Hamas Kills 700 Israeli Civilians, 400 Gaza Residents Fall Victim to Retaliation

JAKARTA - Israel launched an assault on the Palestinian enclave of Gaza on Sunday, October 8, 2023, killing hundreds in retaliation for one of its bloodiest attacks in history when Hamas killed 700 Israeli civilians and abducted dozens more.

The rampage by Hamas militants in Israeli cities on Saturday was the deadliest attack since Egypt and Syria's assault in the Yom Kippur War 50 years ago and threatened to spark another conflict in a long-standing dispute.

In response, Israeli airstrikes hit residential blocks, tunnels, mosques, and Hamas officials' homes in Gaza, killing over 400 people, including 20 children, in line with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's vow for "massive retaliation."

Baca :

• Trump Disebut Akan Desak Netanyahu Akui Negara Palestina, Hubungan Merenggang
• Fatah dan Hamas: Dua Jalan Perjuangan Palestina yang Kini Terasa Sepi

"The price that Gaza will have to pay will be very heavy and will change the reality from generation to generation," Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said in the city of Ofakim, which suffered casualties and hostage situations.

Outside the blockaded Gaza Strip, Israeli forces and Iran-backed Hezbollah militia from Lebanon exchanged artillery and rocket fire, while in Egypt, two Israeli tourists were shot dead along with a guide.