Understanding Oct 7, 2023 and Its Consequences
10 FAQ

1. What happened on October 7th, 2023 ?

At dawn, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel from Gaza. Militants fired thousands of rockets and crossed the border by land, sea, and air. They stormed Israeli towns, military bases, and a music festival. Around 1,200 people were killed and about 240 hostages were taken into Gaza.

2. Why was the attack so shocking?

Israel has one of the most advanced security and intelligence systems in the world. The fact that Hamas broke through so easily stunned Israelis and raised questions about massive intelligence and military failures.

3. Who were the victims?

Most were civilians — including children, families, and young people at the festival. Some soldiers were also killed. The brutality of the attack deeply traumatized Israeli society.

4. What is the Hannibal Doctrine, and why does it matter here?

The Hannibal Doctrine is an unofficial Israeli military policy: if soldiers are about to be captured, commanders may order heavy fire to stop the capture — even at risk of killing the soldier/hostage.
On October 7, survivors and journalists suggest it might have been applied in places where hostages and civilians were present. This means some Israelis may have been killed not only by Hamas but also by Israeli defensive fire, sparking huge controversy and demands for investigation.

5. How did Israel respond to the attack?

The Hannibal Doctrine is an unofficial Israeli military policy: if soldiers are about to be captured, commanders may order heavy fire to stop the capture — even at risk of killing the soldier/hostage.
On October 7, survivors and journalists suggest it might have been applied in places where hostages and civilians were present. This means some Israelis may have been killed not only by Hamas but also by Israeli defensive fire, sparking huge controversy and demands for investigation.

7. What controversies arose around Oct 7?

  • Hamas’ killing of civilians and hostage-taking are war crimes.

  • Israel has a right to defend itself, but under international law, it must not use indiscriminate or disproportionate force against civilians in Gaza.

6. What does international law say about this?

  • Some early reports (like “beheaded babies”) turned out to be unverified or exaggerated, fueling propaganda debates.

  • Rumors of Israeli military stand-downs and the possible use of the Hannibal Doctrine raised suspicions of negligence or cover-ups.

  • Netanyahu’s government has so far blocked independent hearings, adding to mistrust.

8. What were the immediate consequences for Gaza?

  • Israel’s retaliation devastated Gaza:

    • Tens of thousands killed or injured.

    • Over a million displaced.

    • Severe shortages of food, medicine, water, and electricity due to the blockade and bombardments.

9. What were the consequences inside Israel?

  • A national trauma — many Israelis felt abandoned by their leaders.

  • Families of hostages became a powerful political force, pressing for prisoner swaps and negotiations.

  • Domestic protests against Netanyahu’s leadership grew even stronger.

10. What are the global consequences?

  • The war reignited the Israel–Palestine conflict worldwide.

  • Western governments largely supported Israel at first, while many in the Global South and Arab world condemned its retaliation.

  • Protests exploded worldwide, dividing opinion between solidarity with Israel and support for Palestinians.

  • It reshaped global debates on terrorism, occupation, human rights, and war ethics.