The death toll in Israel after a surprise attack by Hamas has surged to more than 600, while over 100 people were being held as "prisoners" by the militant group, the Israel government said. The government's press office posted the latest figures on its Facebook, which were confirmed to AFP by an official working at the bureau who declined to be named. The death toll "is not a final number", the official said, adding that more than 2,000 people had been wounded including 200 who were in "critical condition".

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Israel is at War where more than 250 Israelis died in a surprise large scale attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

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Dozens of gunmen from the Islamist militant group Hamas infiltrate southern Israel amid a barrage of rockets from Gaza. More than 250 Israelis have been killed and over 1500 have been wounded.

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Israel is at War more than 250 Israelis died in a surprise large scale attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

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In a statement on Saturday, UN Middle East peace envoy Tor Wennesland warned that "this is a dangerous precipice, and I appeal to all to pull back from the brink." He also condemned the attacks on Israel. He demanded that all parties exercise the utmost caution and safeguard people.

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<p>Hamas, or the Islamic Resistance Movement, launched a sudden and significant attack on Israel on Saturday (Oct 7), marking one of the most serious escalations in the enduring Israel-Palestinian conflict.</p>

<p>To comprehend this development fully, it's essential to know&nbsp;the nature and history of Hamas, its objectives, and its position on the global stage.</p>

<h2><strong>The genesis of Hamas</strong></h2>

<p>Hamas was established in 1987 during the first Palestinian Intifada, a period marked by widespread uprisings against Israeli occupation.</p>

<p>Rooted in the Islamist ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood, which emerged in Egypt during the 1920s, Hamas garnered support and backing from Shiite Iran, reported Reuters.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-offers-support-to-netanyahu-says-us-will-always-have-israels-back-643840">Biden offers support to Netanyahu, says 'US will always have Israel's back'</a></p>

<h2><strong>Hamas in power</strong></h2>

<p>Hamas gained control of the Gaza Strip in 2007 after a brief and violent civil conflict with forces aligned with Fatah, a rival Palestinian movement led by President Mahmoud Abbas.</p>

<p>This internal strife further deepened divisions between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, where President Abbas is based and leads the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).</p>

<p>Hamas's control of Gaza followed its victory in the 2006 Palestinian parliamentary elections, which have not been repeated since.</p>

<p>This electoral win was followed by accusations and counter-accusations of conspiracy and coup attempts by both Hamas and President Abbas's faction.</p>

<h2><strong>A history of conflict</strong></h2>

<p>The Israel-Hamas conflict has been characterised by recurring cycles of violence. Hamas has consistently refused to acknowledge Israel's existence and has been vehemently opposed to the Oslo peace accords, negotiated between Israel and the PLO in the mid-1990s.</p>

<p>Hamas maintains an armed wing known as the Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades, responsible for launching attacks, including sending gunmen and suicide bombers into Israel.</p>

<p>These actions are framed by Hamas as acts of resistance against Israeli occupation. Although Hamas's founding charter in 1988 called for the destruction of Israel, its leadership has occasionally proposed a long-term truce with Israel, known as a "Hudna" in Arabic, in exchange for a Palestinian state on land occupied by Israel in the 1967 war.</p>

<p>However, Israel has viewed these proposals with scepticism, often regarding them as tactical manoeuvres<b>&nbsp;</b>rather than genuine peace efforts.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel wages 'war' against Hamas after ‘surprise’ attack</strong></p>

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<p>Hamas carries the designation of a terrorist organisation by multiple entities, including Israel, the United States, the European Union, Canada, Egypt, and Japan.</p>

<p>It forms part of a regional alliance alongside Iran, Syria, and the Shi'ite Islamist group Hezbollah in Lebanon, all of which broadly oppose U.S. Middle East policy and the state of Israel.</p>

<p>While Gaza serves as Hamas's primary base of power, the organisation enjoys support across Palestinian territories. Its leadership is geographically dispersed across the Middle East, with key figures residing in countries like Qatar.</p>

<p>The recent surprise attack launched by Hamas into Israel underscores the enduring complexities and challenges within the Israel-Palestinian conflict, characterised by a multitude of actors, deep-seated grievances, and conflicting ideologies.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Hamas, or the Islamic Resistance Movement, launched a sudden and significant attack on Israel on Saturday (Oct 7), marking one of the most serious escalations in the enduring Israel-Palestinian conflict.

Hamas, or the Islamic Resistance Movement, launched a sudden and significant attack on Israel on Saturday (Oct 7), marking one of the most serious escalations in the enduring Israel-Palestinian conflict. To comprehend this development fully, it's essential to know the nature and history of Hamas, its objectives, and its position on the global stage. The genesis of Hamas Hamas was established in 1987 during the first Palestinian Intifada, a period marked by widespread uprisings against Israeli occupation. Rooted in the Islamist ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood, which emerged in Egypt during the 1920s, Hamas garnered support and backing from Shiite Iran, reported Reuters. Also read | Biden offers support to Netanyahu, says 'US will always have Israel's back' Hamas in power Hamas gained control of the Gaza Strip in 2007 after a brief and violent civil conflict with forces aligned with Fatah, a rival Palestinian movement led by President Mahmoud Abbas. This internal strife further deepened divisions between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, where President Abbas is based and leads the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Hamas's control of Gaza followed its victory in the 2006 Palestinian parliamentary elections, which have not been repeated since. This electoral win was followed by accusations and counter-accusations of conspiracy and coup attempts by both Hamas and President Abbas's faction. A history of conflict The Israel-Hamas conflict has been characterised by recurring cycles of violence. Hamas has consistently refused to acknowledge Israel's existence and has been vehemently opposed to the Oslo peace accords, negotiated between Israel and the PLO in the mid-1990s. Hamas maintains an armed wing known as the Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades, responsible for launching attacks, including sending gunmen and suicide bombers into Israel. These actions are framed by Hamas as acts of resistance against Israeli occupation. Although Hamas's founding charter in 1988 called for the destruction of Israel, its leadership has occasionally proposed a long-term truce with Israel, known as a "Hudna" in Arabic, in exchange for a Palestinian state on land occupied by Israel in the 1967 war. However, Israel has viewed these proposals with scepticism, often regarding them as tactical manoeuvres rather than genuine peace efforts. Also watch | Israel wages 'war' against Hamas after ‘surprise’ attack Hamas carries the designation of a terrorist organisation by multiple entities, including Israel, the United States, the European Union, Canada, Egypt, and Japan. It forms part of a regional alliance alongside Iran, Syria, and the Shi'ite Islamist group Hezbollah in Lebanon, all of which broadly oppose U.S. Middle East policy and the state of Israel. While Gaza serves as Hamas's primary base of power, the organisation enjoys support across Palestinian territories. Its leadership is geographically dispersed across the Middle East, with key figures residing in countries like Qatar. The recent surprise attack launched by Hamas into Israel underscores the enduring complexities and challenges within the Israel-Palestinian conflict, characterised by a multitude of actors, deep-seated grievances, and conflicting ideologies. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

What is Hamas, the Palestinian group behind the surprise attack on Israel?

US President Joe Biden said on Saturday (October 07) the United States will always have Israel's back and warned no enemy of Israel should exploit the attacks.

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Israel-Palestine conflict is escalating. As the situation gets worse, people staying abroad are getting worried for their families living in war zones. Listen to the audio note from the Gaza resident staying abroad as he talks with family members and acquaintances back home.

Israel-Palestine conflict: Nationals staying abroad worried as war escalates in Gaza

<p>The Israel-Hamas conflict, a long-standing influence on stability in the Middle East, hinges significantly on Hamas' access to diverse weaponry. In view of the recent surprise attack by the Hamas in Israel, by launching thousands of rockets, arms being used by its terrorists who have infiltrated and taken soldiers and civilians hostage, it&nbsp;becomes pivotal to understand the&nbsp;numerous arms supply routes, including ship-to-shore transfers, and clandestine channels from Iran and Syria. The most important question that arises is:&nbsp;"From where does Hamas gets its so many weapons?"</p>

<h2><strong>Post-2005 shift</strong></h2>

<p>A pivotal shift occurred in 2005 when Israel withdrew from Gaza, enabling Hamas to establish a covert supply line with Iran and Syria, bolstering its weapons arsenal. Despite Israel's interception of a 2007 shipment of Fajr-5 rockets destined for Hamas via Sudan, ship-to-shore smuggling, a thriving black market, and the dominance of rocket weaponry ensured a steady flow of arms, according to the Co-operation of Worldwide Broadcast (CooPWB).</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-shielding-skies-with-iron-dome-defence-system-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-work-643921">Israel shielding skies with Iron Dome defence system. What is it and how does it work?</a></p>

<h2><strong>Sea-based smuggling</strong></h2>

<p>Historically, a significant proportion of Hamas's weaponry arrived via sea, where sealed capsules containing arms are dropped off Gaza's coast, known as "ship-to-shore transfer." This method, despite the risks posed by the Israeli naval presence, allows Hamas to bypass official border controls, facilitating a continuous supply of substantial weapon caches.</p>

<h2><strong>Secret tunnel network</strong></h2>

<p>Following Israel's 2005 Gaza withdrawal, Hamas established a covert supply route with Iran and Syria through an intricate tunnel network beneath the Egypt-Gaza border, remaining largely hidden from the international community.</p>

<p><strong>Foreign sources of weapons</strong></p>

<p>While Hamas maintains close alliance&nbsp;with Iran and Syria, it has also procured arms, including Fajr-3, Fajr-5, and M302 rockets, from foreign sources. This diversity in sourcing enhances Hamas's capacity to engage in conflicts.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Hamas attack lays bare intelligence gaps</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Dominance of rocket weaponry</strong></h2>

<p>Rocket weaponry holds paramount importance for Palestinian factions, particularly Hamas, as it enables cost-effective and relatively straightforward long-distance strikes. The 2014 Gaza War witnessed over 4,500 rockets fired at Israel by Hamas, underscoring their significance.</p>

<p>Unveiling the intricate supply chain for Hamas's weaponry is a challenging task, involving various actors such as smugglers, shippers, and financiers, each contributing to the continuous flow of arms. Both Israel and Hamas adapt constantly, rendering the weapons procurement process an ever-evolving landscape.</p>

<p>Hamas's weapon procurement methods are multifaceted and adaptable, encompassing ship-to-shore smuggling, covert alliances with Iran and Syria, and involvement in the black market. Rocket weaponry remains a potent element of Hamas'&nbsp;arsenal.&nbsp;</p>

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The Israel-Hamas conflict, a long-standing influence on stability in the Middle East, hinges significantly on Hamas' access to diverse weaponry. In view of the recent surprise attack by the Hamas in Israel, by launching thousands of rockets, arms being used by its terrorists who have infiltrated and taken soldiers and civilians hostage, it becomes pivotal to understand the numerous arms supply routes, including ship-to-shore transfers, and clandestine channels from Iran and Syria.

The Israel-Hamas conflict, a long-standing influence on stability in the Middle East, hinges significantly on Hamas' access to diverse weaponry. In view of the recent surprise attack by the Hamas in Israel, by launching thousands of rockets, arms being used by its terrorists who have infiltrated and taken soldiers and civilians hostage, it becomes pivotal to understand the numerous arms supply routes, including ship-to-shore transfers, and clandestine channels from Iran and Syria. The most important question that arises is: "From where does Hamas gets its so many weapons?" Post-2005 shift A pivotal shift occurred in 2005 when Israel withdrew from Gaza, enabling Hamas to establish a covert supply line with Iran and Syria, bolstering its weapons arsenal. Despite Israel's interception of a 2007 shipment of Fajr-5 rockets destined for Hamas via Sudan, ship-to-shore smuggling, a thriving black market, and the dominance of rocket weaponry ensured a steady flow of arms, according to the Co-operation of Worldwide Broadcast (CooPWB). Also read | Israel shielding skies with Iron Dome defence system. What is it and how does it work? Sea-based smuggling Historically, a significant proportion of Hamas's weaponry arrived via sea, where sealed capsules containing arms are dropped off Gaza's coast, known as "ship-to-shore transfer." This method, despite the risks posed by the Israeli naval presence, allows Hamas to bypass official border controls, facilitating a continuous supply of substantial weapon caches. Secret tunnel network Following Israel's 2005 Gaza withdrawal, Hamas established a covert supply route with Iran and Syria through an intricate tunnel network beneath the Egypt-Gaza border, remaining largely hidden from the international community. Foreign sources of weapons While Hamas maintains close alliance with Iran and Syria, it has also procured arms, including Fajr-3, Fajr-5, and M302 rockets, from foreign sources. This diversity in sourcing enhances Hamas's capacity to engage in conflicts. Also watch | Hamas attack lays bare intelligence gaps Dominance of rocket weaponry Rocket weaponry holds paramount importance for Palestinian factions, particularly Hamas, as it enables cost-effective and relatively straightforward long-distance strikes. The 2014 Gaza War witnessed over 4,500 rockets fired at Israel by Hamas, underscoring their significance. Unveiling the intricate supply chain for Hamas's weaponry is a challenging task, involving various actors such as smugglers, shippers, and financiers, each contributing to the continuous flow of arms. Both Israel and Hamas adapt constantly, rendering the weapons procurement process an ever-evolving landscape. Hamas's weapon procurement methods are multifaceted and adaptable, encompassing ship-to-shore smuggling, covert alliances with Iran and Syria, and involvement in the black market. Rocket weaponry remains a potent element of Hamas' arsenal. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

From where does Hamas acquire its weapons? Understanding the sources and transit routes

<p>Hundreds of Israelis attending an outdoor festival in the desert were thrown into chaos as Palestinian militants launched a surprise attack, according to social media videos. The attack was part of a wave of unexpected incursions by Palestinian militants into southern Israel on Saturday (Oct 7).</p>

<p>Witnesses described the scene as chaos erupted when a rocket warning siren alerted attendees. Daniel, an attendee, recounted the experience, saying, "Chaos ensued, especially with vehicles trying to exit. Then the gunshots started, and we began to run. We're still hiding and awaiting rescue."</p>

<h2><strong>Videos show scenes of panic</strong></h2>

<p>Social media footage documented the panic. The video showed Israelis shouting, running, and attempting to escape the festival site. The caption read, "Palestinian terrorists invaded a festival where hundreds of Israelis were camping out for the Shemini Atzeret holiday. The panic caused by this is evident on the faces of the civilians being targeted by heavily armed militants. Pray for Israel."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Israelis running from cities to deserts by foot, car and any other means.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Israel?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Israel</a> <a href="https://t.co/zu2fyGrd17">pic.twitter.com/zu2fyGrd17</a></p>
— The_anonymous_wave (@anonymouswave1) <a href="https://twitter.com/anonymouswave1/status/1710554135873876216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p>Another video showed hundreds of Israelis fleeing the scene on foot and in packed cars, with the caption reading, "Israelis running from cities to deserts by foot, car, and any other means."</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Palestinian terrorists invaded a festival where hundreds of Israelis were camping out for the Shemini Atzeret holiday.<br />
<br />
The panic caused by this is evident on the fades of the civilians being targeted by heavily armed militants.<br />
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Pray for Israel. <a href="https://t.co/l6zviWr2hy">pic.twitter.com/l6zviWr2hy</a></p>
— Jay Engelmayer (@jengelmayer) <a href="https://twitter.com/jengelmayer/status/1710554304002597322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>State of war declared</strong></h2>

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a state of war following the attack by Hamas, a Palestinian militant organisation. Hamas launched the assault by firing thousands of rockets from Gaza into southern and central Israel. Reports also indicated Palestinian militants infiltrating Israeli territory by land and sea, with some using unconventional methods like paragliders.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-readies-for-war-in-face-of-unprecedented-hamas-attack-over-300-lives-lost-643919">Over 300 killed in Israel, Netanyahu says Hamas Gaza hideouts will be turned to ‘rubble’</a></p>

<p>Hamas' military commander, Mohammed Deif, issued a rare call for Palestinians in Israel and neighboring Arab countries to join the attack, which he termed "Operation Al-Aqsa Storm." Deif acknowledged that Hamas had already launched over 5,000 rockets into Israel. This attack is being considered one of the largest from Palestinian territory in years.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Hundreds of Israelis attending an outdoor festival in the desert were thrown into chaos as Palestinian militants launched a surprise attack, according to social media videos.

Hundreds of Israelis attending an outdoor festival in the desert were thrown into chaos as Palestinian militants launched a surprise attack, according to social media videos. The attack was part of a wave of unexpected incursions by Palestinian militants into southern Israel on Saturday (Oct 7). Witnesses described the scene as chaos erupted when a rocket warning siren alerted attendees. Daniel, an attendee, recounted the experience, saying, "Chaos ensued, especially with vehicles trying to exit. Then the gunshots started, and we began to run. We're still hiding and awaiting rescue." Videos show scenes of panic Social media footage documented the panic. The video showed Israelis shouting, running, and attempting to escape the festival site. The caption read, "Palestinian terrorists invaded a festival where hundreds of Israelis were camping out for the Shemini Atzeret holiday. The panic caused by this is evident on the faces of the civilians being targeted by heavily armed militants. Pray for Israel." Israelis running from cities to deserts by foot, car and any other means.#Israel pic.twitter.com/zu2fyGrd17 — The_anonymous_wave (@anonymouswave1) October 7, 2023 × Another video showed hundreds of Israelis fleeing the scene on foot and in packed cars, with the caption reading, "Israelis running from cities to deserts by foot, car, and any other means." Palestinian terrorists invaded a festival where hundreds of Israelis were camping out for the Shemini Atzeret holiday. The panic caused by this is evident on the fades of the civilians being targeted by heavily armed militants. Pray for Israel. pic.twitter.com/l6zviWr2hy — Jay Engelmayer (@jengelmayer) October 7, 2023 × State of war declared Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a state of war following the attack by Hamas, a Palestinian militant organisation. Hamas launched the assault by firing thousands of rockets from Gaza into southern and central Israel. Reports also indicated Palestinian militants infiltrating Israeli territory by land and sea, with some using unconventional methods like paragliders. Also read | Over 300 killed in Israel, Netanyahu says Hamas Gaza hideouts will be turned to ‘rubble’ Hamas' military commander, Mohammed Deif, issued a rare call for Palestinians in Israel and neighboring Arab countries to join the attack, which he termed "Operation Al-Aqsa Storm." Deif acknowledged that Hamas had already launched over 5,000 rockets into Israel. This attack is being considered one of the largest from Palestinian territory in years. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Watch: How a desert music festival became site of Hamas terror attack, hostage taking

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