Israelis See Only Threat After Oct. 7 Attack, Despite Global Outcry Over Gaza Tragedy

Many Israelis remain scarred by the Oct. 7 attack, viewing Palestinians as a threat despite global condemnation of Gaza's suffering.

Editorial Desk

October 6, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Sderot, Israel — On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led militants killed over 1,200 people in southern Israel and abducted 251 others, sparking a devastating war and a fragile ceasefire. Three years later, many Israeli residents still see the Palestinians next door as a threat.

Visitors to Sderot, a city near the Gaza Strip, use binoculars to view the destruction in Beit Hanoun, where buildings lie in rubble. Some express admiration for the devastation, reflecting deep-seated trauma from the attack.

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Despite global outrage over the war’s impact on Gaza, many Israelis struggle to empathize with Palestinians. The conflict has left over 74,000 Palestinians dead, with most living in makeshift camps or amid ruins. However, for many Israelis, the focus remains on their own security and the need to respond strongly to perceived threats.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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