Israel-Hamas war: 'a mega-event in the history of the Middle East'

On Saturday morning, Hamas launched an unprecedented offensive by land, sea and air into Israel. A catastrophic failure by Israeli intelligence, the attack left hundreds dead, even more injured and an unknown number of hostages of all ages taken over the border into Gaza.

One of the missing is a young Irish-Israeli woman, 22-year-old Kim Damti, who was at the festival in the desert on Saturday when it was attacked by Hamas insurgents. By the end of the day the bodies of 260 young festival-goers had been counted.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is at war and that Hamas would pay a heavy price. On Monday, Israel began air strikes on the densely inhabited Gaza Strip. A ground invasion is set to follow.

On today’s In the News podcast, Jerusalem-based journalist Mark Weiss talks to Bernice Harrison about how the attack on Israel unfolded, why the mood within the country means a fierce response is inevitable and how civilians will pay the highest price.

And Irish Times Europe correspondent Naomi O’Leary explains how the crisis has exposed divisions within the European Union - with Ireland relatively isolated for its traditional support of the Palestinian cause.

Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon and Suzanne Brennan.

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