Al-Aqsa Flood: A Comprehensive Timeline of the October 7 Military Operation
The military operation known as Al-Aqsa Flood marks a significant turning point in the decades long Israeli colonial project, characterized by a series of coordinated operations and military responses.
One year after the event, here is what happened on October 7, 2023, in detail during the largest prison break operation, which continues to influence the western colonial projects in the region.
October 7, 2023 – The Launch of the Operation
* Early in the morning, the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, launched a large-scale military operation against Israel, named “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.” This operation was in direct response to ongoing Israeli attacks on Palestinians and siege on Gaza.
* The operation involved a combination of aerial, naval, and ground assaults, with resistance fighters infiltrating several settlements in the Gaza envelope.
* Muhammad Deif, the military leader of the Qassam Brigades, announced the operation, describing it as the largest assault on Israel in decades.
* Initial strikes included the launch of over 5,000 rockets targeting various locations across the occupation state within the first 20 minutes.
Day 1 – Ground and Air Assaults
* Resistance fighters breached the fence, which was used to besiege the strip, using motorcycles, SUVs, and on foot, reaching multiple military sites, including Zikim, Sderot, and Kfar Aza. They also targeted areas further away with missile strikes on Tel Aviv, Lod, Jerusalem, Ashdod, and Be’er Sheva.
* The Israeli army reported that Hamas began a dual operation that included rocket fire and the infiltration of armed personnel into Israeli-occupied land.
* Al-Qassam Brigades shared images of captured Israeli soldiers and reported having taken at least 35 Israeli hostages.
* Early casualty reports indicated over 40 Israeli fatalities and around 750 injuries due to the surprise operation and Israel’s use of the Hannibal Directive, killing Israeli soldiers and settlers in addition to some resistance fighters.
Day 2 – Escalating Violence
* Israeli broadcasting reported that the death toll from the resistance’s initial operation rose to over 300, with more than 1,590 injuries recorded. A few months later, Haaretz confirmed that Israeli tanks randomly shelled everyone in the area, killing Israeli soldiers and settlers.
* Al-Qassam Brigades spokesperson stated that the number of captured Israeli soldiers far exceeded what Israeli officials estimated.
* Former Mossad chief stated on CNN that there had been no warning of the operation, indicating a complete surprise.
* Israeli airstrikes resulted in significant destruction, targeting civilians.
* Reports indicated around 750 Israelis were missing and the Israeli army began evacuating residents from the Gaza envelope.
Day 3 – Increased Casualties and Military Mobilization
* Israeli radio reported that the commander of the Tze’elim base was injured during clashes in Sderot.
* The Israeli military’s death toll reached 1,000, with estimates suggesting over 150 prisoners taken by the resistance.
* The Health Ministry reported at least 436 Palestinians, including 91 children, had been killed, with thousands injured.
Day 4 – Israeli Assault and International Response
* The Israeli army announced control over the entire Gaza envelope area, claiming no further clashes with resistance fighters.
* Reports indicated that the Israeli Air Force was transporting hundreds of soldiers from Europe to Israel.
* Renewed Israeli airstrikes in Gaza resulted in further casualties among civilians, including journalists.
* The UN reported a significant increase in the number of displaced individuals in Gaza, surpassing 187,000.
* The United States confirmed ongoing military support for Israel, including arms shipments, and warned Iran against involvement.
* The Israeli army released the names of 38 additional soldiers killed, raising the total to 124 since the start of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.
