Israel marks three years since October 7 attacks amid high alert

Israelis began commemorations on Wednesday to mark the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas. France 24, CNN, and the BBC all reported that Israel is holding national memorial events and protests three years after the assault occurred. [3][4][5][8]

The initial assault on October 7, 2023, claimed about 1,200 lives, as reported by the Daily Mail, France 24, and Grokipedia. France 24 noted that the casualty figure reached 1,221 deaths, while 251 people were taken hostage. France 24 also reported that this year marks the first time all the hostages or their remains have returned home. [1][4][13]

Israel's military has been placed on high alert due to intelligence that Hamas is planning potential attacks on the anniversary. According to thejournal.ie and France 24, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that Hamas and the population of Gaza would pay a heavy price if Israeli forces were harmed. [2][6]

The journal.ie reported that Israeli forces have killed more than 1,440 people in Gaza since a ceasefire was declared last October. The commemorations take place as Israel prepares for an upcoming national election where the 2023 attack is expected to be a central issue, according to France 24. [2][5]