As Israelis were wrapping up their seven-day Jewish festival of Sukkot on Saturday, October 7, the horrifying sounds of sirens echoed across Israel. Thousands of missiles were launched into the country by the Hamas militant group from Gaza. Creating chaos and panic leaving hundreds of bodies in the streets of cities and buildings decimated.
Saturday was the deadliest day in decades for Israel and came after months of surging violence between Palestinians and Israelis, with the long-running conflict now heading into uncharted and dangerous new territory. In response, Israel has come back with airstrikes. Causing more than 680 Palestinians to die, according to the Gaza’s Health Ministry. Senior Connor Wallace said, “It’s a sad environment and hundreds of people are being killed, and it’s terrible how there are children having to be part of it.”
US President Joe Biden said at least 11 Americans were killed during the Hamas attacks and others are likely being held as hostages. Biden told Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, that “The United States stands with the people of Israel in the face of these terrorist assaults. Israel has the right to defend itself and its people, full stop. There’s never a justification for terrorist attacks and my administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering.’’ Wallace stated his views on the US getting involved saying, “I don’t think the United States should get involved because it will put us in the crossfire”
Worries around the world are questioning if this will lead to a much larger war than it already seems to be. Senior Drew Barth, when asked about his views on whether this matter will grow, started, “ Yes I think it can because if one country can’t create an agreement the fighting will continue and lead to larger issues. Especially when it’s over religion and land.”
Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu stated he currently does not want to go to war with the Hamas and wants to find a way to create peace and resolve the war. Barth, when questioned about his views on if Israel should go to war with the Hamas added, “I agree with him because of what the terrible things the Palastan has done in the past and what it could lead to.”