Civilians are massacred in homes and at a festival; security personnel are also among those killed and abducted. Human Rights Watch documents war crimes and crimes against humanity. Figures used here reflect later findings rather than the day’s initial reports.
Hamas and other groups attack southern Israel
On 7 October 2023, Hamas-led armed groups attack communities and military sites in southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages to Gaza.