Middle East marks third anniversary of October 7 attacks amid rising tensions

Three years after the October 7 attacks, conflict continues to reshape the Middle East, according to Al Jazeera. BBC News reported that Israel has marked the third anniversary of the attack by Hamas, during which approximately 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage. [1][3]

At kibbutz Nir Oz, located near the Gaza border, 41 residents and foreign workers were killed alongside six people who fled from a nearby party, according to BBC News. Seventy-six people from the kibbutz were kidnapped to Gaza, and 14 of those hostages were killed in captivity. [3]

Al Jazeera reported that Israel now occupies most of Gaza, where more than 74,000 Palestinians have been killed. Israel has killed many leaders of Hezbollah and Hamas, while Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was assassinated in February, according to Al Jazeera. [1]

Oil prices rose on Thursday as regional hostilities sparked supply concerns, according to CNBC. Brent crude for December delivery gained 2.14 percent to reach $102.35 a barrel, while United States West Texas Intermediate futures for November advanced 1.78 percent to $89.85 per barrel. [4]

CNBC reported that United States President Donald Trump and his national security team have discussed potentially restarting large-scale military operations in Iran in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, anti-Israel demonstrations took place across the United States to mark the anniversary, Fox News reported. [4][7]