Hamas militants attacked the Israeli city of Ofakim on 7 October 2023, killing 47 residents and 6 police officers in one of the deadliest single-day assaults on Israeli civilians.
Key Facts
- Residents killed
- 47
- Police officers killed
- 6
- Militants killed
- 22
- Distance from Beersheba
- 20 km
- Date of attack
- 7 October 2023
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
On 7 October 2023, Hamas launched a large-scale surprise attack on southern Israel from the Gaza Strip, targeting multiple communities in the region. The assault was widely condemned internationally as an act of terrorism and formed part of a broader coordinated offensive against Israeli civilians and security forces.
Hamas militants, armed with assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, and grenades, infiltrated the Israeli city of Ofakim and engaged in urban combat against residents and police. During the battle, 47 residents were killed across Ofakim and surrounding Negev locations, along with 6 police officers, while Israel Defense Forces and Israel Police killed 22 militants.
The battle of Ofakim resulted in severe civilian casualties and drew significant military and police response. The October 7 attacks as a whole triggered a major Israeli military campaign in Gaza and intensified an already volatile regional conflict, with widespread international diplomatic repercussions.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent