10 things you need to know today: October 7, 2023

Israel 'at war' with Hamas following deadly surprise attack, Chuck Schumer leads bipartisan congressional delegation to China, and more

Members of the IDF take cover during a rocket attack
Israel declared war against Hamas following an attack from the Gaza Strip
(Image credit: Ahmad Gharabli / AFP via Getty Images)

1. Israel 'at war' with Hamas following deadly surprise attack

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that his country was "at war" with Hamas after the militant group launched a surprise attack from the Gaza Strip, killing at least 40 people. The attack was initiated by Palestinian terrorists from the Hamas-held Gaza Strip, as a flurry of rockets were sent toward Israel while gunmen also encroached on the country's territory. Hamas additionally claimed to have captured several Israeli soldiers during the attack, which came on the 50th anniversary of the 1973 Yom Kippur War. "Citizens of Israel, we are at war. Not an operation, not a round [of fighting,] at war!" Netanyahu said, adding that Hamas would pay an "unprecedented price" for the attack. CNN, The Times of Israel 

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Justin Klawans, The Week US

 Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other Hollywood news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.