Israel “was broken and sought help in the first hours from its ally America, the head of evil in the world.” The Beirut-based leader also accused Israel of destroying homes and killing civilians in Gaza, and vowed to continue the war with Israel. “We will fight and continue to fight,” he said.
Nakhalah added that there are dozens of Israeli civilians and soldiers being held in Gaza. Iranian state media reported earlier on Sunday that Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi held a call with Nakhalah to discuss the situation on the ground.
1:58 pm: Ben-Gvir announces easing of firearms licensing for Israelis
Against the backdrop of the Hamas war, Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir directed the Firearms Licensing Division in his ministry to simplify the process for obtaining a permit to carry a weapon. A statement issued by his office said Ben-Gvir instructed the division to launch what he called an “emergency operation” in order to “enable as many citizens as possible to arm themselves.”
The program will enable Israelis to get the permit within a week on the condition that they meet the required criteria, including clean criminal checks and health records.
1:46 pm: 70,000 Gazans taken to UNRWA shelters
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said nearly 74,000 people in the Gaza Strip were displaced in 64 UNRWA shelters due to the heavy Israeli bombardment in the enclave.
In a press release, the UN agency said that one of its schools sheltering more than 225 people was directly hit by Israeli strikes. UNRWA stressed the need to protect civilians at all times and expressed its support for an immediate cease-fire and the end of violence.
1:19 pm: US sends aircraft carrier strike group to deter further attacks
The Pentagon on Saturday dispatched the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, which includes the guided missile cruiser USS Normandy and four guided-missile destroyers, to the Eastern Mediterranean in order to ward off potential further attacks following Hamas’ assault into Israel.
The Pentagon also augmented the US Air Force F-35, F-15, F-16 and A-10 fighter aircraft squadrons already based in the region to deter Iran and its proxies.
“In addition, the United States government will be rapidly providing the Israel Defense Forces with additional equipment and resources, including munitions. The first security assistance will begin moving today and arriving in the coming days,” US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement.
1:14 pm: Palestinian President Abbas holds call with Qatar, Egypt, Jordan
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas spoke to Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim ibn Hamad Al Thani. The two discussed working toward an “end to the Israeli aggression” and delivering aid to the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian Authority’s WAFA news agency reported.
Qatar said in a statement on Saturday that it holds Israel “solely responsible” for the current conflict.
Earlier on Sunday, Abbas discussed the situation in Gaza with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II, according to WAFA.
Jordan, Egypt and Qatar have mediated between Israel and Hamas in the past, and Cairo hosted Palestinian reconciliation talks in July.
12:38 pm: Israel army chief announces readiness on all fronts
IDF Chief of Staff Hezri Halevi warned that fighting against Hamas would be long and difficult but added that Israel is prepared for a multifront war.
“Long and complicated days of fighting are ahead of us. We will keep our readiness at all the fronts. We will continue attacking all over Gaza, and especially in the locations from which attacks are launched against us,” Halevi said.
12:23 pm: Israel’s Gantz ready to consider joining ‘war cabinet’
Leader of the National Unity party Benny Gantz said he is willing to discuss with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the possibility of joining an emergency government.
“Already yesterday, I told the prime minister I am ready to join the campaign and discuss the joining of the National Unity party and of other opposition parties to the government, with the intention of establishing a war cabinet that will manage the Gaza battlefield and any other battlefield,” he said.
12:05 pm: Hamas ‘still on the ground’ in Israel
IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari told reporters that “the enemy is still on the ground” in Israel, adding that the military is sending reinforcements to areas near the Gaza Strip, Agence France-Presse reported.
11:28 am: Israel strikes 800 Hamas targets in Gaza
Israel struck 800 Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, a government-run account on X, formerly known as Twitter, reported.
🔻تروریستهایی که قصد فرار داشتند را در جدار مرزی به هلاکت رساندیم
🔻800 هدف از مواضع حماس را نابود کردهایم
🔻50 هواپیمای جنگنده، دهها کیلو بمب بر اهداف حماس فرود آوردند
🔻دهها تروریست را به اسارت درآوردهایم و صدها تروریست را به هلاکت رساندیم
<<سخنگوی ارتش اسرائیل>>#شمشیر…
— اسرائیل به فارسی (@IsraelPersian) October 8, 202311:14 am: Netanyahu, Biden speak again
In a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Joe Biden emphasized his “unconditional support of the State of Israel,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.
The two leaders also spoke on Saturday, when Biden told reporters that he would personally remain in touch with Netanyahu as the crisis unfolds. During a speech on Saturday, Netanyahu thanked Biden for his “clear and unequivocal support.”
11:08 am: Islamic Jihad leader says Israel in ‘state of shock’
Islamic Jihad Deputy Secretary-General Muhammad al-Hindi expressed confidence in the Palestinian military assault against Israel, saying that the Jewish state is in a “state of shock” and has “lost control of its positions after suffering unprecedented losses,” the Hamas-affiliated media outlet Safa reported.
Islamic Jihad participated in Hamas’ incursion into Israel on Saturday, according to The Associated Press.
Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh said on Saturday that the current conflict will spread from Gaza to Jerusalem, the West Bank and within Israel.
10:27 am: Germany to ‘review’ aid to Palestinians
German Development Minister Svenja Schulze said in a statement that Berlin will review its assistance to the Palestinian territories in light of Hamas’ attack on Israel.
“We will review our whole commitment to the Palestinian areas,” said Schulze in a statement, calling the assault “terrible.”
Germany does not provide aid directly to the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, but it does give assistance to Palestinians via its aid agency and development bank, as well as the UN’s agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.
10:18 am: Netanyahu appoints hostage coordinator
Netanyahu named Gal Hirsch as the country’s chief negotiator for hostages, a position that was vacant for a year.
The appointment of Hirsch, a former army general and Likud party member, came as an Israeli agency confirmed that more than 100 people had been kidnapped by Hamas and transferred to Gaza. Speaking to the Times of Israel, Israeli officials denied reports that Israel had asked Egypt to negotiate for the hostages’ release.
Prior to Saturday, Hamas was holding two Israeli nationals — Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed — who entered Gaza voluntarily in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Both men suffer from mental health issues. Hamas has also held the bodies of two Israeli soldiers since 2014.
10:02 am: Iran’s Raisi calls Hamas, Islamic Jihad leaders
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi held separate phone calls with Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and Ziyad al-Nakhalah, secretary-general of Islamic Jihad, Iran’s official Islamic Republic News Agency reported.
Iran provides substantial financial and military support to both Palestinian militant groups. On Sunday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog tied Iran to the Hamas assault, describing the Gaza-based group as “supported and directed by their proxy commanders in Iran.”
9:39 am: Netanyahu speaks with leaders of UK, Germany, Ukraine, Italy
Netanyahu held separate phone calls with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
“All the leaders expressed unconditional support for Israel’s right to defend itself as much as needed,’’ read a statement issued by Netanyahu’s office.
9:21 am: Gaza death toll increases to 370
The Hamas-run Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip said 370 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes since Saturday and another 2,200 have been wounded.
9:14 am: US works to verify reports of dead Americans in Israel
Secretary of State Antony Blinken told CNN that the State Department is aware of reports that US citizens have been killed and are missing as a result of the bloodshed in Israel and is working to confirm their status. Read the full story here.
“We have reports that several Americans were killed. We’re working overtime to verify that,” Blinken told the outlet. “At the same time, there are reports of missing Americans and there again, we’re working to verify those reports.”
8:56 am: Israel confirms more than 100 kidnapped
Israel’s Government Press Office said that more than 100 people have been kidnapped by Hamas. Earlier Israeli press reports estimated that dozens of people were being held hostage by the group.
Hamas has previously used captive Israelis as bargaining chips to secure the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.
8:46 am: Lebanon says Israel bombs near Shebaa Farms
Lebanon’s official National News Agency reported “renewed” Israeli bombing near Shebaa Farms and Kfar Chouba in southern Lebanon near the Israeli border. Lebanese militant group Hezbollah earlier said it struck Israeli targets in Shebaa Farms, a 15-square-mile area that Lebanon considers occupied by Israel.
The National News Agency reported shortly after that an Israeli drone fired a missile at an unspecified target in Khraibeh, north of Shebaa Farms.
8:45 am: Israeli jets strike Hamas targets in Gaza
Dozens of Israeli fighter jets are now attacking targets in the Gaza Strip. The IDF spokesperson’s office said the Israeli air force is targeting Hamas positions near the Gazan city of Beit Hanoun that are used by the militant group to launch attacks against Israel.
Home Front Command, the IDF branch responsible for civil defense, ordered the closure of schools on Monday and Tuesday. Across most of Israel, workplaces that do not have a shelter room must also remain closed through at least Tuesday.
8:31 am: Israeli death toll reaches 600: local media
Some 600 Israelis have died since the fighting erupted between Israel and Hamas on Saturday morning, according to Israel’s public broadcaster KAN and Channel 12 as well as the Haaretz and Times of Israel newspapers. Israeli officials have not confirmed the new death toll.
Palestinian officials say at least 300 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip, which has come under heavy bombardment after armed Hamas assailants broke through the border fence into Israel’s south yesterday.
8:00 am: International flights canceled
Since Saturday morning, several international companies have been canceling flights to and from Israel.
German Lufthansa said yesterday it was canceling all its flights to and from Israel "given the current security situation in Tel Aviv."
French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne confirmed Sunday afternoon that Air France flights to and from Israel were suspended, reported Reuters.
Other European companies such as Brussels Airlines and low-cost EasyJet and Wizz canceled flights scheduled for Saturday and Sunday but did not announce a suspension of all flights to Israel.
A CBS report said United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines all announced that they have temporarily suspended flights to and from Israel.Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport, located near Tel Aviv, continues to function, the Israel Aviation Authority told Al-Monitor.
7:34 am: Israel at war
Israel’s Security Cabinet confirmed Saturday night that Israel is at a state of war, authorizing “significant military operations,” Netanyahu’s office confirmed Sunday afternoon. The statement said the decision was made in accordance with Clause 40 of Israel’s Basic Law: The Government. “The war that was forced upon the State of Israel via a deadly terror attack from the Gaza Strip started (officially) from Oct. 7, 2023, at 6:00,” read the statement.
7:00 am: Israel death toll rises
Israel’s public broadcaster KAN says the number of Israelis killed since Saturday morning by Gaza rockets and Hamas militants reached 400, with over 1,900 people wounded.
The report says that fighting continues in six different communities near the Gaza border. Ynet reported that among the people kidnapped by Hamas are several foreign nationals.
Israeli Ambassador in London Tzipi Hotovely confirmed to Sky News that a British national was among those kidnapped by Hamas and taken to Gaza.
The Foreign Ministry of Thailand said earlier in the day that 11 of its nationals were taken hostage during the fighting in the south of Israel and presumably brought to Gaza.
6:03 am: Abbas orders Palestinian authorities to provide Gaza assistance
Israeli N12News reports that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas ordered the Palestinian government and relevant authorities to act immediately to assist in Gaza.
Many Palestinian shops in the West Bank are closed today as part of a general strike announced Saturday in support of Hamas.
5:52 am: Israel confirms two citizens shot dead in Egypt
Two Israeli citizens have been shot and killed in Alexandria, Egypt, Israel’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed.
A statement read, “This morning, during a visit of a group of tourists in Alexandria in Egypt, a local person opened fire at them. Murdering two Israeli nationals and their local Egyptian guide. One person was moderately injured.”
The ministry said it is working with the Egyptian authorities to bring the Israeli citizens back home quickly. Al Jazeera reported that the shooter was a local police officer.
5:26 am: Al-Qassam spokesperson rallies Palestinians to join battle
Al-Qassam Brigades’ spokesperson Abu Obeida released a new audio recording on the latest developments in Gaza. He said in the clip, released on the military wing of Hamas’ website, that more fighters are “infiltrating” Israel and are “heroically” battling Israeli forces on several fronts.
“We are continuing the battle of Al-Aqsa Flood, and we call on our people in all the arenas of the homeland and our nation to join this battle that will be immortalized in history and praised by generations, with God’s help,” he added.
5:07 am: PA calls for emergency Arab League meeting
The Palestinian Authority has called for an emergency meeting of the Arab League to discuss the ongoing Hamas-Israel escalation.
Palestine’s permanent representative to the Arab League Mohannad Aklouk said a memorandum was submitted to the pan-Arab body requesting an urgent meeting to mobilize Arab and international efforts to find ways to end the Israeli escalation in Gaza and protect the Palestinian people. The meeting would also discuss efforts to achieve peace and security in the region, according to Aklouk.
5:14 am: China ‘deeply concerned’ at violence, calls for establishment of Palestinian state
China’s Foreign Ministry has issued a statement on the conflict, saying it is “deeply concerned” over the “escalation of tensions and violence” between the Israelis and the Palestinians.
“The recurrence of the conflict shows once again that the protracted standstill of the peace process cannot go on,” the statement said. “The fundamental way out of the conflict lies in implementing the two-state solution and establishing an independent State of Palestine.”
The ministry said China would continue to work with the international community to find a peaceful resolution and urged the other countries to act with greater urgency to facilitate peace talks between the two sides.
4:12 am: Rocket fire from Gaza on Israel continues
Two Israelis have been injured in Sderot by rocket fire and six buildings in the southern city were directly hit.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also holding a situation assessment together with the heads of the security agencies at the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv.
Israeli authorities are recommending that residents living near the northern border with Lebanon leave the area, but officials have stopped short of a direct order for evacuation for the moment.
3:52 am: 100 rockets rain down on Israeli city of Sderot
Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing, said it launched 100 rockets at the city of Sderot in southern Israel. In a statement posted on its Telegram channel, the brigades said that the attack on Sderot came in response to the Israeli targeting of civilian homes in the Gaza Strip.
3:25 am: Gaza Health Ministry updates death toll
The Hamas-run Palestinian Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip said 313 people have been killed since Israel began its airstrikes in the enclave on Saturday and 1,990 others have been injured.
2:50 am: Gaza envelope area declared closed military zone
IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari says fighting is ongoing in the Kfar Aza kibbutz. Israeli troops are scanning several other communities to verify no more Palestinian assailants are there. The Gaza envelope area has been declared a closed military zone. Hagari said that IDF has struck 500 Hamas targets in Gaza so far.
1:21 am: Hezbollah, Israel exchange fire in southern Lebanon
Lebanese Hezbollah, a powerful Iran-backed armed group, said it struck three Israeli military positions in Shebaa Farms, an area in southern Lebanon that is regarded by the Lebanese government as occupied by Israel. In a statement released by the movement’s media office, Hezbollah said one of its units launched a large number of rockets and shells against three targets in what it described as an operation to liberate the occupied Lebanese lands and support the Palestinian resistance and people. The Israeli army immediately responded with artillery fire targeting the area from where the attack originated. The army added that a drone strike hit a Hezbollah post in Shebaa Farms.
00:30 am: Mortar bombs fired from Lebanon
Mortars were fired from Lebanon to the Mount Dov area, according to Israel’s Army Radio. The IDF responded by attacking the launch site with artillery fire. Residents in the north of Israel are ordered to remain in proximity to shelters in case of more fire from Lebanon.
Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023
11:40 pm: Israeli army starts evacuating Gaza envelope residents
IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari says the army has started to evacuate the residents in the Gaza area from their homes while soldiers continue to search for assailants in seven locations. The Home Front command ordered schools not to open on Sunday across Israel. In the south, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and the West Bank regions, gatherings have been limited to 10 people outdoors and 50 people indoors.
9:00 pm: Israeli airstrikes pound Gaza
The Palestinian Authority’s official news outlet WAFA reported early Sunday morning local time there were Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, including in the Rimal neighborhood in Gaza City. The IDF’s Arabic language spokesman Avichay Adraee tweeted early Sunday, calling on residents of several neighborhoods in Gaza to evacuate to other parts of the territory due to impending Israeli military operations.
Loud explosions could be heard on Al Jazeera Arabic’s broadcast from Gaza at around 3:30 a.m. local time.
8:50 pm: Hamas threatens to hit Jerusalem
Hamas’ political chief Ismail Haniyeh said in a speech on Saturday night local time that the operation will extend from Gaza to Jerusalem, the West Bank and within Israel, according to a post on the group’s website. Israeli media reported that rockets were fired into southern Israel early Sunday morning local time. The Israeli military has not commented on how many Israelis have been captured. Israeli news outlets estimated that dozens were taken.
7:38 pm: Special dispatch from Tel Aviv
Prior to the surprise attack from Gaza, the IDF had deployed massive numbers of troops to the West Bank in response to Palestinian attacks against Israelis. The endless violence in the West Bank, partially incited by Jewish settlers, had consumed much of the military’s investment before Saturday.
“Gaza was left at the mercy of the formidable barrier that was built, surveillance cameras and other sophisticated technology. It was clearly not enough,” writes Ben Caspit.
For more on the Israeli intelligence failure, read Caspit’s full article here.
6:15 pm: Special dispatch from Gaza
Even as the death toll in Gaza surpassed 230 people and airstrikes pounded the Hamas-ruled enclave, Al-Monitor’s correspondent on the ground reports there were celebrations in solidarity with the militant organization as it launched its largest offensive yet against Israel. Read the full article here.
6:10 pm: Dozens of Israeli hostages freed
Dozens of Israelis held hostage in Kibbutz Beeri in the south of Israel were freed, Israel’s public broadcaster KAN reports. The release came after hours of fierce fighting between the Hamas assailants holding the group and IDF troops. The Israelis had been held hostage since Saturday morning in the community dining room of the kibbutz.
5:10 pm: IDF thwarts further Hamas attempts to enter Israel, 300 dead
The number of Israelis killed by Gaza rockets and Hamas militants reached 300, reports Israel’s public broadcaster KAN. At least 1,590 Israelis were evacuated to hospitals, more than 300 of them in serious condition, according to the Israeli Health Ministry.
The IDF thwarted an attempt by Hamas operatives to enter Israel via the sea through the Israel Zikim beach and another attempt to cross the Gaza-Israel security fence.
3:30 pm: Hunt for Hamas assailant in Sderot
Israeli armored bulldozers began destroying the police station of the southern town of Sderot where at least one Hamas assailant is hiding. Other vehicles and machines are being used to detect and dismantle any possible explosives in the area.
The battle against the armed assailant has been ongoing for several hours with several exchanges of fire. The commander of the Southern Command ordered that the assailant be “neutralized” at any cost, even if it means destroying the building. Residents of Sderot were ordered to enter the shelters early in the morning and were not permitted to leave. Authorities fear that more assailants are hiding in the town.
💥Israel is blowing up the Sderot police station where Hamas militants remain holed up. At least one appears to have escaped. pic.twitter.com/KShB31KX5l
— Noga Tarnopolsky נגה טרנופולסקי نوغا ترنوبولسكي💙 (@NTarnopolsky) October 7, 20233:20 pm: Netanyahu says war will be ‘long and difficult’
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the war against Hamas is expected to be protracted but pledged that Israel will prevail. “The war will be long. It will be difficult. Challenging days are ahead of us. But we will win it,” Netanyahu said.
In a short statement to the press, the Israeli premier warned, “The IDF will immediately use all of its power to destroy [Hamas] and to take revenge with force for the day they have inflicted on Israel and on its citizens.”
“We will turn the city of evil into a city of ruins. I say to the residents of Gaza: Get out of there now,” Netanyahu added.
The Israeli premier thanked President Joe Biden for his “clear and unequivocal support.” He also thanked the leaders of France and the United Kingdom as well as other world leaders for standing by Israel.
2:55 pm: President Biden voices solidarity with Israel
Biden condemned Hamas’ attack on Israel in a short address from the White House and issued a warning to Israel’s enemies. “This is not a moment for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks to seek advantage. The world is watching,” said Biden.
Biden added that he will “personally” remain in contact with Netanyahu on the developments and that he has spoken to Jordan’s King Abdullah II. The president said he instructed his staff to remain in contact with the leaders of Egypt, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman and the United Arab Emirates as well as European countries and the Palestinian Authority.
2:20 pm: Netanyahu proposes national unity ’emergency government’
Netanyahu asked Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid and National Unity party leader Benny Gantz to join a “special large emergency government, the same way late opposition leader Menachem Begin joined Levi Eshkol’s government on the eve of the Six-Day War,” read a statement issued by Netanyahu’s Likud party. Lapid first suggested the proposal earlier in the day after meeting with Netanyahu for a security meeting as chair of the opposition.
2:11 pm: Israel’s death toll rises to 200
At least 200 people in Israel have been killed in the war with Hamas, the Associated Press reported, citing Israeli health officials.
1:40 pm: Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah delegations meet in south Lebanon
The head of political relations for the Islamic Jihad movement in Lebanon, Shakib al-Ayna, hosted a Hezbollah delegation in the southern Lebanese city of Sidon to discuss the latest Hamas-Israel escalation. According to a Hezbollah statement, the delegation gave its blessing to Operation Al-Aqsa Flood and called on the people of the region to stand by the Palestinian people and reject the normalization policies of their countries.
1:13 pm: Hamas says it fired 150 rockets toward Tel Aviv
Hamas’ military wing, Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, said it fired 150 rockets toward Tel Aviv in response to the strike on the Palestine Tower in Gaza City. Israeli media reported loud explosions heard in Tel Aviv and surrounding areas.
1:13 pm: US Central Command tracks situation
CENTCOM, the US military’s Middle East headquarters, released a statement saying it was “closely tracking the situation surrounding the appalling terrorist attack by Hamas against the people of Israel.”
“We stand with Israel and extend our condolences for the lives lost in these attacks. US CENTCOM remains in communication with our counterparts,” the statement read.
1:07 pm: Israel cuts off Gaza’s electricity
Israeli Energy Minister Israel Katz signed an order instructing the state electricity company to stop supplying electricity to the Gaza Strip. Gaza regularly experiences power outages, in part due to Israel bombing the territory’s power plant in 2006. The Hamas-controlled enclave depends on Israel’s power grid for some of its electricity.
1:00 pm: Movement reported in southern Lebanon near Israel border
The Lebanese army closed the military road near the Blue Line between Lebanon and Israel amid an Israeli military deployment on the Israeli side of the border. Meanwhile, an Israeli military patrol fired at a motorcycle convoy driving near the border, according to Lebanon’s official National News Agency. Videos circulated online showing men on motorcycles in southern Lebanon driving near the border and raising the Hezbollah flag.
Additional footage being released from Gaza of rockets launched towards Tel Aviv from Gaza this evening. pic.twitter.com/jhcmkj8nbv
— Aurora Intel (@AuroraIntel) October 7, 202312:44 pm: Congressional leaders declare support for Israel
Top lawmakers in the US Senate and the House foreign affairs committees expressed support for Israel in response to the escalation.
Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland, the new chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, condemned what he described as a “brazen and ongoing terrorist attack.” Cardin also said the United States would stand by Israel, referencing the 1973 war in which Washington airlifted supplies to the country.
“Just as the United States stood by Israel after it was attacked exactly 50 years ago on Yom Kippur, today we stand by Israel in this time of crisis,” said Cardin.
Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho, the top Republican on the committee, said Israel has the “unequivocal support” of the United States in responding to Hamas’ attacks. Risch, a frequent critic of the Biden administration’s Iran policy, added that the attacks “also underscore the dangers of a continued weak-kneed US approach to Iran.”
Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, the Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, condemned the “Iran-backed Hamas terrorists’ unprecedented assault on Israel.” Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the committee, denounced what he described as “the terrorist organization Hamas’ unprovoked attacks,” according to his statement on social media.
12:11 pm: Death toll rises to 100 in Israel, nearly 200 in Gaza
At least 100 Israelis died in the surprise attack from Gaza, Israel’s national rescue service Magen David Adom reported. Health officials in Gaza said that at least 198 people were killed in Israel’s retaliatory strikes.
11:35 am: UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting
The UN Security Council will reportedly discuss the latest violent escalations in Israel and Gaza in a closed-door emergency meeting on Sunday. Brazil, which holds the UN Security Council presidency, called for an urgent session and urged all parties to exercise “maximum restraint.”
Earlier Saturday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attacks by Hamas “in the strongest terms.”
“The secretary-general is deeply concerned for the civilian population and urges maximum restraint,” a statement from Guterres’ spokesperson Stephane Dujarric read. “Civilians must be respected and protected in accordance with international humanitarian law at all times.”
11:35 am: Israel flattens high-rise in Gaza City
The Hamas-run Palestinian Ministry of Interior said Israeli missiles destroyed the residential Palestine Tower in the east of Gaza City. The 14-story building housed residential apartments, media outlets and, according to some reports, offices used by Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Israel gave a 10-minute warning for its residents to evacuate the building before bombarding it. No injuries were reported.
11:06 am: Biden offers Israel ‘all appropriate’ US assistance
Following his phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Joe Biden said his country was standing “ready to offer all appropriate means of support to the government and people of Israel.”
“The United States warns against any other party hostile to Israel seeking advantage in this situation,” Biden said. “My administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering. … I will remain in close touch with Prime Minister Netanyahu.”
10:27 am: Israel acknowledges hostages taken by Hamas
Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari told Israel’s public broadcaster KAN that Hamas has taken hostages.
The confirmation came hours after the Hamas-affiliated Palestinian media outlet Safa reported that the group’s armed wing captured an unspecified number of soldiers.
Hagari said there are hostage situations in Be’eri, which borders Gaza, and Ofakim, which is located between the enclave and the southern Israeli city of Be’er Sheva.
10:04 am: Biden speaks with Netanyahu
Biden spoke with Netanyahu and stressed that the United States fully supports Israel’s right to self-defense, Netanyahu’s office said. Netanyahu told Biden that Israel will conduct an intense military campaign and will win.
10:00 am: At least 238 killed, over 2,000 wounded
Official figures released by Palestinian and Israeli authorities brought the total death toll from both sides to at least 238. The number of injured in both Israel and Gaza exceeded 2,000.
The Palestinian Health Ministry said at least 198 people were killed and more than 1,610 were wounded in Gaza as Israel carried out strikes against Hamas positions inside the coastal enclave.
Israel’s national rescue service, meanwhile, said rocket attacks and Palestinian gunfire killed at least 40 Israelis and wounded more than 500. As sirens sounded Saturday evening in southern Israel warning of more rockets, the Israeli Health Ministry said that so far more than 900 people had been taken to hospitals.
Minutes ago from the window! #Gaza pic.twitter.com/KXkf6lRX7t
— Muhammad Smiry 🇵🇸 (@MuhammadSmiry) October 7, 20238:28 am: Israel’s Herzog points finger at Iran
Israeli President Isaac Herzog drew a link between Hamas’ attack and Iran’s support for the group.
“Supported and directed by their proxy commanders in Iran, they carried out an unprovoked, heinous attack against the Jewish state on a Jewish holy day,” said Herzog, referencing the Jewish holiday of Shemini Atzeret. “Now is the time to hear clear, unequivocal condemnation of Hamas, its allies and its backers in Iran.”
Iran is a major backer of Hamas and has provided the Palestinian group with funds and weapons. In August, Netanyahu blamed Tehran for recent attacks by armed Palestinians in the West Bank.
8:27 am: Iraq expresses support for Palestinians
Iraqi government spokesperson Bassem al-Awadi said in a statement that Iraq stands by the Palestinian people, calling the militants’ operations a “natural result of systematic repression.” Awadi also called for the Arab League to urgently convene on the issue.
8:25 am: Pentagon chief reiterates US support for Israel
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said in a statement that over the coming days the Pentagon will “work to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and protect civilians from indiscriminate violence and terrorism.” He added that the US commitment to Israel’s right to defend itself is “unwavering.”
In a separate statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration “unequivocally condemns the appalling attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israel.”
8:24 am: UAE calls for cease-fire
The Foreign Ministry of the United Arab Emirates issued a statement expressing “great concern” over the fighting between Israel and the Palestinians and called for an “immediate cease-fire to avoid serious repercussions.”
The UAE established full relations with Israel in 2020 and now has significant economic ties with Tel Aviv, though Abu Dhabi has condemned several of Israel’s actions toward the Palestinians this year.
8:15 am: Qatar holds Israel responsible for Gaza fighting
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it holds Israel “solely responsible” for the current conflict due to its “ongoing violations” of Palestinian rights.
The ministry also called on the parties to “de-escalate and exercise maximum restraint.”
Qatar does not have diplomatic relations with Israel but has previously mediated between Israel and Gaza-based Palestinian groups. In August of last year, Qatar helped broker the cease-fire that ended fighting between Israel and Islamic Jihad. Qatar also provides regular financial assistance to Gaza.
7:52 am: Jordan calls for de-escalation
Jordan’s Foreign Ministry called for an urgent end to the Hamas-Israel escalation, warning of the repercussions it could have on the efforts to achieve a comprehensive cease-fire.
7:43 am: Israel launches Operation Swords of Iron
Speaking at an emergency cabinet meeting, Netanyahu outlined three goals for the military campaign, dubbed “Operation Swords of Iron.”
“Our first goal is first of all to cleanse the area of the enemy forces that have infiltrated, and restore security and peace to the settlements that were attacked. The second goal, at the same time, is to exact a huge price from the enemy, also in the Gaza Strip. The third goal is to fortify other arenas so that no one makes the mistake of joining this war,” said the Israeli premier.
7:43 am: As US condemns attacks, NSA Sullivan speaks to Hanegbi
Early Saturday, the White House condemned the attacks and said national security adviser Jake Sullivan had spoken with his Israeli counterpart, Tzachi Hanegbi.
“The United States unequivocally condemns the unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians. There is never any justification for terrorism,” National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement.
The top US diplomat in Israel, Stephanie Hallett, said she was “sickened by the images coming out of southern Israel,” adding in a tweet on the X platform that “The United States stands with Israel.”
6:33 am: Saudi Arabia calls for halt to fighting
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying it is following the “unprecedented” situation between Israeli forces and Palestinian factions and called on both sides to stop fighting. “The kingdom calls for the immediate stop of the escalation between the two sides, protection of civilians and restraint,” the statement read.
The Biden administration has been pushing for Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel and discussions between the three countries are ongoing. An Israeli delegation visited Saudi Arabia earlier this week.
6:15 am: Turkey’s Erdogan cautious, calls for restraint
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged restraint, striking a cautious tone amid his country’s improving ties with Israel. Speaking at his ruling party’s convention in Ankara, Erdogan called on the parties to “stay away from impulsive steps that will further escalate tensions.”
The toned-down rhetoric from Erdogan, who has been a vocal critic of the Israeli government’s treatment of Palestinians, comes as Turkey seeks to bolster its ties with Israel. After more than a decade of deep freeze in the two countries’ bilateral ties, Erdogan and Netanyahu met for the first time officially in New York last month.
6:03 a.m: Iran voices support for Hamas attack
A senior adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described the Hamas escalation as a “proud operation.”
“We support the proud operation of Al-Aqsa Flood,” Yahya Rahim Safavi was quoted as saying by Iran’s semi-official ISNA news agency.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry also echoed Safavi’s statements, with spokesperson Nasser Kanaani saying the attacks “marked a new page in the field of resistance and armed operations against the occupiers.”
“This is a bright spot in the history of the Palestinian people’s struggle against the Zionists,” ISNA quoted Kanaani as saying.
6:00 am: Israeli cabinet holds emergency meeting
The Israeli cabinet convened an emergency meeting after Netanyahu declared that the country was at war.
“Citizens of Israel, we are at war — not in an operation or in rounds, but at war. This morning, Hamas launched a murderous surprise attack against the State of Israel and its citizens,” Netanyahu said.
5:43 am: At least 3,000 rockets fired, over 22 killed
According to the latest Israeli assessments, more than 3,000 rockets were fired at Israel since Saturday morning and over 22 Israelis were killed.
5:34 am: Hamas claims to have taken Israeli hostages
The Hamas-affiliated Palestinian media outlet Safa reported that the group’s armed wing had captured an unspecified number of Israeli soldiers. The soldiers were taken in Israeli territory near the Gaza Strip, according to Safa.
5:08 am: Egypt warns of grave consequences
Egypt warned of the grave consequences of the ongoing escalation in Gaza and Israel, saying it directly threatens peace talks. In a statement, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry urged all parties involved to exercise the “utmost restraint” and avoid exposing civilians to further risks. The ministry also called on international actors involved in the peace talks to intervene and de-escalate the situation.
5:00 am: Hezbollah praises Hamas, slams ‘normalization’
Lebanon’s armed Hezbollah movement praised what it described as the “heroic” Palestinian operation against Israel. “This victorious operation is a decisive retaliation to the Israelis’ crimes and continuous aggression on sanctities and dignity of our people as well as a new proof that the military resistance is the only choice in face of the Israeli occupation,” Hezbollah’s media office said in a statement obtained by the movement’s affiliated Al-Manar TV station.
Hezbollah added that the operation “is a message to the Muslim and Arab nations as well as to the international community, especially those who are rushing to normalize ties with the Zionist entity, that the Palestinian cause is alive till victory and liberation.” It further said that it was closely following the unfolding developments in the Palestinian territories and was in “direct contact with the Palestinian resistance command in Lebanon and abroad.”
4:50 am: Flights to Israel canceled
At least five flights on their way to Israel were instructed to land elsewhere. Airlines started canceling flights scheduled to Israel following the escalation.
3:34 am: Israel at war
Netanyahu declared Israel is at war.
1:30 am: IDF bombs Gaza
The IDF started bombing targets in Gaza. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant approved a wide-scale call-up of reservists following the surprise attack. The IDF began airstrikes on Hamas targets in Gaza some two hours after the rocket fire began.
Netanyahu warned Hamas that he ordered “an extensive mobilization” of military reserves and that “we return fire of a magnitude that the enemy has not known.”
“The enemy will pay an unprecedented price. In the meantime, I call on the citizens of Israel to strictly adhere to the directives of the IDF and the Home Front Command. We are at war, and we are going to win it,” the prime minister added.
Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023
1:15 am: Hamas declares military campaign against Israel
Hamas’ military wing announced the start of a military operation against Israel dubbed Al-Aqsa Flood. In an audio recording, Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades commander Mohammed Deif said the coordinated attack against Israel aims to end the ongoing Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people.
“The first stage of Al-Aqsa Flood operation began with the launch of more than 5,000 rockets that struck the enemy’s positions, airports and military fortifications,” Deif added.
Friday, Oct. 6, 2023
11:30 pm on Friday: Hamas launches surprise attack
Militants in Gaza launched a surprise attack against Israel. Heavy rocket fire targeted southern and central Israel, including the Jerusalem area. One woman was killed by a rocket that hit a building in the south. Hamas broke through the security fence and squads entered Israel via ground, sea and air.
Initial reports indicated that the squads used paragliders and also broke through gates used by Israeli forces near the fence. Residents reported and even recorded the alleged attackers moving on foot and in a car in the southern city of Sderot.
The double attack against Israel was claimed by Gaza Strip-based Hamas. Military commander Mohammed Deif issued a statement calling the rocket fire and invasion “the day of the great revolution,” according to Israel’s Army Radio, quoting Gaza’s Hamas TV. Deif urged Israeli Arabs to take up arms, calling them to join in the attack.
Gallant said Hamas has made a “grave mistake” by attacking Israel.
Airports in central and southern Israel were closed due to the violence, according to Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper. Ben Gurion Airport will remain operational and will act according to security instructions, the report said.
