Palestinian militant group Hamas released a video message on Sunday, celebrating its October 7 attack on Israel as the first anniversary of the assault approaches. In this message, Khalil al-Hayya, a member of Hamas based in Qatar, stated, “The crossing of the glorious 7th of October shattered the illusions the enemy had created for itself, convincing the world and the region of its supposed superiority and capabilities.”
The attack on October 7 last year led to the deaths of 1,205 individuals, primarily civilians, according to a tally that is based on figures from Israeli officials. This offensive marked the beginning of a significant escalation in violence that has resulted in widespread conflict.
Since the onset of the war, Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip have claimed the lives of at least 41,870 Palestinians, with the majority being civilians, as reported by the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza. The staggering death toll underscores the severe humanitarian crisis and the ongoing impact of the conflict on both sides.