For weeks, enthusiastic music enthusiasts had eagerly anticipated the Supernova festival, situated in the southern Israeli desert, coinciding with the Jewish festival of Sukkot.
“The time has come when the whole family is about to get together again,” organisers wrote on social media before it began. “And what fun it is going to be!”
However, just hours later, their social media feeds were inundated with desperate messages from people attempting to locate their loved ones, BBC reported.
This sudden influx of concern came after Palestinian militants launched an unexpected attack on Israel, storming the festival and opening fire.
Reportedly, more than 260 bodies have been recovered from the festival grounds, as reported by the rescue agency Zaka.
Situated in the Negev desert, close to Kibbutz Re’im, the festival grounds featured three stages, a camping section, as well as a bar and food area.
This location was in proximity to the Gaza Strip, from where Hamas fighters infiltrated the area at dawn to initiate their attack.
They covertly entered nearby towns and villages, holding numerous individuals hostage.
Ongoing clashes persist between the Israeli military and Palestinian militants, and Israel has initiated a series of airstrikes targeting Gaza.
Written by staff
B.C. Begley 