The Oct7 War

The war started by the terrorist organization Hamas in a surprise attack carried out by the group on the morning of Saturday, October 7, 2023, during the holiday of Simchat Torah.

Hamas militants infiltrated IDF bases and communities in the Gaza envelope while simultaneously firing thousands of rockets at Israel.

During this invasion, thousands of militants entered Israel from the Gaza Strip—by vehicles, on foot, and even by air—killing more than 1,200 civilians, soldiers, and foreign nationals, committing horrific crimes, injuring approximately 5,000 people, and abducting 254 individuals into Gaza, including infants, children, teenagers, women, men, soldiers, and foreign nationals.

In response to this murderous attack, the Israeli government declared a full-scale war to eradicate Hamas’ military capabilities and control over the Gaza Strip.

In the initial weeks, the fighting focused on thousands of airstrikes targeting terror sites in Gaza.

By the end of October, a ground operation began, involving large forces of infantry, armored units, engineering corps, and more.

Between November 24 and December 1, a temporary ceasefire was declared to facilitate a deal, resulting in the release of dozens of children and women held by Hamas.

About a day after the outbreak of the war, the northern front also opened—Hezbollah launched rockets at IDF positions in northern Israel and later at civilian communities and targets.

Additional rockets were fired from Syria. To protect the home front, Israel decided to evacuate dozens of communities in the south and north.

From the start of the war, security forces also operated in Judea and Samaria, eliminating terrorist cells and arresting thousands of Palestinians.

Later in October, Israel was also attacked by the Houthi terrorist organization, operating from Yemen, using rockets and unmanned aerial vehicles.

There was also a missile attack from Iran, further escalating the regional threat against Israel.

The 8 Fronts of the October 7 War

  1. Gaza – The Primary Front

  2. Lebanon – Hezbollah Escalation

  3. Syria – Iranian Proxy Infrastructure

  4. Judea & Samaria – Internal Security

  5. Red Sea – Houthi Attacks on Maritime Routes

  6. Iraq – Regional Proxy Pressure

  7. Iran – Missile attacks

  8. Information War: Coordinated truth inversion, gaslighting, and victim-blaming on scale — across media, Wikipedia, and search engines.

Timeline of the Iron Swords War

October 7, 2023 – Outbreak of the War

  • Hamas launched a surprise invasion and massacre, collapsing Israel’s Gaza envelope defenses.

  • Over 1,100 civilians, soldiers, and foreign nationals were killed; ~5,000 wounded; ~250 abducted.

  • Israel immediately declared war, rejecting calls for a surrender deal.

  • IDF, police, and citizens mounted a heroic defensive response.

  • Hezbollah declined to open a second front.

October 11, 2023 – Decision on Lebanon Front

  • Israel chose not to open a war in Lebanon to focus on defeating Hamas first.

  • Ensured resources could be concentrated on the Gaza front while maintaining readiness on other fronts.

October 16, 2023 – Assassination of Hamas Leader Sinwar (Rafah)

  • Targeted strike on Sinwar during operations in Gaza. (Later events confirm operational success in Rafah.)

October 27, 2023 – Ground Maneuver in Gaza

  • IDF began a large-scale ground operation.

  • Improved operational readiness after three weeks of planning.

  • Significant tactical and strategic achievements in Gaza.

November 25, 2023 – First Hostage Deal

  • Hamas paused fighting and released a number of hostages due to IDF pressure.

  • Decision reflected Israel’s patience and operational success.

December 2, 2023 – IDF Entry into Khan Yunis

  • IDF targeted and dismantled Hamas’ central command in Khan Yunis.

  • Achieved control over the center of gravity of Hamas leadership.

May 6, 2024 – IDF Enters Rafah

  • Completion of Hamas encirclement and neutralization of operational capabilities.

  • Assassination of Sinwar earlier in Rafah contributed to weakening Hamas.

September 2024 – Operation Northern Arrow

  • Israel targeted Hezbollah leadership and positions near the northern border.

  • Significant strategic gains in Lebanon, limiting Hezbollah’s operational capacity.

October 26, 2024 – Attack on Iran

  • Israel responded to Iranian missile attacks with precision strikes, disabling strategic air defenses and missile production capabilities.

November 27, 2024 – Ceasefire in Lebanon

  • American-mediated ceasefire following operational success against Hezbollah.

  • Agreement strengthened Israel’s strategic position in northern front.

January 17, 2025 – Hostage Deal and Gaza Ceasefire

  • Hamas agreed to a deal releasing remaining hostages.

  • Israel achieved cumulative strategic success on all fronts: Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, and Syria.