Israel is a small country in the Middle East. Most of the people who live there are Jewish. On October 6, 1973, several nearby nations attacked Israel. Fifty years later, Israel was attacked again. Experts call this the worst conflict in Israel since the October War in 1973. The leader of Israel declared again: “We are at war.”
The recent attacks happened by surprise. On October 7, a group called Hamas shot thousands of rockets into cities across Israel. Fighters from Hamas crossed into Israel by boats, motorcycles, and even parachutes. They came from an area called Gaza and invaded several sites across the border. A group of people called Palestinians live in Gaza. Palestinians believe they should have some of the land in Israel. In the past, Palestinians and Israelis have fought for that control.
About 700 Israeli people were killed over the weekend. That includes both soldiers and . Thousands more were hurt or are still missing. It was the deadliest day in Israel’s history.
Israel’s leader reacted quickly to this . Benjamin Netanyahu ordered attacks on Gaza. Israeli rockets destroyed buildings in Gaza City. More than 400 Palestinian people there were killed. Tanks from Israel began moving toward Gaza.
U.S. President Joe Biden gave a statement about this conflict. He said the United States “condemns” the attack “against Israel by Hamas terrorists from Gaza.” President Biden promised to support “the Government and the people of Israel.” He added: “Israel has a right to defend itself and its people.”
As of October 9, the fighting is still going on. Netanyahu warned Israeli people to prepare for a “long and difficult war.” But he said Israel will not give up. “We are at war,” said Netanyahu, “and we will win it.”
Updated October 9, 2023, 5:02 P.M. (ET)
By Russell Kahn (Russ)
