Residents of the Gaza Strip flee their homes after barrages of rockets were fired from the coastal enclave towards Israeli-controlled territory on Oct. 7, 2023, prompting rockets on Gaza in retaliation. (Credit: Mahmud Hams/AFP)
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“Even if something happens to me, I'd be more than proud to have witnessed this day.”
Since Saturday morning saw Hamas fighters launch an unprecedented surprise attack on Israeli-held territory, Hind, a young woman from Gaza, has been riding an emotional roller coaster: “Fear when you hear the missiles. Then elation when watching videos of the fighters.”
In the enclave, which has been under siege for 16 years, Hind says there's a sense of surprise everywhere. So far, more than 20 Israelis have died, with others running for shelter and smoke rising from residential buildings in Tel Aviv. The assailants have reportedly taken dozens of Israelis hostage.
Early Saturday morning, Hamas fighters fired rockets and attacked Israeli territory by land, air and sea. The operation is reminiscent of the surprise offensive in 1973 when Egyptians and Syrians declared war on Israel during Yom Kippur.
Videos showing Palestinians crossing into the Israeli side of the border fence between Israel and the enclave are circulating widely on social media. There are also scenes of Israeli settlers hurriedly leaving areas near Gaza. “I never thought that, as a Palestinian, I would experience 'freedom,’” Hind says. “Now I feel it.”
Hurya, 27, adds, “All Palestinians are proud of what Hamas has done.”
Emergency bag
Despite the pervasive joy, Gaza residents say the anxiety is palpable.
Following Hamas’ rocket fire, the Israeli army began bombing Gaza, initiating “Operation Iron Swords” in retaliation to the Islamist movement's “Al-Aqsa Flood.”
“I see and hear the missiles in the sky, and the atmosphere is tense,” says Hurya. For now, she's chosen to stay at her home as no strikes have occurred nearby.
Meanwhile, Hanan* is overwhelmed. “Since this morning, I've heard massive explosions. I haven't evacuated my home, but I've prepared an emergency bag,” she says.
War is all too familiar to the enclave's inhabitants. Yet, for many, this situation feels unprecedented. “All Palestinians in Gaza and elsewhere are shocked. This operation is unlike any other,” says Hanan. “And this time, our resistance initiated the attack.”
Though Hamas is often criticized by some in Gaza for its authoritative approach, residents appear to be showing support for now.
“Many people distinguish between Hamas and al-Qassam,” the group’s armed wing, says Hind. “They might not support Hamas politically, but they back the Palestinian fighters defending us against the occupation.”
Hind says she believes the “Al-Aqsa Flood” operation is a direct reaction to last Monday's evictions by the Israeli police of Muslim worshippers at the Al-Aqsa mosque in East Jerusalem. Several Palestinian demonstrators denied entry were arrested, and Israeli police pushed two female religious leaders to the ground.
Given the extent of the events and the losses Israel has sustained, Palestinians in Gaza are bracing for unparalleled reprisals. In a video message, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated: “We are at war and we will win. This isn't just another operation... The enemy will pay an unprecedented price.”
Hind says she is worried. “I feel Israel's response will be the deadliest yet.”
*Name has been changed at the interviewee’s request.
This article was originally published in French in L'Orient-Le Jour.
