The Munich massacre occurred during the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, West Germany, a time when the games were intended to symbolize peace and unity. On the morning of September 5, members of the Palestinian group Black September broke into the Olympic Village, specifically targeting the Israeli team's quarters. They managed to take 11 Israeli athletes and coaches hostage, demanding the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. The situation quickly escalated as the German authorities sought to negotiate, but tensions remained high. As the day unfolded, two hostages were killed during the initial invasion, igniting outrage and fear globally.

The hostage crisis reached its peak as a botched rescue attempt occurred at the Fürstenfeldbruck airbase. German police engaged the terrorists in a standoff; however, miscommunication and lack of preparedness led to chaos during the rescue operation. Tragically, all nine remaining hostages were executed by the terrorists, leading to a complete loss of life among the Israeli victims, which included renowned athletes and coaches. The incident brought international attention to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and raised broader discussions about terrorism and security at public events.

In the aftermath, the Israeli government initiated a campaign of reprisals against those linked to the attack, which lasted for decades, while the event fundamentally altered the future of Olympics security protocols. The massacre overshadowed the sporting event and became a symbol of the complex and violent realities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.