Attack on Israel

Content

1. Brutal terrorist attack

2. The Israeli response

3. The 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. Despite a massive military operation, the declared war objective - the destruction of Hamas - has not yet been achieved.

The situation in the Gaza Strip: refugee movements and humanitarian emergency

The IDF attacks killed and injured tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians and triggered massive refugee movements within the Gaza Strip. The military offensive led to the destruction of civilian infrastructure and a major humanitarian emergency in the Gaza Strip. Public order and supplies for the population are no longer guaranteed.

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

At the same time, the security situation in other parts of Israel has also been tense since October 2023. In the north of the country, on the borders with Lebanon and Syria, there have been repeated attacks by Hezbollah and other Islamist militias. In the south of the country, around the port city of Eilat, there have been repeated rocket and drone attacks by the Houthis from Yemen, over a thousand kilometres away. For fear of further escalation and 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 here almost daily. Israel responded to these attacks with a military offensive in the south of Lebanon, secret operations and targeted killings against the Hezbollah elite, including Hassan Nasrallah. Since the end of November 2024, the situation on Israel's northern border has calmed down with the agreement on a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel also responded with targeted military and intelligence operations in Yemen, Iran and Syria, particularly after the fall of the Assad regime.

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.