Zikim attack
As part of the 7 October 2023 attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip, a military engagement took place near Zikim, Israel between Hamas militants and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). According to Haaretz, Hamas's goal was to capture Zikim's military training base. The Israeli navy prevented most Hamas militants from landing on the beach, although an estimated 11 militants landed. Fighting took place outside Zikim, at three military bases, and on the adjacent coastline. The garrison of the training base held out, but the other two bases were overrun, and a civilian security team prevented an incursion into the kibbutz. An estimated 19 civilian beachgoers were killed.
Zikim attack | |||||||
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Part of the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
Hamas | Israel | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Ahmed Musa |
Lt. Col. Shay Capt. Adir Abudi † First Lt. Or Moses † Col. Eitan Paz (Ashdod naval base commander) | ||||||
Units involved | |||||||
On the coast: 51st Battalion, Golani Brigade At training base: At Yiftach: Civilian security team | |||||||
Strength | |||||||
30-35 cross Israeli maritime border on boats, 11 of whom land on beach Dozens cross into Israel by land |
At training base: At Yiftach: 5 soldiers in combat | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
At sea: 2-3 boats sunk At training base: 13-15 killed At Yiftach: Multiple killed On coast: 2-3 killed Outside kibbutz: Multiple killed |
At training base: 7 killed 7 wounded At Yiftach: 7 killed Multiple wounded On coast: 19 civilians killed 1 soldier killed Outside kibbutz: 2 wounded | ||||||
Zikim Site of the attack in Israel |