As of today, October 9, 2023, Israel is currently engaged in combat in the Gaza Strip, as it retaliates against a surprise offensive carried out by the militant organization Hamas. Israel has ordered a total siege of Gaza, and is pounding the area with airstrikes in retaliation for what has been its most deadly attack in half a century. An unknown number of Israelis, both civilians and soldiers, have been taken captive by Hamas in its hostilities, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare that his country is at war. The situation is complicated by suspicions that Iran was involved in the militants ambush on Israel. The conflict is ongoing and likely to continue for months or even years. The Palestinian militant group Hamas has launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, with its fighters entering communities near the Gaza Strip, killing dozens of civilians and taking others captive.