Gaza Clerics Divided Over Legitimacy of Hamas's October 7 Attack on Israel

Debate arises among religious leaders on whether the assault justified the ensuing civilian casualties.

The October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel resulted in the bloodiest day in Israel's history, with 1,200 people killed and over 250 taken hostage.
Prominent Gaza cleric Suleiman Al-Dayya argues that battles should be avoided if civilian harm outweighs the benefits.
A group of Gaza clerics defended the attack as a legitimate act of jihad, though they acknowledge the timing may be questioned.
Israel's response has left Gaza devastated, with nearly 44,000 people killed and over 100,000 wounded, according to Gaza health ministry figures.
There is growing concern among Gazans about the wisdom of the attack, given Gaza's pre-existing struggles with poverty and unemployment.