Overview
- Israel formally declared war on Oct. 8, retaliating against the Hamas terrorist group’s surprise attack from the air, land, and sea on Oct. 7. Israeli forces announced the launch of “Operation Swords of Iron” to defend Israeli civilians against the unprecedented assault by Hamas.
- Israel also eased gun license standards on Oct. 8, enabling more citizens to arm themselves.
- By Oct. 10, over 1,200 deaths were reported in Israel (including 155 soldiers); Gaza reported 900 deaths (260 children, 230 women), with Israel attributing many to Hamas terrorists. Thousands have been wounded on both sides.
- Hamas threatened on Oct. 9 to execute Israeli captives if Israel bombed Gaza civilian houses without warning. But the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) noted on Oct. 10 that Hamas terrorists operate from civilian buildings, thus making them valid airstrike targets. Furthermore, Israel’s Prime Minister had urged Gaza residents to evacuate the region on Oct. 8.
- Since Oct. 8, tens of thousands have been evacuated from southern Israel.
- The U.S. government is trying to make it easier for Americans to get flights from Israel as of Oct. 10 per the State Department, but many U.S. airlines have halted flights after the Hamas attack.
- Other nations also similarly trying to help evacuate their citizens out of the region.
- U.S. President Joe Biden confirmed 14 American deaths on Oct. 10. The White House said at least 20 Americans are missing.
- Secretary of State Antony Blinken is due to visit Israel soon to show support.
- The IDF confirmed the arrival of U.S. armaments in southern Israel on Oct. 10.
____