Israel On High Alert Ahead Of October 7 Anniversary, Warns Gaza Of 'Heavy Price'

Israel has activated its military on heightened alert as the country commemorates the anniversary of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Defence Minister Israel Katz has cautioned that Gaza will face severe consequences if Israeli forces are targeted during this significant occasion, according to AFP. The decision stems from intelligence suggesting possible Hamas attacks against Israeli forces in Gaza on that day.

Katz's office emphasized that if Israeli forces are indeed harmed, the ultimate victims would be Hamas and the people of Gaza, disproportionately affected. The statement highlighted the gravity of the situation, underscoring the anticipated retaliation.

The Hamas assault on October 7, 2023, marked the deadliest day in Israel's history, claiming 1,221 lives and taking 251 hostages, 44 of whom tragically lost their lives. In response, Israel initiated a military campaign that has inflicted significant damage on Gaza, resulting in over 74,200 casualties, as reported by Gaza's Health Ministry, which operates under Hamas control. The United Nations has deemed the ministry's casualty figures reliable.

Since a ceasefire was established in October 2025, Israeli forces have continued their military operations in Gaza, leading to more than 1,440 deaths, as per the ministry's statistics. During a commemorative ceremony on Monday, marking three years since the October 7 attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that there would be "no Hamas rule in Gaza." Netanyahu also vowed to persist in targeting individuals involved in the October 7 attack or those holding hostages.