Israel marks three years since October 7 attack with memorials and protests

Key Points:

• Israel marked the third anniversary of the deadliest single day in its history with ceremonies, memorials, and protests at over 400 locations, commemorating the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that killed more than 1,200 people and took 251 hostages.
• The day included a national moment of silence at 6:29 a.m., a minute of reflection at noon involving families, grassroots groups, public institutions, and memorial events at sites like the Nova festival in Re’im Forest, where many were killed or abducted.
• Survivors and victims' families, including the "Kumu" movement, organized grassroots commemorations and called for a state commission of inquiry into the attack, a demand repeatedly resisted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
• Netanyahu, while acknowledging the tragedy, emphasized ongoing military efforts against militants and indicated that more conflict lies ahead, despite stalled ceasefire talks; meanwhile, over 73,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza since the war began.
• The anniversary has intensified political tensions ahead of the October 27 election, with Netanyahu’s rivals criticizing his handling of the attack and demanding accountability, highlighting alleged intelligence warnings Israel received before the assault.