How the nightmare unfolded
Here are some of the key moments since Hamas’ war on Israel began.
On the morning of Saturday October 7, as Israelis celebrated Shabbat and the end of Sukkot, Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip launched massive rocket barrages at southern and central Israel.
As the rockets rained down, dozens of Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israel.
Here are some of the key moments since Hamas’ war on Israel began.
Saturday, October 7
– 6.30am, Air raid sirens begin to sound as thousands of rockets are fired towards southern and central Israel. Armed Hamas terrorists storm blockaded areas of the Gaza strip, infiltrating into Israel from land, air and sea.
– Hamas paragliders storm the Supernova Music Festival, murdering hundreds of young men and women and taking many hostage.
– Defence Minister Yoav Gallant rushed to Tel Aviv to consult with security chiefs, as the IDF moved to a “state of war readiness”. Gallant authorised a widespread call-up of reserves and declared an emergency situation within a range of 80 kilometres from the Gaza Strip.
– The IDF since launched Operation Swords of Iron.
– Netanyahu makes his first public statement, “Citizens of Israel, we are at war.”
– IDF launches strikes on military compounds in Gaza.
– Videos emerge from Hamas of the capture and killing of soldiers and civilians. Israelis also begin sharing footage of terrorists in the streets. Hamas claims to have kidnapped dozens of civilians and soldiers to Gaza.
– Mohammad Deif, the Hamas military commander, issues statement calling the attacks “the day of the great revolution” and urges Israeli Arabs to take up arms as well as the Islamic resistance in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria.
– Leaders and communities across the globe widely condemn the terror assault. US offers “all appropriate means of support” to Israel.
– Hezbollah praises Hamas, as do Iranian officials.
Sunday, October 8
– The IDF announces that it is fighting Hamas terrorists at 22 different locations in southern Israel. Soldiers sweep the towns where terrorists infiltrated, rescuing people who have been holed up for more than 12 hours.
– Israel cuts electricity supply to Gaza. The IDF warns residents of the Gaza Strip to seek shelter amid an ongoing Israeli response to Hamas.
– Rescue operation at the Supernova music festival site becomes retrieval as more than 260 party-goers are declared dead.
– Thousands of Israelis remain unaccounted for. Police request photos and family DNA samples to help identifying victims.
– Two Israelis are killed in Egypt when a local opened fire on them.
– Countries around the world light up major landmarks in solidarity with Israel, including the US, Germany, France and Australia.
Monday, October 9
– Jet fighters strike targets in Gaza after Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant ordered a “complete siege” on Gaza.
– The IDF announces it has mobilised 300,000 reserves – the largest call-up in Israel’s history.
Tuesday, October 10
– Gallant tours southern Israel along the Gaza border promising a full-scale response.
– The IDF confirms it has now regained control over the suddenly porous border with the Gaza Strip.
– Israeli military regains control over towns near the Gaza Strip that were overrun by Hamas terrorists.
– There are still reports of encounters with infiltrated terrorists.
– Foreign media are taken to massacre sites of the music festival and Kibbutz Kfar Aza, where the extent of Hamas’ atrocities are still being discovered.
– US President Joe Biden describes Hamas’ attack on Israel was an “act of sheer evil”.
– Israelis from across the country converge on southern Israel, assisting by handing out food and supplies to soldiers, and helping in whatever way they can.
Wednesday, October 11
– Israel’s death toll from the Hamas attack passes 1000.
– The IDF says it has killed 1500 Palestinian terrorists who crossed into Israeli territory.
– US President Joe Biden promises support for Israel in its fight against Hamas as US warships arrive in the Mediterranean.
– Hamas threatens to start killing Israeli hostages one by one unless Israel stops shelling homes in Gaza.
– The IDF regains full control of southern Israel and finished evacuating all residents living close to the Gaza Strip.
comments