Israel’s 9/11

Here’s what happened, and the reaction from Canadian and world leaders

On Saturday October 7, 2023 in a stunning and devastating turn of events, the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas initiated a colossal assault on Israel, marking one of the most significant and brazen attacks in recent memory. The onslaught has resulted in a grievous loss of life, the seizure of hostages, and intense clashes, all stemming from an unexpected assault that began with a relentless barrage of rockets and deadly raids launched from the Gaza Strip. Currently as of Wednesday October 11, over 1,300 people have been found dead in Israel including 3 Canadians and 25 Americans, while over 3,000 people have been wounded.

Deception

A calculated and methodical campaign of deception left Israel unprepared for the devastating attack.This covert operation allowed a group armed with bulldozers, hang gliders, and motorbikes to confront the Middle East’s most formidable military force. The assault was the culmination of two years of careful subterfuge by Hamas. During this time, they concealed their military plans and managed to convince Israel that they sought no conflict. While Israel believed it was maintaining a tenuous peace by offering economic incentives to Gaza’s labour force, Hamas was clandestinely training and drilling its fighters, often in plain sight, according to a source close to the organization. One source provided crucial insights into the attack and its buildup, contributing to the account pieced together by Reuters. Furthermore, three individuals within Israel’s security establishment, who, like many others, chose to remain anonymous, also provided valuable information for this narrative.

The Concert

In a night meant for fun and celebration thousands of young men and women congregated in a vast field near the Gaza border in southern Israel to dance, casting aside their worries. Amid the rhythmic thumping of bass-heavy beats, old and new friends revelled in the moment, jumping with joy. Among them, Maya Alper stood toward the back of the bar, accompanied by teams of environmentally conscious volunteers who diligently picked up litter and distributed complimentary vodka shots to those who reused their cups. However, the serenity of the night was shattered just after 6 a.m., as the light blue dawn broke air raid sirens pierced through the ethereal trap music and rockets streaked across the sky.

With urgency, Alper, 25, hastily made her way to the main road. At the intersection, she encountered frantic festival goers, imploring drivers to turn back. Suddenly, a noise erupted, reminiscent of firecrackers, but it was something far more sinister. Panicked individuals stumbled along the road, falling to the ground in pools of blood, as gunshots echoed through the chaos.

The assault on the open air Tribe of Nova music festival that transpired on that fateful Saturday is now deemed the deadliest civilian massacre in Israeli history, claiming the lives of at least 260 people, with an indeterminate number held hostage. Dozens of Hamas militants unleashed a fusillade of gunfire upon the roughly 3,500 young Israelis who had gathered to celebrate.

Videos shared by Israeli first responders on the social media platform Telegram depict armed men plunging into the terrified crowd, mowing down fleeing attendees with bursts of automatic fire. Numerous victims were shot in the back as they desperately tried to escape.

By Monday, the staggering scale of the tragedy became evident, with Israel’s rescue service Zaka reporting that paramedics had recovered at least 260 bodies. Festival organizers stated that they were assisting Israeli security forces in locating attendees who remained missing. The death toll may rise further as teams continue to clear the area.

Israel’s Response

Israel has responded with utmost urgency, asserting that Hamas’s actions amount to a declaration of war. The Israeli army has swiftly mobilized and the air force has unleashed a series of strikes on Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a solemn pledge of severe retribution in the face of this horrendous attack. The region now finds itself engulfed in a harrowing and rapidly evolving crisis.

The Feast of Tabernacles

In a significant escalation reminiscent of their 11-day conflict in 2021, the Palestinian militant organization Hamas initiated “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” against Israel early on Saturday morning. Hamas claims to have launched an astounding 5,000 rockets, with Israeli authorities confirming the infiltration of Hamas fighters into Israeli territory. The attack, which commenced at 6:30 am local time (03:30 GMT), unfolded on the occasion of Simchat Torah, a holiday marking the culmination of the week long Jewish festival Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles.

Disturbing reports from Israeli media detailed gunmen opening fire on civilians in the town of Sderot, while footage circulating on social media depicted clashes in urban streets where Hamas militants in vehicles traversed the countryside. There are even claims that Hamas terrorists have seized control of multiple Israeli civilian population centers, leaving residents in desperate pleas for assistance from their government.

Babies Decapitated

In Kfar Aza, located in southern Israel, disturbing reports have emerged following the recent wave of attacks by Hamas. Tal Heinrich, a spokesperson for Netanyahu revealed that infants and young children were tragically discovered with “decapitated heads” after their kibbutz came under assault over the weekend. Heinrich’s statements follow remarks from the IDF, who informed CNN on Tuesday that Hamas militants had perpetrated a horrifying “massacre” in Kfar Aza, involving the brutal slaying of women, children, toddlers, and elderly individuals in a manner reminiscent of ISIS.

Operation Iron Swords

In response, the Israeli military launched “Operation Iron Swords” against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Reports indicate that dozens of fighter jets conducted precision strikes on Hamas targets intensifying the conflict. Ongoing gun battles have been reported in various towns in southern Israel, marking a perilous situation in the region.

Israel Defense Forces

Israel’s defense minister Yoav Gallant said he has “released all restraints” on the Israel Defense Forces’ troops in their fight against Hamas. “Whoever comes to decapitate, murder women, Holocaust survivors — we will eliminate him at the height of our power and without compromise,” he told soldiers during an inspection of the front line along Israel’s border with the Gaza Strip on Tuesday. “Hamas wanted a change in Gaza, it will change 180 degrees from what they thought. They will regret this moment. Gaza will never return to what it was,” Gallant said, calling Hamas the “ISIS of Gaza.

A Terrorist Organization

Hamas has been designated as a terrorist organization by dozens of countries, with some applying this classification exclusively to its military wing. Iran provides Hamas with material and financial support, while Turkey is reportedly harboring certain high-ranking Hamas leaders. In contrast, its rival party, Fatah, holds sway within the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and governs the West Bank, having disavowed violence. The schism in Palestinian leadership and Hamas’s steadfast animosity toward Israel have cast a shadow over prospects for stability in Gaza.

Killing Hostages On Social Media

On October 10, Hamas issued a chilling threat to execute hostages and broadcast the executions to the world should Israel conduct retaliatory strikes on homes in Gaza without prior warning. The threat comes as Israel intensively searches for over 100 individuals, including U.S. citizens, believed to have been taken captive and transported to Gaza during the battle.

Israeli authorities estimate that Gaza militant groups, primarily Hamas, are holding between 100 and 150 hostages, marking an unprecedented figure. Official information about the hostages has been limited. Israeli authorities have not publicly disclosed the hostages’ names. Concerned family members have turned to social media and local networks to seek information. The hostages are believed to be held in the densely populated Gaza Strip, a 140-square-mile area with an intricate network of underground tunnels used by Hamas. U.S. President Biden has expressed the likelihood of American citizens being among those held by Hamas. Israeli authorities have confirmed that there are dozens of Israeli-Americans, holding dual citizenship, among the hostages. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reaffirmed U.S. efforts to secure the immediate release of all hostages, with intelligence-sharing and deployment of experts to aid in recovery efforts

Ceasefire of Conditions

Hamas has made a cessation of hostilities a precondition for any negotiations regarding the hostages’ release. Negotiations reportedly involving Qatar and the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel have been reported, though the situation remains fluid. As of now, none of the hostages have been rescued, and the situation remains a grave concern.

Where does Canada stand?

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued the following statement regarding the recent assault on Israel:

“Yesterday, on a Jewish holiday and the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, the terrorist organization Hamas executed a large-scale, coordinated offensive against Israel. Canada vehemently denounces these atrocious attacks in the strongest terms and reiterates its unwavering support for Israel’s legitimate right to self-defense, in accordance with international law. The disturbing and appalling imagery we have witnessed is deeply distressing. As we come to comprehend the extent and cruelty of this violence in the days ahead, we extend our sincerest condolences to all those impacted. Our hearts ache for the countless innocent lives tragically lost. We call for the immediate release of individuals held hostage and insist on their humane treatment, in accordance with international law. We remain vigilant, closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with our global partners to restore peace and security in the region. Safeguarding civilian lives must be a collective endeavor. To our Israeli compatriots, please know that Canadians stand by your side. The Government of Canada is prepared to offer assistance and stands firmly in support of the Israeli people.”

Canadians in or around the affected area are advised to limit their movements, adhere to local authorities’ directives, and seek shelter until conditions permit safe departure. For up-to-date guidance, Canadians are encouraged to consult Travel Advice and Advisories and register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service.

Canadian officials in Ottawa and at our diplomatic posts in Tel Aviv and Ramallah are working tirelessly to provide urgent consular aid to Canadians during these challenging circumstances.

Both Sides Rally in Toronto

Thousands convened at Mel Lastman Square in a display of solidarity with Israel, responding to the recent surge of violence in the Middle East.

Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland condemns terrorist act

Speaking at the event organized by the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland passionately expressed Canada’s stance, saying, “We call for the hostages who were seized in this vile, horrific attack to be released immediately. We unequivocally condemn the terrorist attack by Hamas. And let me be as clear, as the Prime Minister has been, the glorification of terror has no place in Canada. That is not who we are. That is not what Canada is. There is no space for that here in our country.“

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow’s Confusing Social Media Message

At the Israeli rally Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow took the stage and was greeted with a loud and prolonged chorus of boos. Chow’s office had posted on X shortly after the attack: “We must also acknowledge Palestinian pain and severe loss during this time. Our thoughts are with Toronto citizens, both Jewish and Palestinian, who have loved ones back home.” Later on the night of the 7th the statement was deleted on her account and Chow tweeted, “My earlier tweets on this have been deleted because of the harm and confusion they caused.”

Law enforcement from Toronto, York, Durham regions, and the OPP were present, maintaining a separation between the gathering at Mel Lastman Square and a surge of pro-Palestinian counter-protestors.

An earlier pro-Palestinian demonstration at Nathan Phillips Square, organized by the Palestinian Youth Movement, drew hundreds of attendees by 3 p.m., eventually growing to an estimated 1,000 people as they marched toward the Israeli embassy. Demonstrators displayed flags, brandished signs with “stand with the Palestinian resistance,” and chanted “Palestine will be free.” Some participants expressed support for Hamas. As a result of the demonstration, downtown Toronto experienced rolling road closures, notably on Bay Street.

To ensure lawful demonstrations while preventing harassment, intimidation, or hate-motivated behavior, the Toronto Police Service maintained a significant presence at both rallies. The hate crime unit monitored the events to enforce a zero-tolerance policy for criminal conduct.

Despite ongoing tensions, Canadian officials emphasized that, as of Monday morning, there were no specific public safety concerns. Authorities encouraged individuals encountering hateful actions to report them to police.

Chow also mentioned that she is in regular contact with Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw, who has assured her that any suspected incidents of hate would be addressed and investigated.

Premier Doug Ford makes statement

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has vehemently denounced a series of events that commemorate the recent attacks on Israel.

In a social media post on Sunday, Premier Ford referred to these gatherings as “hate rallies” that glorify “the abduction and brutal killing of innocent Israeli citizens by terrorists.” He emphasized that such events have no place in Ontario, deeming them “reprehensible and revolting.”

Furthermore, he underscored his unwavering support for Israel, stating, “Now more than ever, we stand with Israel and affirm its right to defend itself and protect its people.”

Mayor Olivia Chow’s Statement

In another social media statement, Mayor Olivia Chow expressed her strong disapproval of the unsanctioned pro-Palestinian rally that took place on Monday, emphasizing her condemnation of any support for Hamas. She underscored the Canadian government’s designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization and the necessity of not tolerating any form of support for terrorism.

Chow’s statement reads, “The Government of Canada has rightly listed Hamas as a terrorist organization, and we simply must not tolerate any support of terror, full stop. The rally to support Hamas at Nathan Phillips Square today is unsanctioned, without a permit, and I unequivocally denounce it. Glorifying this weekend’s indiscriminate violence, including murder and kidnapping of women and children, by Hamas against Israeli civilians is deplorable.“

Toronto police, recognizing their responsibility to uphold the charter rights and freedoms of all individuals, maintained their commitment to ensuring a peaceful environment for gatherings and peaceful protests. Despite the absence of a permit for the demonstration, they emphasized their role in preserving peace and expressed their intention to pursue any incidents of hate crime should they occur.

What are the casualty figures in Israel and Palestine?

As the conflict rages on, the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza reports a devastating toll, with at least 500 individuals tragically killed and nearly 2,300 wounded in the wake of the relentless Israeli response to Hamas attacks. Meanwhile, the Israeli death toll has surged to at least 1,200, according to the latest reports from Israeli media outlets. Israel’s health ministry has also provided updates, revealing that 2,382 Israelis have received medical treatment in hospitals thus far.

What is the Israeli government’s stance?

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that his Security Cabinet has officially declared the country to be at war in response to the attack. This decision formally authorizes “the taking of significant military steps,” as stated in a government release. It asserts that “the war that was forced on the state of Israel in a murderous terrorist assault from the Gaza Strip which began at 6:00 yesterday.”

The Biden Administration

A senior defense official remarked today that the Hamas attack from Gaza against Israel has reached an unprecedented level of intensity. President Joe Biden, in a written release, conveyed the devastating toll, with hundreds of Israelis killed in the attacks, including 11 Americans. Additionally, Hamas terrorists have conducted kidnappings within Israel, relocating victims to Gaza.

President Biden declared, “While we are still working to confirm, we believe it is likely that American citizens may be among those being held by Hamas.” He has directed his team to collaborate with Israeli counterparts on all facets of the hostage crisis, encompassing intelligence-sharing and deploying U.S. government experts to consult and advise on hostage recovery efforts.

The senior defense official emphasized the unparalleled brutality of this Hamas assault, drawing a distinction from previous conflicts between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. “This is ISIS-level savagery that we have seen committed against Israeli civilians — houses burned to the ground, young people massacred at music festivals.”

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has diligently reaffirmed the unwavering U.S. support for Israel’s right to self-defense since the onset of the attack. Austin and the National Security Council have been engaging with allies and partners across the Middle East and Europe to convey this message and caution potential adversaries against escalating the instability.

Secretary Austin has maintained direct communication with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, obtaining operational updates and discerning Israel’s requirements for self-defense capabilities.

The United States is rapidly bolstering its support for Israel, encompassing air defense assets and munitions, with a focus on delivering urgently needed supplies. Furthermore, the U.S. is expediting the shipment of military equipment that Israel had previously ordered and assessing available munitions and equipment within U.S. inventories for swift deployment.

The U.S. is augmenting its presence in the region, with the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group being dispatched to the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. This force, comprising an aircraft carrier with an embarked airwing, along with cruisers and destroyers, will undertake maritime and air operations to reassure allies, preserve regional stability, and be prepared for a range of missions.

Secretary Austin has also ordered the deployment of additional Air Force fighter aircraft, including F-35, F-15, F-16, and A-10 aircraft, to squadrons in the region. These measures are intended to tangibly demonstrate U.S. support for Israel’s defense and serve as a deterrent against potential adversaries looking to exploit the current situation.

by Myles Shane

Photo by Taylor Brandon on Unsplash

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