Israelis marked three years since the Hamas-led attack that killed about 1,200 people, with a minute of silence and events at the Nova site and in Tel Aviv, 20 days before an election.
Israelis marked three years on Wednesday since the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages into Gaza. Reuters reported vigils at the Nova music festival site, where 348 people were killed, and a commemoration at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv. The BBC said a national minute of silence was set for 06:29 local time, when the assault began.
This is the first anniversary with no hostages still held in Gaza. Reuters said those living and dead were exchanged for Palestinians held in Israeli jails, and the remains of the last Israeli hostage were recovered in January. Israel's election is on October 27, 20 days after the anniversary.
Gaza health authorities say more than 74,000 people have been killed in the subsequent Israeli campaign. Reuters and the BBC said a ceasefire reached in October 2025 has not ended Israeli strikes. The BBC reported the Hamas-run health ministry's wartime toll at least 74,200.
Agence France-Presse reported that commemorations at Nova and Kfar Aza took place as explosions were heard from Gaza, and that Gaza officials said at least two people were killed in overnight strikes. Reuters did not put a Wednesday casualty figure in its anniversary dispatch.
Official state memorials were held on Monday, CNN reported, including a wreath-laying by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mount Herzl. A separate evening ceremony in Tel Aviv was organized by the Kumu movement.
People Sentiments Negative
- Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel brought every hostage home.
- Families gathered at Nova and Hostage Square for the third anniversary.