Israel commemorates the third anniversary of the Oct 7, 2023 Hamas attack with memorials and elections approaching. Over 74,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza since the attack, with conditions remaining dire despite a year-old ceasefire. The anniversary comes as Israel prepares for its first election since the attack, a vote viewed as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership.
Israelis held memorials at the Nova music festival site and Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, marking the deadliest day in Israel's history. The last Israeli hostage was recovered in January, and the anniversary is the first without any hostages still held. Netanyahu faces criticism for rejecting blame for the attack and resisting calls for an independent investigation.
The anniversary also highlights ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas, with the US-backed ceasefire failing to halt Israeli attacks or secure Hamas's disarmament. France's foreign minister reiterated rejection of antisemitism and called for peace between Israelis and Palestinians, while Israel continues its bombing campaign in Gaza, killing over 1,400 Palestinians since the 2025 ceasefire.
Hamas called the attack a 'glorious day' in its history, while Israeli officials vowed to prevent Hamas's rule in Gaza. The anniversary comes as Israel faces an election 20 days away, with Netanyahu and his rivals struggling to form a coalition without a clear majority.