On October 8, 2023, China News Service reported that the Israel-Palestine conflict entered its one-year mark. On this date, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continued to carry out airstrikes across Gaza and various locations in Lebanon.
According to the Palestinian news agency, Israeli jets targeted several areas in northern, central, and southern Gaza on October 7. Al Jazeera reported that these airstrikes resulted in at least 77 fatalities.
The AFP cited a spokesperson for the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military branch of Hamas, who indicated that the group intends to engage in a “long-term war of attrition” against Israel, which he described as “painful and costly” for Israel. He also shared that the remaining hostages in Gaza are facing “extremely difficult” psychological and health conditions.
The Jerusalem Post reported claims from the Israeli military that Hamas launched five rockets from Khan Younis in southern Gaza toward central Israel the same day, resulting in minor injuries to two women. The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades later took responsibility for these attacks, stating they were aimed deep within Israeli territory.
The Palestinian News Agency reported that since the escalation of the conflict, Israeli military actions have led to 41,909 Palestinian deaths and 97,303 injuries, the majority of whom are women and children.
In a reflection of the ongoing tensions, the Israeli Times noted that memorial services were conducted across Israel on October 7 to honor the victims of Hamas attacks from the previous year. During a video message that evening, Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated that as long as “enemies threaten our existence and state peace” and “our hostages remain in Gaza,” Israel’s military operations would continue until citizens are assured safety in their homes.
Furthermore, reports from Reuters and the Associated Press detailed the IDF’s announcement of extensive airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on October 7. Acting on intelligence, the Israeli Air Force struck more than 120 Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon within just one hour, targeting various military units and intelligence operations.
According to the Israeli military, approximately 175 rockets were fired from Lebanon into northern Israel that day, with one woman sustaining injuries. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for several of these rocket attacks against northern Israeli locations, including a substantial barrage aimed at Carmiel and Haifa, as well as missile strikes on Israeli military intelligence sites in the suburbs of Tel Aviv.
As the anniversary of the conflict approached, demonstrations and rallies condemning Israeli military actions in Gaza and Lebanon erupted around the world. Al Jazeera reported that on October 7, large crowds in countries like South Africa, Germany, Spain, Turkey, Yemen, and Indonesia took to the streets to express solidarity with Palestine and Lebanon, demanding an immediate ceasefire.
Global leaders also addressed the anniversary of the conflict. U.S. President Biden called for the release of hostages still held in Gaza, advocated for a ceasefire in Lebanon, and reaffirmed America’s commitment to Israel’s security. UK Prime Minister Starmer echoed calls for an immediate ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon, promoting the removal of all restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza. German Chancellor Scholz commented on the significant suffering on both sides and renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire.
