NAZA and October 7: What the Film Shows and the Context Before the War
NAZA examines Israel’s military campaign in Gaza after the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023. Understanding that sequence matters: October 7 does not determine whether every later military action was lawful, and scrutiny of later military conduct does not erase what happened on October 7.
What happened on October 7
Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups attacked southern Israel, killing more than 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals and abducting 251 people into Gaza, according to the United Nations' 2026 anniversary statement. Human Rights Watch concluded that Hamas-led groups committed war crimes and crimes against humanity including murder and hostage-taking.
| October 7, 2023 | Figure |
|---|---|
| People killed | 1,195, by the AFP count Human Rights Watch cites |
| Civilians among them | 815 |
| People taken to Gaza | 251 civilians and security personnel |
| Communities attacked | At least 19 kibbutzim and 5 moshavim, and the cities of Sderot and Ofakim |
| Gatherings attacked | 2 music festivals and a beach party |
| Civilians killed in Be’eri alone | 97 |
Figures from Human Rights Watch, July 2024. The United Nations' 2026 anniversary statement gives more than 1,200 killed.
Why context should not become a shortcut
October 7 is essential historical context for understanding Israel’s stated war aims, public sentiment and the military environment. It is not an automatic answer to questions about proportionality, distinction, precautions or particular strikes. Those questions still require evidence.