Hamas launches surprise attack on Israel as Biden declares rock solid US support

Hamas militants break through Israel's security barrier in a surprise dawn attack on the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, killing approximately 1,200 Israelis, the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust, and taking 251 people hostage into Gaza. The attackers target kibbutzim, a music festival, and military bases in southern Israel. President Biden responds within hours, declaring "the United States' support for Israel's security is rock solid and unwavering" and dispatching a carrier strike group to the eastern Mediterranean. Israel formally declares war. Biden flies to Tel Aviv on October 18 and pledges $100 million in humanitarian aid.