It's a stark contrast of response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It turns out there are limits to the "right to self defence" and those are mostly governed by public narrative.
Sadly, it's only the people in the disputed territories and their families that truly suffer consequences for their decision to salt the earth.
Not saying this isn't important, but like literally every time hamas decides to do something this comes up.
If you consider how and why hamas was created, then no they aren't really the first strike. That would have been Israel back in 1949.
Not that it would have changed much in terms of USA support had it been the other way around, but first strike really needs to be not taken as some auto indicator of who is wrong, especially now that countries have figured out how easy it is to run false flags for publicity.
tbf though, I think this is the first time hamas ever launched a surprise attack that wasn't a direct response for a recent event.
https://www.ochaopt.org/data/casualties I agree with you that the first strike counts, but according to this source the first strike belongs to Israel. 165K Palestinians injured from 2008 till 7.10.23. don't know for you, but for me this is a staggering high number, vs. ... 6K
Yup, After a year long campaign to support Ukraine against Russian occupation, I have witnessed this change of tune too, and now suddenly living under occupation and fighting your oppressor is wrong.