Israel commemorated the first anniversary of the devastating October 7 attack by Hamas with a series of memorial events, vigils, and rallies calling for the return of hostages. The attack, carried out by Palestinian militants from Gaza, resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people and shocked the nation. Ceremonies are taking place across Israel and in various cities around the world to honor the victims of the massacre.
President Isaac Herzog led the day of remembrance with a moment of silence at 6:29 am, the exact time when the attack began. The commemoration was held at Kibbutz Reim, the site of the Nova music festival, where heavily armed Hamas fighters killed at least 370 people. The atmosphere was somber, as families of the victims gathered to mourn and remember their loved ones.
On the eve of the anniversary, tens of thousands of people participated in events worldwide, paying tribute to the victims of Hamas’s attack and expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Calls for Hostage Returns
Families of hostages held by Hamas gathered in Tel Aviv early Monday morning to demand the release of their loved ones. Some 251 people were taken hostage during the October 7 attack, and 97 remain captive, including 37 believed to be deceased, according to Israeli military reports.
During a brief truce in November, 105 hostages were released in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners, but many families are still waiting for the return of their relatives.
Ongoing Conflict and Israeli Retaliation
Israel continues its military operations in Gaza, battling Hamas forces who have regrouped in several areas despite a year of air strikes. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a statement on Sunday, reiterated Israel’s commitment to defeating Hamas and described the ongoing conflict as a war to “crush and destroy” the militant group.
The anniversary of the attack coincides with renewed hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as growing tensions with Iran. Israel is preparing for possible retaliation after last week’s Iranian missile attack, raising concerns about the potential for a broader regional conflict.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Since the start of Israel’s military offensive, at least 41,870 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, have lost their lives. The United Nations has confirmed the reliability of these figures, which reflect the severe humanitarian crisis gripping the region. Nearly all of Gaza’s 2.4 million residents have been displaced at least once, and the territory has been largely reduced to rubble due to ongoing air strikes.
In Deir al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, residents expressed despair over the prolonged conflict. “We no longer have the energy to bear all this,” said Mona Abu Nahl, 51, a displaced resident. Israa Abu Matar, 26, added, “It feels like the world stopped on October 7,” as she recounted the hardships faced by her family during the past year.
The anniversary serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of the October 7 attack and the enduring violence that continues to shape the lives of Israelis and Palestinians alike.