Jerusalem, 7 October, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Israel is marking the October 7 anniversary with memorial events for victims of the Hamas-led attack that killed about 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages being taken into Gaza three years ago. The commemorations come as the consequences of the attack and the war that followed continue to shape Israeli politics, Gaza and the wider Middle East.
President Isaac Herzog and his wife, Michal Herzog, opened Wednesday’s commemorations at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem by lighting a memorial candle at exactly 6.29am — the time at which the assault began on 7 October 2023.
The ceremony honoured those killed in the attack and subsequent war, while also recognising bereaved families, people carrying physical and psychological injuries and former hostages rebuilding their lives after captivity.
Israel Remembers Victims Three Years After Attack
Commemorations are taking place across Israel, including at the Nova music festival site near Kibbutz Re’im, where hundreds of people were killed during the Hamas-led assault.
Reuters reported that vigils were being held at the Nova site and at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. The anniversary is particularly significant because it is the first since the attack with no Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza following releases and prisoner exchanges.
The events follow Israel’s official state memorial ceremony at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem on 5 October. Israel’s National Insurance Institute said bereaved families of those killed on 7 October and during the subsequent war were invited to attend the ceremony.
Herzog Says Israel Bows Its Head in Remembrance
Speaking at the Mount Herzl ceremony, Herzog paid tribute to those killed and addressed families who lost relatives.
“Three years since the day of our catastrophe, October 7th, we bow our heads in memory of those who were murdered and those who fell in battle,” Herzog said.
His office said Wednesday’s candle-lighting represented Israel’s shared national mourning and was dedicated to civilians and members of the security forces killed during the attack and war.
Hamas Attack Triggered Years of Regional Conflict
The October 7 anniversary recalls the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel in 2023, when militants crossed the Gaza border and attacked communities, military positions and the Nova festival.
About 1,200 people were killed and 251 were abducted, according to Israeli figures cited by Reuters. Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign in Gaza. Gaza health authorities say more than 74,000 Palestinians have since been killed.
A US-brokered ceasefire that began in October 2025 significantly reduced major hostilities and helped secure hostage and prisoner releases. However, key elements of the wider plan remain unresolved. Reuters reported this week that Israeli forces still control roughly two-thirds of Gaza and that disagreements over Hamas’s disarmament and an Israeli withdrawal remain.
Anniversary Returns Focus to Security and Accountability
Three years later, the attack remains central to Israel’s political debate, particularly questions surrounding the security failures that allowed Hamas fighters to breach the border.
The remembrance also comes shortly before Israel’s national election on 27 October. Several people personally affected by the attack are standing for office, including relatives of victims and hostages, demonstrating how the events of 2023 continue to influence the country’s political landscape.
For Palestinians, the aftermath remains equally consequential. Large areas of Gaza have been devastated, reconstruction remains limited and more than one million people face acute hunger, according to reporting on the implementation of the US-backed ceasefire plan.
What Happens After the October 7 Anniversary?
Memorial events will continue throughout Wednesday as families, survivors and communities remember those killed three years ago.
Beyond the ceremonies, attention will remain on the unresolved political and security consequences of the attack, Gaza’s reconstruction and the future implementation of the ceasefire arrangements.
With Israel’s election approaching later this month, the handling of the 2023 attack, its aftermath and questions of accountability are also expected to remain prominent in national political debate.
