Fact Check: who started the conflict on October 7th

Who Started the Conflict on October 7th?

On October 7, 2023, a significant escalation in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict occurred when Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, launched coordinated attacks on Israel. This event has sparked widespread debate and analysis regarding its origins, the motivations behind the attack, and the broader implications for the region. The claim at hand seeks to identify who initiated this conflict and the context surrounding it.

What We Know

1. The Attack: On October 7, 2023, Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups executed a series of armed incursions from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel, marking the first invasion of Israeli territory since the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. This attack coincided with the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, which may have been strategically chosen to maximize impact and surprise 12.

2. Casualties and Impact: The assault resulted in significant casualties, with reports indicating that approximately 1,200 Israelis were killed, and around 250 individuals were taken hostage 910. The violence triggered a large-scale military response from Israel, leading to what has been described as the deadliest day in Israel's history and a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza 8.

3. Background Context: The conflict between Israel and Hamas has deep historical roots, characterized by cycles of violence, territorial disputes, and political tensions. Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and other countries, has been involved in various forms of resistance against Israeli occupation since its founding in 1987 610.

4. International Reactions: The attacks have drawn international attention, with various governments and organizations responding to the violence. Some reports suggest that there may have been external influences or support for Hamas, including potential involvement from Iran, although evidence for this claim remains under investigation 45.

Analysis

The claim regarding who started the conflict on October 7 is primarily supported by accounts of the coordinated attacks launched by Hamas. However, understanding the full context requires a critical evaluation of the sources and their reliability:

• Source Reliability: The Wikipedia entries 18 provide a broad overview of the events but may lack comprehensive citations and peer-reviewed verification, which can limit their reliability. However, they do aggregate information from various credible sources, making them useful for initial context.

• Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports: The CRS reports 25 are generally considered reliable due to their non-partisan nature and thorough research methodology. They provide detailed analyses of the conflict and its implications, although they may reflect the perspectives of U.S. policy interests.

• Media Coverage: Articles from established media outlets like the BBC 710 and The New York Times 9 offer journalistic insights into the events and their aftermath. While these sources strive for accuracy, they can also reflect editorial biases and the need for sensationalism in reporting.

• Potential Conflicts of Interest: Some sources, particularly those with ties to political organizations or governments, may present biased narratives that align with specific agendas. For instance, reports emphasizing Hamas's actions without sufficient context regarding Israeli policies may skew public perception.

• Methodological Concerns: The evidence surrounding the planning and execution of the attacks, including the alleged Iranian involvement, remains contested. More comprehensive investigations and independent verification of claims would enhance understanding of the motivations behind the attacks.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The evidence indicates that Hamas initiated the conflict on October 7, 2023, through a series of coordinated attacks on Israel. Key evidence supporting this conclusion includes the documented timeline of the attacks, the significant casualties reported, and the historical context of Hamas's actions as a militant organization.

However, it is essential to acknowledge the complexity of the situation. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has deep historical roots, and while Hamas's actions on this date were indeed the catalyst for the escalation, the broader context of ongoing tensions and previous hostilities must be considered.

Moreover, the evidence surrounding the involvement of external actors, such as Iran, remains inconclusive and requires further investigation. This uncertainty highlights the need for caution when interpreting the motivations and implications of the conflict.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider multiple perspectives when forming their understanding of such a complex issue.

Sources

1. October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel - Wikipedia. Link
2. Israel and Hamas October 2023 Conflict: Frequently Asked Questions. Link
3. Israel and Hamas October 2023 Conflict: Frequently Asked Questions. Link
4. Israel and Hamas October 2023 Conflict: Frequently Asked Questions. Link
5. Israel and Hamas Conflict In Brief: Overview, U.S. Policy. Link
6. Hamas - Wikipedia. Link
7. Israel and the Palestinians: History of the conflict explained. Link
8. Gaza war - Wikipedia. Link
9. The War That Won't End: How Oct. 7 Sparked a Year of Conflict. Link
10. What is Hamas and why is it fighting with Israel in Gaza? Link