Israel–Gaza: Situation update, 8 October 2023

Israel-Gaza conflict: Timeline. (Janes)

Operation ‘Swords of Iron'

On 8 October 2023, at 0459 h local time, the Prime Minister of Israel's X (formerly Twitter) account posted, “The Security Cabinet convened this evening and made a series of operational decisions, the goal of which is to achieve the destruction of the military and governing capabilities of Hamas and [the Palestinian] Islamic Jihad in a way that will preclude their ability and willingness to threaten and attack the citizens of Israel for many years.” It further stated that “Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu concluded the discussion: ‘We are embarking on a long and difficult war that was forced on us by a murderous Hamas attack. The first stage is ending at this time by the destruction of the vast majority of the enemy forces that infiltrated our territory.'” It ended by mentioning that “among the decisions made by the Security Cabinet is halting the supply of electricity, fuel, and goods [to Gaza]”.

In a briefing to Janes at 1700 h local time, an Israeli IDF Officer stated that fighting is still going on in and around 10 locations in southern Israel and that clearing these areas is the first priority for the IDF. The officer also stated that they are keeping a close eye on the West Bank.

Israeli Air Force statements on X

1700 h local time: