Israel marks third anniversary of October 7 attack amid security alert

Israel is marking the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Wednesday with nationwide memorial events under heightened security, France 24 reported. The commemorations take place as the country prepares for upcoming elections in which the attack remains a central political issue, according to France 24 and ABC News Australia. [1][7]

Ahead of the anniversary, the Israeli military was put on high alert following intelligence indicating potential Hamas attacks, as FTMQ News reported earlier. The office of Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that if Israeli forces are harmed, Hamas and the population of Gaza will pay a heavy price, thejournal.ie reported. The outlet noted that Israeli forces have killed more than 1,440 people in Gaza since a ceasefire was declared last October. [2][16]

The initial coordinated incursions from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel were carried out by Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups during the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah. The Daily Mail reported that the attack claimed 1,200 lives, while earlier FTMQ News reporting cited 1,221 deaths in Israel. Hundreds of people were taken back to Gaza as hostages. [4][13][16]

Memorial activities and personal remembrances are being held internationally as well as locally. ABC News Australia reported that hundreds of people attended an October 7 vigil at Bondi in Australia, while bereaved families and survivors across Israel continue to contend with the ongoing emotional impact of the massacres. [3][6][9]