In the October 7 attacks, Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups killed nearly 1,200 people in southern Israel and took 251 hostages, starting the Gaza war. October 7 attacks: On October 7, 2023, a series of coordinated armed incursions from the blockaded Gaza Strip into the Gaza envelope of southern Israel were carried out by Hamas and several other Palestinian militant groups. In response, Israel launched a major military operation in Gaza. October 7, 2023. Wiki link