Exactly 100 days ago, on Oct. 7, the Hamas terror organization launched a cross-border attack in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and over 120 kidnapped. The event marked the most lethal attack in Israel's history and the most devastating onslaught of Jews since the Holocaust. In a direct response to this aggression, Israel embarked on a military campaign with the objective of eliminating Hamas.
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Oct. 7
In a pre-dawn attack at 6:29 a.m. IST, Hamas terrorists launched missile strikes on southern and central Israel, triggering air raid sirens and plunging the region into chaos.
Additionally, the Supernova Music Festival near Re'im kibbutz was targeted, resulting in at least 260 fatalities among the 3,000 to 5,000 attendees, with many more abducted.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the terrorists' incursion and urged residents in affected areas to stay indoors. Israel announced counteroffensive operations against Hamas, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. Additionally, Israel declared a state of alert for war, activating its reservists in response to continued rocket attacks.
Oct. 8
Israel formally declared a state of war under Article 40A, the first such declaration since the 1973 Yom Kippur War. In a historic move, the nation called up 300,000 reservists, the largest mobilization in its history. The stated aim was to eliminate Hamas's military capabilities and end its rule over the Gaza Strip.
Oct. 10
The military announced it had reestablished full control over towns near Gaza and aimed to regain control over the border while warning that retaliatory strikes inside Gaza would be more significant and heavier than before.
Oct. 17
An explosion at al-Ahli al-Arabi Baptist Hospital in Gaza City resulted in significant casualties, sparking widespread anger across the Arab world. Palestinians attributed the blast to an Israeli airstrike, whereas Israel claimed it was due to a misfired Palestinian rocket. The Hamas-ruled health ministry in Gaza reported 471 deaths, a figure contested by Israel. An unclassified US intelligence report estimated the death toll to be between 100 and 300, at the lower end of the spectrum.
Oct. 18
US President Joe Biden visited the Middle East to demonstrate support for Israel and attempt to avert a broader regional conflict. He attributed the hospital explosion to a misguided rocket fired by Gaza terrorists. In response to the deaths at the hospital, which they attribute to Israel, Arab leaders canceled a planned summit with Biden in Jordan.
Hamas released two American hostages - Judith Tai Raanan, 59, and her daughter Natalie, 17. The women were taken from Nahal Oz kibbutz in southern Israel.
Additionally, 20 trucks carrying the initial batch of humanitarian aid, excluding fuel, made their way into Gaza through the Rafah crossing.
Oct. 27
The IDF's ground incursion into Gaza began. Hamas declared it was actively engaging troops in northern Gaza, with initial reports highlighting violent clashes and Israeli forces conducting limited incursions into the outskirts of Beit Hanoun. By Oct. 31, Israeli troops had advanced into the area, undertaking clearing operations aimed at encircling Gaza City.
The intensity of the battle escalated, with Hamas claiming to have destroyed several Israeli tanks using anti-tank grenades and employing drones against IDF gatherings. The battle culminated on Dec. 24, with Israeli forces withdrawing amidst heavy fighting, leaving Beit Hanoun in ruins and ongoing shelling by Israeli forces.
Nov. 15
Israeli forces conducted a raid on Gaza's largest hospital, Al-Shifa, revealing it was being used as a dual-purpose facility, serving both as a medical center and a Hamas command post. Following the operation, Israel reported the discovery of weapons and additional evidence corroborating its claims of Hamas utilizing a network of tunnels beneath the hospital complex.
Nov. 21
The Israeli government ratified a deal brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, exchanging 150 Palestinian prisoners for 50 hostages with Hamas. It also approved a four-day ceasefire in Gaza. However, Prime Minister Netanyahu clarified that Israel's military campaign against Hamas would continue following the ceasefire.
Nov. 24-30
At the Rafah border crossing, Hamas handed over 24 hostages, comprising 13 Israelis, 10 Thais, and one Filipino. The Israeli group included four children with their family members and five elderly women. Correspondingly, Israel released 39 Palestinian women and children detainees, fulfilling the terms of the exchange agreement.
The day after, after a seven-hour delay caused by allegations of Israel breaching the truce terms, Hamas proceeded to release 13 Israeli hostages along with four Thai nationals. In exchange, Israel freed 39 Palestinian prisoners. Following that, 17 hostages, including 14 Israelis and three Thai nationals, were released by Hamas on Nov. 26 in exchange for 39 teenage Palestinian prisoners.
On the 27th, Hamas released 11 Israeli hostages, while Israel released 33 Palestinian prisoners. The following day, Hamas released 11 Israeli hostages, while Israel released 33 Palestinian prisoners.
The 28th saw Hamas release 16 hostages, and Israel released 30 Palestinian prisoners in return. Finally, on the last day of the ceasefire, Hamas released eight hostages in exchange for 30 Palestinian prisoners.
Dec. 1
Following two extensions, the ceasefire talks failed, leading to a resumption of the fighting. During the week-long truce, Hamas released 105 hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinian detainees. However, disagreements over the release of more hostages, including Israeli men and soldiers, led to the collapse of the truce. Israel reports that 136 hostages remain in captivity.
Dec. 15
During the conflict in Shuja'iyya, the IDF disclosed a tragic incident of friendly fire in a statement. They acknowledged that their troops mistakenly fired upon and killed three of their own hostages, perceiving them as a threat. This occurred despite the hostages reportedly waving a white flag at the time. The identities of the victims were confirmed after their bodies were returned to Israel.
Elisha Yehonatan Lober, who was killed in battle in the Gaza Strip, mourns during the funeral of her husband at the Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem, Dec. 27, 2023 (AP/Leo Correa) AP
Dec. 23
A drone operated by the Houthi terrorists struck the Gabon-flagged, Israeli-affiliated MV Saibaba, which predominantly had an Indian crew, off India's west coast. The attack caused water and fire damage to the vessel, but fortunately, no crew members were injured. The Indian Navy responded with assistance and subsequently dispatched multiple destroyers as a deterrent.
Dec. 29
South Africa initiated legal proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice in the case titled South Africa v. Israel (Genocide Convention). The accusation centers on alleged "genocidal acts" committed by Israel in Gaza.
South Africa went on to present its case on Jan. 11, and Israel gave its defense the following day.
Jan. 14
One hundred days into the war against the Hamas terror organization, the nation remains deeply scarred by tragedy and loss.
