The invasion of Israeli military outposts and settlements by Hamas fighters on October 7, 2023, was horrific.

At 6:35 a. m., roughly 1,200 Hamas fighters breached the fence enclosing Gaza in more than 100 places, overrunning Israeli Defense Force( IDF) installations and 21 Israeli settlements, killing hundreds of IDF soldiers and civilians. They also stumbled upon the“ Supernova” trance music rave, less than three miles from the Re’ im military base— headquarters of the IDF’ s Gaza Division, the offensive’ s top target.

Hamas fighters killed hundreds of festival attendees, using drones and rockets for cover. Civilians were also killed in crossfire and by IDF“ friendly fire.” The IDF operated under the“ Hannibal Directive,” which instructs soldiers to kill everyone in sight— including comrades and civilians— to prevent hostage-taking. Reports indicate this directive was extended to civilians. Tanks, helicopters, drones, and grenade launchers were all used. Palestinian civilians who entered through the breaches were also caught in the bloodshed.

Accusations of rapes, mutilations, and beheadings— broadcast by Israeli and U. S. leaders— were later discredited but continued circulating for months, still appearing today in debates over Israel’ s“ right” to erase Gaza.

The invasion of Israeli military outposts and settlements by Hamas fighters on October 7, 2023, was horrific. What has unfolded in Gaza since then has also been horrific.

In the nearly two years since, the Israeli government under Benjamin Netanyahu has unleashed destruction in Gaza that meets international criteria for genocide.

• Casualties: Reports estimate over 60,000 people killed in Gaza, 83 % of them women and children( Guardian). Over 30 % were under 18( Reuters). With a prewar population of 2.1 million— 47 % under 18— this toll is staggering. By August 2025, over 90 % of Gaza’ s population had been displaced, many multiple times( BBC).

• Starvation: Since the counter-invasion began, Israel has blocked aid and food distribution. On 15 August 2025, famine( IPC Phase 5) was officially confirmed. Over half a million people are facing catastrophic starvation and another 1.07 million are in emergency conditions( IPC). Only recently have airdrops been allowed, killing children crushed by falling crates.

• Health care: Since October 7, 2023, Israeli forces have struck Gaza health facilities at least 1,844 times, killing patients and staff. 94 % of hospitals are damaged or destroyed, lacking basic supplies, electricity, and clean water( Think Global Health). Healthcare Workers Watch reports 587 confirmed healthcare workers killed, one-third of them women, with 420 more deaths pending verification( HCWW).

• Families and journalists: More than 1,200 entire families have been wiped out. At least 247 journalists have been killed( UN News).

• Infrastructure: Nearly 70 % of all structures and 92 % of housing units in Gaza are destroyed( Doctors Without Borders).

International Condemnation and Accountability:

• Israeli human rights groups B’ Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights – Israel have, for the first time, accused their own government of genocide( NPR, 7-28-2025).

Continued( sadly...)

Palestine sunbird( Cinnyris osea osea). Charles J. Sharp- Own work, from Sharp Photography, sharpphotography. co. uk by Mike Sanchez

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