The sharp escalation of tensions in the Middle East, which has resulted in significant civilian casualties and destruction of housing and social infrastructure, has been received with great concern in Tajikistan, says a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan on October 8.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan strongly condemns the acts of violence and calls on the parties to immediately stop the violence and engage in dialogue to normalize the situation,” the statement notes..

On October 7, Palestinian militant groups led by Hamas launched a large-scale invasion and offensive against Israel from the Gaza Strip, breaking through the Gaza–Israel barrier and forcing entry via the Gaza border crossings, into nearby Israeli settlements and military installations. Hamas called it Operation al-Aqsa Storm.  It is the first direct conflict within Israel's boundaries since the 1948 Arab–Israeli War.

Hostilities were initiated in the early morning with a rocket barrage against Israel and vehicle-transported incursions into Israeli territory, with several attacks on surrounding Israeli civilian communities and Israeli military bases.  

For the first time since the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Israel formally declared war.  An Israeli operation launched in response has been called 'Operation Sword of Iron'.

At least 3,000 rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip as Hamas militants broke through the border and entered Israel, killing at least 700 Israelis.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health led by Hamas in Gaza reported Israel had killed at least 400 Palestinians, including civilians, 78 children and 41 women, in gunfights and by airstrikes,