why did hamas attack israel in 2023

Hamas attacked Israel in 2023 primarily as a response to decades of Israeli occupation, oppression, and actions perceived as aggression against Palestinians. The attack on October 7, 2023, was a large-scale, deadly assault involving thousands of rockets and a ground incursion into Israeli territory. Hamas carried out this operation to exact revenge for Israeli military actions, restrictions, and the blockade of Gaza, and to show the world the Palestinian plight. The attack also aimed to deter Israeli incursions into the al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem, a site of great significance to Muslims, and to push for the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Key factors include the policies of the far-right Israeli government allowing settler violence in the West Bank, rising Israeli military actions resulting in high Palestinian casualties, and Hamas's long-term planning for this offensive. The attack resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths, the taking of hostages, and a subsequent intense Israeli military response in Gaza, with heavy casualties on both sides. Hamas's strategic goal was to create a "permanent" state of war to revive the Palestinian cause on the global stage and force political negotiations around Palestinian demands.