On October 7, 2023, on the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, which not only shattered Israel's military mythology, but also plunged Israel's security apparatus into an unprecedented crisis. The scale and effectiveness of Hamas's operation are staggering and bear a striking resemblance to the surprise attack on Israel by Egypt and Syria on 6 October 1973.
At that time, Egypt and Syria launched a large-scale attack on the Sinai and Golan Heights at the same time, leaving Israel unprepared and destroying its military superiority. In three hours, the Egyptians used a water pump to break the Israelis' proud Bar-Lev Line, a 21-meter-high sand wall from the Gulf of Suez to the Mediterranean, covered with heavy pillboxes. The Israelis considered this sand wall to be impassable, but the Egyptians proved them wrong.
On October 7, 2023, history seemed to repeat itself. Hamas, using its formidable military capabilities, has launched heavy rocket and ground attacks on Israeli bases and cities, causing enormous human and material losses. According to Haaretz, 250 civilians in Israel have already died by Hamas "infiltrators". Hamas also fired a second round of rockets into Israel on Saturday night in response to Israeli Air Force airstrikes in Gaza, which included the destruction of the Palestinian Tower building, a stronghold of Hamas's top leadership. Israel's Iron Dome system looked powerless in the face of such a dense barrage of rockets.
The Yom Kippur War was a war that lasted almost three weeks, the fourth war between Arab countries and Israel. The war changed the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and also affected the peace process between Israel and Arab countries. The Yom Kippur War was the result of a surprise attack on Israel by Egypt and Syria in an attempt to regain territory lost in the 1967 Six-Day War. The Egyptian and Syrian attacks were initially with some success, but Israel, with the support of the United States, quickly adjusted its strategy, carried out **, regained lost territory, and threatened the capitals of Egypt and Syria. Eventually, with the mediation of the United Nations, the two sides reached a ceasefire agreement that ended the war.
The Yom Kippur War had far-reaching implications for both Israel and Arab countries. For Israel, the war shattered the myth of its military invincibility and made it aware of the need for peaceful coexistence with Arab countries. For the Arab countries, the war restored their national self-esteem and also promoted their unity and cooperation. The Yom Kippur War also laid the groundwork for the 1979 peace treaty between Israel and Egypt, an important turning point in the history of the Middle East.
Hamas, a radical Islamic resistance movement that controls the Gaza Strip and has long been in hostility with Israel. Hamas's goal is to establish a fully independent Palestinian State and eliminate Israel. Hamas regularly launches rocket and suicide attacks against Israel, triggering Israeli retaliation and sanctions. There are also serious differences and conflicts between Hamas and the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority, which have led to internal Palestinian turmoil and turmoil.
Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023, may have had several purposes. First, it may be to commemorate the Yom Kippur War and to demonstrate its challenge and defiance against Israel. Second, it may be to boost its prestige and influence in Palestine and the Arab world, as a leader and defender of the Palestinian cause. Third, it may be in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons, especially captured high-ranking Israeli officers. Fourth, it may be in preparation for a larger war, a long-term confrontation with Israel.
The Hamas attack has serious consequences for both Israel and Palestine. For Israel, the attack is a serious threat to its security and sovereignty, as well as a serious question about its intelligence and military capabilities. Israel is likely to retaliate aggressively against Hamas, including air strikes and ground offensives, causing more human and material losses. For the Palestinians, this attack could exacerbate their conflict and confrontation with Israel, as well as deepen their internal turmoil and instability. Palestinian prospects for peace and development are likely to be further hampered.
Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, was a risky act that could bring more instability and violence to the Middle East region. The Hamas attack, while with some tactical success in the first round, may have been a strategic mistake. The Hamas attacks have not only exacerbated hostile relations with Israel, but also undermined Palestinian interests and futures. A Hamas attack could trigger a larger war that would not benefit either side. Hamas should abandon violence and extremism and instead seek peace and dialogue, which is the only way to solve the Middle East problem.