The Inciting Incident

• Hamas began firing thousands of rockets on Saturday, October 7, striking targets as far away as Tel Aviv and the outskirts of Jerusalem, which rarely see any direct hits because of Israel’s sophisticated air defense.

• About an hour after the first rocket attacks, Hamas terrorists crossed into Israel.

• The attackers infiltrated 22 Israeli towns and army bases and took civilians and soldiers hostage. 

• In response, Israel has attacked the Gaza Strip with airstrikes.

• At least 2600 people have been killed.

• Israel has mobilized 360,000 reservists and troops are now massing at the border, leading to speculation that Israel will soon launch a ground offensive.

• And in a region with a long history of conflict, Israel has also reported shelling along its borders with Lebanon and Syria, exacerbating fears of a wider conflict.

• Muhammad Deif, the leader of the military wing of Hamas, cited Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, which it captured during the Arab-Israeli war of 1967, recent Israeli police raids on the Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, and the detention of thousands of Palestinians in Israeli jails.

From The New York Times

Historical Context

Ways to Provide Support

Kibbutz Nir Oz

Residents of the Kibbutz in Nir Oz in the Gaza Strip were attacked on Oct. 7, hiding in shelters as their houses and vehicles were burned down by Hamas militants with a standby squad standing in front of them until the army arrived at noon. They are accepting donations here.

Magen David Adom

Israel’s national emergency medical service is on the frontlines of saving lives in Israel. With emergency ambulances, boats, helicopters, and motorcycles, MDA aims to provide the best of care in critical situations. More information on how to donate here.

IsraAID

An Israel-based humanitarian aid organization, IsraAID's Emergency Fund aims to meet the immediate and long-term humanitarian needs of affected communities by partnering with local organizations and civil society initiatives. More information on how to donate here.

Jewish Agency’s Fund for Victims of Terror

An American charity, JAFINA’s Fund for Victims of Terror, is a first responder when terror strikes, providing immediate assistance to terror victims within 24-48 hours of an attack and following up with long-term rehabilitative support. More information on how to donate here.

Alliance for Middle East Peace

ALLMEP is a coalition of over 170 non-governmental organizations, including tens of thousands of Palestinians and Israelis, for Palestinian and Israeli peacebuilding. It is currently assisting in emergency response. More information on how to donate here.

Medical Aid for Palestinians

MAP’s Emergency Appeal is responding to the current emergency in Gaza, where MAP’s team is releasing essential drugs, disposables, and essential healthcare supplies to hospitals struggling to cope with an influx of serious injuries. More information on how to donate here.

Palestine Children's Relief Fund

PCRF is a humanitarian organization in Palestine delivering medical relief and humanitarian aid to conflict victims in Gaza. It is serving immediate medical attention and basic necessities to children affected by the newest round of airstrikes. More information on how to donate here.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency

UNRWA estimates that more than half of the 123,000 people internally displaced in Gaza from the latest round of fighting are sheltering in dozens of schools. It has designated emergency shelters to host them and provide critical aid. More information on how to donate here.

The International Red Cross

ICRC is an impartial, neutral, and independent organization with a humanitarian mission to help victims of armed conflict and violence. It has called for an end to the violence between Israel and Hamas militants. More information on how to donate here.

Doctors Without Borders

MSF is an independent charity providing medical care and supplies to victims of conflict, disease outbreaks, and disasters. It has called on all parties to ensure the safety of civilians. It is donating medical supplies to hospitals in Gaza. More information on how to donate here.

Save the Children

The global charity has called on all parties to show restraint and keep children and families safe. It is providing assistance, notably for mental health impact, to children affected by the attacks. More information on how to donate here.

from Time Magazine