what happened october 7 2023

On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants launched a large-scale, coordinated attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip. The attack began around 6:30 am with a barrage of over 2,200 rockets fired into Israel, overwhelming the Iron Dome defense system. Concurrently, around 1,500 militants infiltrated southern Israel by land, sea, and air, attacking military bases and civilian communities. This surprise assault resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, including many Israeli civilians, and more than 240 hostages were taken to Gaza. The attack took place during the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, catching Israel off guard as many soldiers were on leave and attention was focused elsewhere. This was the deadliest day in Israel's history, sparking a major war in Gaza and a series of ongoing military operations and conflicts in the region. The repercussions have profoundly affected the Middle East, leading to widespread devastation, thousands of casualties, and deepened regional tensions. Peace efforts and ceasefire negotiations have been ongoing but remain fragile. The attack and its aftermath continue to reverberate in Israel and beyond, shaping regional dynamics intensely since that day.