During the holiday of Passover, a significant Jewish celebration, a Palestinian suicide bomber targeted a crowded seder in Netanya, Israel, causing mass casualties. The attack took place in the Park Hotel, where many families gathered to observe the ritual meal. The bomber, identified as Abdel-Basset Odeh, was able to bypass security checks and detonate his explosive device, killing 29 people and injuring over 140 others. The assault marked one of the deadliest incidents of the Second Intifada, a period of heightened violence and retaliatory attacks between Israelis and Palestinians that began in 2000.

The timing of the bombing was particularly impactful as it occurred during a time when tensions were already high due to military actions in Palestinian territories and increased Israeli-Palestinian hostilities. The enormity of the attack drew international attention and condemnation and resulted in further escalations in the conflict. Following the bombing, Israel reinforced its military presence in the West Bank and ramped up security measures in Israeli cities. The event also led to a wave of solidarity among various political factions in Israel, with calls for greater military action against Palestinian militant groups.

The aftermath of the attack saw the creation of a more aggressive military strategy by the Israeli government, which included targeted operations against Palestinian militants. The response to the bombing set the stage for subsequent invasions of Palestinian cities, including the Operation Defensive Shield in 2002. This incident not only epitomized the tragic loss of life during this conflict but also highlighted the challenges of achieving peace in a region marked by deep-seated grievances and ongoing cycles of violence.