Israel marks three years since Hamas's 7 October attack

Israel commemorates the third anniversary of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, just weeks before a crucial election. Remembering the devastating event, which claimed the lives of 1,221 people, commemorative ceremonies are being held for the first time since the ceasefire began last year. Kibbutz Kfar Aza and the Nova music festival site are among the memorial sites.

Families of the victims are organizing gatherings, while heightened security measures are in place ahead of the election. Israel's defence minister has put the military on high alert due to intelligence suggesting a possible attack by Hamas on its troops in Gaza on the anniversary. State memorial ceremonies took place on Monday, where Netanyahu reiterated Israel's stance against Hamas rule in Gaza and vowed to continue targeting anyone involved in the attack or holding hostages.

The military offensive launched in response to the attack has resulted in over 74,200 deaths in Gaza, according to the territory's health ministry. Three years later, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with many still living in tents and temporary structures. Israel controls more than 60% of the Gaza Strip and continues to launch airstrikes, aiming to eliminate Hamas threats and target those involved in the 7 October attack.

Despite the fragile ceasefire, Israeli forces have killed more than 1,430 people in Gaza since the agreement.