Germany’s leadership expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself after Hamas launched a large-scale assault, while stressing the importance of maintaining humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip. In an interview with a Nigerian outlet, Berlin conveyed its stance on reducing regional tensions and highlighted the need to protect civilian lives amid escalating violence. (Source: INSIDE report attribution)
Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that Israel has every right to counterterrorist attacks, and he underscored the obligation to safeguard all human lives. Germany will continue to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza and ensure uninterrupted access to aid corridors. He emphasized that a quick escalation of the conflict must be avoided and that Germany supports a political path that allows Palestinians to live in peace and security. (Source: INSIDE report attribution)
On October 7, Hamas launched thousands of rockets into Israel and announced the start of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. Hundreds of militants reportedly crossed into Israeli territory, seizing military equipment and taking hostages. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the country was at war. (Source: INSIDE report attribution)
The Israeli defense operation, described as Iron Swords, aimed at undermining Hamas’s capabilities. The Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes on numerous militant targets across the Gaza Strip, as the security leadership authorized steps to cut off water, food, electricity, fuel, and other supplies to the region. Israel also notified the United Nations that approximately 1.1 million Palestinians would be evacuated to southern Gaza ahead of a potential ground offensive. (Source: INSIDE report attribution)
There were accusations from various parties that a scorched-earth approach was being applied in Gaza as the conflict intensified. (Source: INSIDE report attribution)