what happened on october 7th in israel

On October 7, 2023, Hamas and several other Palestinian militant groups launched a large-scale, coordinated armed attack on southern Israel from the Gaza Strip. This involved at least 4,300 rockets fired into Israel, paragliders infiltrating Israeli territory, and fighters breaching the Gaza–Israel barrier at multiple points. They attacked military bases and civilian communities, killing approximately 1,195 people, including 736 Israeli civilians, 79 foreign nationals, and 379 security personnel. Hundreds of civilians, including children, were massacred, and about 250 Israelis were taken hostage to Gaza. The attack was the bloodiest day in Israel's history, with atrocities including reports of sexual violence. This event initiated a protracted and intense Gaza conflict. The attack was widely condemned internationally as terrorism, though Hamas justified it as a response to Israeli occupation and blockade measures. The anniversary of this attack is commemorated with memorials and security remains tight due to continuing tensions and conflict repercussions.