Israel Commemorates October 7 Tragedy as War Continues to Impact Palestinians
Wednesday marked three years since the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack, with families gathering at memorial sites across the country to commemorate those killed and abducted during the assault.
The attack killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 others taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities. It triggered Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which has since caused widespread destruction and a severe humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory.
Memorial gatherings were held in southern Israel, including at the site of the Nova music festival, where hundreds of people were killed during the attack. Families also gathered at intersections and bomb shelters to remember victims.
Former Hostage Marks Anniversary After Release
This year’s anniversary carries a different significance for many Israeli families as it is the first since all the hostages have returned, either alive or deceased.
Among those marking the anniversary is Elkana Bohbot, who was abducted from the Nova festival and spent 738 days in captivity before being released last year. He is seen saying most of the time that he was held 50 meters (165 feet) underground in a dark and damp tunnel.
Bohbot has described being held underground in difficult conditions, with little food to eat and only allowed to bathe every few weeks. During these 11 months, he has undergone physical and emotional rehabilitation.
Palestinians in Gaza Are Struggling To Cope
No public events are expected on Wednesday in Gaza, but Hamas described the October 7 attack as an example of ” heroism, resilience and national solidarity,” saying it had brought the Palestinian cause back to global attention.
Walid Akram, a Gaza City resident displaced by the conflict, said: “We witnessed death, destruction, and bombardment that we had never known before.”
According to the territory’s Health Ministry, more than 74,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its figures, although it says women and children account for around half of those killed.
Around 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, with many people living in temporary shelters amid widespread destruction. Restrictions on the movement of goods and aid lead to a difficult humanitarian situation.
In Israel, the anniversary also comes ahead of elections later this month and amid continuing political debate over the government’s handling of the war and whether there should be an official investigation into the failures surrounding the October 7 attack.
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