The conflict between Israel and Hamas has escalated to a devastating level, with more than 700 Israelis confirmed dead and over 2,500 injured. The fighting shows no signs of stopping as Israel struggles to retake control of areas in the southern part of the country.
Hamas launched thousands of rockets into Israel and used drones to drop bombs on Israeli defenses along the border, rendering them inoperable. Terrorists breached Israel’s border wall using explosives and bulldozers and infiltrated the country by paragliders, boats, motorcycles, trucks, and on foot. They conducted door-to-door searches, kidnapping and killing innocent civilians.
Reports indicate that more than 100 people, including individuals from around the world, were kidnapped during the attacks, according to Israel Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer.
Top U.S. officials have likened the attacks to the September 11, 2001, terror attacks, emphasizing that when adjusting for population size differences between the U.S. and Israel, the scale of the attacks is comparable to multiple 9/11 incidents.
Hamas confirmed receiving support from Iran and possibly other sources for the attacks. Lebanon-based Hezbollah, another Iranian-backed terrorist organization, also launched attacks against Israel during the weekend.
Iran celebrated the attacks, with people taking to the streets to cheer, wave flags, and shoot off fireworks. Iranian leaders expressed their support for the anti-Zionist resistance, suggesting that the ultimate goal is the eradication of the “Zionist regime.”
The Biden administration has been criticized for its approach to Iran, which some argue has emboldened the Iranian regime. The administration has relaxed sanctions on Iran in pursuit of a nuclear deal, leading to Iran’s increased oil sales and access to funds.
In July, President Biden approved a $10 billion transfer from Iraq to Iran, and in August, he unfroze $6 billion in Iranian oil revenues. Critics argue that the funds provided to Iran could potentially be used to support terrorism.