Passover Massacre at Park Hotel Kills 30 in Netanya

The Attack

A Palestinian suicide bomber killed 30 people and wounded 140 others at the Park Hotel in Netanya during a Passover Seder celebration. The attack, claimed by Hamas, targeted the dining room where 250 guests were celebrating the Jewish holiday.

Casualties and Impact

Immediate toll:

• 30 civilians killed, mostly elderly
• 140 wounded, 20 critically
• Deadliest single attack since start of Second Intifada
• Victims from multiple countries including Israel, US, and Europe

Hamas Claims Responsibility

The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s military wing, claimed the attack was in retaliation for Israeli military operations in Palestinian territories. The bomber was identified as Abd al-Basit Odeh from Tulkarem.

Israeli Response

Operation Defensive Shield Launch

Within 48 hours, Israel launched its largest military operation since the 1982 Lebanon War:

“We must uproot the terrorist infrastructure. This massacre crossed every red line,” - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon

Military objectives:

• Reoccupy West Bank cities under Palestinian Authority control
• Destroy militant infrastructure
• Arrest suspected militants
• Confiscate weapons

International Reactions

• United States: Condemned attack, expressed understanding for Israeli response
• European Union: Called for restraint while condemning terrorism
• Arab League: Emergency session to discuss Israeli military operations
• United Nations: Security Council debates but reaches no consensus

Escalation Pattern

The Passover massacre marked a turning point in the Second Intifada, triggering:

1. Largest Israeli military operation in decades
2. International debate on proportionality
3. Renewed focus on security barrier construction
4. Breakdown of remaining peace process elements

Humanitarian Concerns

International organizations warned of emerging humanitarian crisis as Israeli forces entered Palestinian cities, imposing curfews and restricting movement of medical personnel and supplies.