The attack, considered the deadliest in Israel's history, involved militants storming Israeli communities and targeting multiple sites, including a music festival where at least 370 people were killed. More than 250 individuals were captured and taken as hostages to Gaza, many of whom remain captive a year later.
Hamas launched missile attacks on Israel, stating that the assault was in response to the continued Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories, the blockade of the Gaza Strip, the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements, threats to the status of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the plight of Palestinian refugees and prisoners. In retaliation, Israel began bombing the Gaza Strip the very next day.
Monday's anniversary featured memorials and vigils, including a moment of silence at Kibbutz Reim, where the music festival massacre occurred.
AFP reports that families of the victims, still grappling with the trauma of the attacks, were overwhelmed with emotions as President Isaac Herzog met with the crowd. The publication highlighted that the Israeli head of state began the commemoration with a moment of silence at 6:29 a.m, the exact time the attack started at Kibbutz Reim.
In Tel Aviv, families of hostages and supporters rallied before dawn, holding banners and placards bearing the pictures of their loved ones and calling for their release.
The October 7, 2023, attack initiated a devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has since expanded to Lebanon, with Israel also fighting Hezbollah forces.
The conflict has left Gaza in ruins and resulted in significant loss of life and displacement. The ongoing conflict continues to affect the region, with daily rocket fire and airstrikes between Israel and Hamas forces in Gaza, as well as clashes in Lebanon.
In fact, on the day of remembrance of these deadly attacks, Hamas and Hezbollah fired rockets at Tel Aviv in continuation of hostilities, with Israeli attacks reported to have killed at least 12 people across Gaza.
The commemoration comes amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, marked by a significant missile exchange.
On October 1, 2024, Iran launched approximately 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, targeting areas such as Nevatim Airbase and regions north of Tel Aviv. Iran cited this attack as retaliation for Israel's alleged assassinations of key figures linked to Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, including Ismail Haniyeh (Hamas political leader), Hassan Nasrallah (Hezbollah leader), and Fuad Shukr (Hezbollah senior commander).
During the latest assault, Israel's air defenses intercepted the majority of the missiles. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed retaliation, escalating regional tensions further. The U.S. has also pledged support for Israel in dealing with the aftermath.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
