Content

1. Brutal terrorist attack

2. The Israeli response

3. Situation in the Gaza Strip

4. Tense security situation

5. Solidarity in action

6. Publications, events and media contributions on the topic

Brutal terrorist attack: massacre and hostage-taking by Hamas on October 7, 2023

On October 7th 2023, the terrorist organization Hamas launched a large-scale surprise attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip. Under the fire of thousands of rockets, over 1,500 terrorists infiltrated numerous Israeli settlements and towns. Over 1200 Israelis were murdered in brutal massacres. Over 250 people were killed at a music festival near the border alone. The terrorists also abducted over two hundred Israelis - including women, children and elderly people - as hostages into the Gaza Strip. They are being used as human shields against Israeli counter-attacks.

The Israeli response: a comprehensive ground offensive

In response, Israel has declared a state of war and formed a war cabinet with the participation of one of the strongest opposition parties. Initially, over 300,000 reservists were called up, the Gaza Strip was completely sealed off and Hamas positions were extensively bombed. Nevertheless, Hamas was able to fire rockets far into Israeli heartland for weeks. In November 2023, the Israeli army (IDF) began a large-scale ground offensive and quickly made progress. The Gaza Strip was divided in a pincer movement and Gaza City, where Hamas command structures and rocket-launching bases are located, was isolated. Since then, the IDF has been trying to achieve its declared war goal of destroying Hamas in a dangerous and costly urban battle.

Situation in the Gaza Strip: refugee movements and humanitarian emergency

Thousands of Palestinian civilians have been killed in the IDF attacks and massive refugee movements have been triggered within the Gaza Strip. A humanitarian crisis is looming. In the end of November, a ceasefire under the mediation of Qatar and Egypt, lasted several days. In return for the release of hostages by Hamas, Israel allowed several aid shipments into the Gaza Strip and released hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.

Tense security situation: attacks on Israel in the north and south

At the same time, the security situation in other parts of the country is also extremely tense. In the north of the country, on the borders with Lebanon and Syria, constant attacks by Hezbollah and other Islamist militias are occurring. In the south of the country, around the port city of Eilat, there have been repeated rocket and drone attacks from Yemen. Fearing a further escalation and in order to protect Israel, the USA has deployed additional forces - including two aircraft carriers - to the region. In the West Bank, where the security situation was already tense before the Hamas attack, the situation continues to deteriorate. Security incidents and terrorist attacks occur almost daily.

Solidarity in action: Germany at Israel´s side

People in the Middle East, as well as in Germany and Europe, are concerned about the risk of escalation of an impending regional conflagration, the outbreak of which cannot be ruled out. Germany stands irrevocably on Israel's side. Israel's security is a German reason of state. German solidarity in the wake of the brutal attacks is just as much a matter of course as Israel's right under international law to defend itself against all attacks. Germany will also continue to work for a lasting peace based on a joint solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.

On this topic page you will find information from the Foundation's offices abroad, analyses and publications as well as assessments by our experts in Germany and abroad, which are updated and supplemented on an ongoing basis.