Israelis mark three years since October 7 as Palestinians mourn Gaza’s destruction
Israelis gathered in silence on Wednesday in a kibbutz near the Gaza border that was overrun by Hamas militants on October 7 three years ago, mourning victims of attacks that set off Israel's assault in Gaza and plunged the Middle East into war.
On Wednesday, Israelis observed a moment of silence in a kibbutz near the Gaza border that fell under Hamas control on October 7, marking three years since the tragic attacks. The incident initiated Israel's assault on Gaza and ignited a Middle Eastern conflict. In Gaza, devastated by two years of relentless Israeli bombardment, residents, now living amidst the ruins of their cities, reminisced about life before the war.
The October 7, 2023, attacks were the deadliest day in Israel's history, claiming 1,200 lives and capturing 251 hostages. This traumatic event has fueled Israeli demands for government accountability. As a result, Israel's airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza have led to over 74,000 casualties, including at least 1,400 fatalities in the past year alone, following a US-brokered ceasefire.
A resident of Kfar Aza read out a list of the deceased, expressing that most locals remain displaced and have not returned to their homes. This vigil, filled with emotional intensity, marked the kibbutz's first such commemoration since October 7. In Jerusalem, opposition protesters outside parliament criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for failing to initiate an independent inquiry into the attacks, demanding accountability for the perceived security failure.
They chanted, "The people will remember October 7 on October 27," hinting at the upcoming Israeli general election, seen as a referendum on Netanyahu's prolonged leadership.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
