The Massacre of Women, Children, and Humans of All Kinds

October 7th, 2023, will be a day of mourning for thousands of families in Israel and around the world. On this day, tragedy struck the people of Southern Israel when Hamas—an internationally recognized terrorist group that governs Gaza—massacred Israeli civilians with medieval cruelty.

Over 2,000 Hamas terrorists invaded Israel on that day, killing 1,400 Israelis. Amongst the victims were entire families gunned down in their homes, babies executed in front of parents and their bodies burnt, women raped, and 250 people shot at point-blank at Nova music festival. An additional 200 civilians, including children and the elderly, were kidnapped into Gaza.

A holocaust survivor murdered, an elderly woman’s brutal killing live-streamed on her Facebook page, and young people, including 5 Canadians, executed; the pain faced by these and all innocent families is simply unimaginable. The world has heard the words “Never Again” in reference to the holocaust, yet Saturday’s events have been the largest massacre of Jewish civilians since Hitler’s genocide.

Declaration of War: Continued Devastation

Following the attack, Israel declared war on Hamas, citing its objectives as being the destruction of Hamas’ military and governing capabilities as well as the safe return of all hostages. While Hamas continues to keep hundreds hostage and target civilians with rockets, Israel is retaliating in full force with air strikes targeting Hamas’ military operations.

• 2 million people packed in 140 square miles in Gaza.

• 500 people in a Gazan hospital killed during an explosion on Tuesday. Hamas had initially blamed Israel for the strike, while Israeli and U.S. intelligence point to a Palestinian Islamic Jihad rocket misfire.

• Thousands of civilians in Gaza have died as Israeli Forces strike Hamas positions, who commonly embed themselves in civilian hubs.

Until the hostages are released, Israel has stopped supplying electricity and food to Gaza.

The Future of the Middle East

So, where does that leave the Middle East? What happens next for the 9 million people in Israel and 2 million in Gaza who continue to hide in bomb shelters?

With a ground invasion by Israel into Gaza looming, only time will tell. Tensions continue to escalate in Northern Israel as Hezbollah (Iranian-backed terrorists) exchanges fire with Israeli soldiers. The consequences of this war are sparking anger and polarization throughout the Middle East. Certainly, following October 7th’s tragedy, the Middle East will never look the same again.

Collectively, we must all push for the preservation of innocent lives. We urge everyone who is going through a difficult time to seek the help and support they deserve. It is important to demonstrate compassion and support for one another during this challenging period. 

Resources: https://www.queensu.ca/studentwellness/mental-health

Author: Gefen Shpil

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