Israel on Wednesday marked the third anniversary of Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, with memorial events being held across the country as the anniversary coincides with preparations for a general election.The commemorations are the first since a ceasefire began in Gaza last year. Families and communities are remembering those killed and taken hostage during the assault, which remains a defining event in Israeli politics and security.The attack began at 6.29am, when Palestinian fighters breached the Gaza border and attacked southern Israeli communities with guns, rockets and grenades. According to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures, 1,221 people were killed and 251 hostages were taken to Gaza. Forty-four of the hostages were already dead.A memorial was scheduled at Kibbutz Kfar Aza at the exact time the attack began. Sixty-four residents were killed and 18 people were abducted from the community. Another ceremony was planned at the site of the Nova music festival, where more than 370 people were killed and dozens were taken hostage.Bereaved families were also due to gather at a Tel Aviv park on Wednesday evening.
Israel on high alert
Security has been tightened for the commemorations, which come three weeks before Israel’s general election and a week after a foiled attack on a passenger plane bound for Tel Aviv.Israel’s defence minister said the military had been placed on high alert “in light of intelligence regarding Hamas’s intentions to attempt to carry out attacks” against troops in Gaza on the anniversary.At state memorial ceremonies on Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there would be no Hamas rule in Gaza and vowed to continue targeting those involved in the October 7 attack or those who held hostages.Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, launched after the Hamas attack, has killed more than 74,200 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The offensive has also devastated large parts of the enclave.The conflict subsequently expanded beyond Gaza, with Israel fighting Hezbollah in Lebanon and confronting Iran as its military operations widened across the region.
Gaza remains unresolved
The ceasefire has not ended the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians continue to live in tents or temporary shelters, while plans for reconstruction and the territory’s future governance remain uncertain.Israel says it controls more than 60% of Gaza and has continued carrying out airstrikes, saying they target Hamas and those involved in the October 7 attack.Gaza’s health ministry says more than 1,430 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the ceasefire began.With elections approaching, the October 7 attack and its aftermath are expected to remain central to Israel’s political debate.
