cross-boarder attacks

Cross-border attacks and massacres of civilians by the Palestinian militant group Hamas have resulted in a declaration of war by the state of Israel and major disruptions in travel and tourism.

The surprise attack on Oct. 7 included ground assaults on communities in the southern part of the country close to Hamas-run Gaza as well as rocket attacks reaching as far north as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, with militants launching thousands of rockets at both military and civilian targets. Hamas gunmen attacked Israeli soldiers and civilians alike, including killing hundreds of people attending an outdoor music festival and kidnapping others.