Based on the available information from the search results, here’s what we know about the approximately 1,200 people killed during the October 7, 2023 attack: Agence France-Presse (AFP), after cross-referencing numerous data sources, determined that out of 1,195 people killed on October 7:
- 815 were civilians
- 380 were likely non-civilians, which could include military personnel and settlers, though this is not explicitly stated in the search results
One Year Later: Reflecting on October 7 Attack
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched the largest-ever attack on Israeli soil. The Palestinian organization, considered a terrorist group by the EU and the US, stormed through the security fence separating Gaza and Israel in the early morning, killing 1,189 people, including 815 civilians, wounding 7,500 and taking 251 hostage. One year on, FRANCE 24 looks back at an event that shook the region and the world.
The results do not provide specific numbers for how many of those killed were settlers or members of the Israeli armed forces. The information available focuses mainly on the overall casualty figures and the distinction between civilians and non-civilians.
Challenges in Categorizing Casualties in Conflict
It’s important to note that in conflict situations, precise categorization of casualties can be challenging, and different sources may have varying definitions or methods of classification.
The search results do not offer more granular details about the specific status of those killed beyond the civilian/non-civilian distinction provided by AFP.
- While Hamas led the attack, they were not the only group involved. The search results mention that “Hamas and several other Palestinian nationalist militant groups launched coordinated armed incursions” on October 7, 2023.
- The attack is often referred to as “Hamas-led” because Hamas was the primary organizer and took responsibility for it, but other groups participated as well.
- The exact breakdown of which fighters from which groups were responsible for specific killings is not provided in the search results.
- The total number of attackers, according to an IDF report, was estimated at 7,000, including 3,800 from Hamas’ “elite Nukhba forces,” 2,200 civilians and other militants, and 1,000 Gazans who fired rockets.
- The search results do not provide a detailed breakdown of casualties caused by specific groups or individuals.
Questioning Sole Responsibility for October 7 Attacks
While not denying the attacks by Hamas on October 7th, it’s important to question the precision of attributing all actions to Hamas alone. While Hamas was the primary organizer and took responsibility for the attack, other groups were involved, and the exact distribution of responsibility for individual killings is not clearly stated in the provided information.
It’s important to note that in complex events like this, precise attribution can be challenging, and initial reports may not capture the full complexity of the situation. The information we have is based on reports from various sources, including Israeli military statements and international news agencies, but may not provide a complete picture of every aspect of the attack.
