RE’IM, Israel — On Monday, Israel marked the first anniversary of the deadly October 7 attack by Hamas, holding vigils and rallies to honor the victims and call for the return of hostages.
The attack, launched by Palestinian militants from the Gaza Strip, claimed the lives of 1,205 people.
The commemorations began with a moment of silence at 6:29 a.m., the exact time the attack started, led by President Isaac Herzog at Kibbutz Re’im, where the Nova music festival took place.
More than 370 people lost their lives there in what became the deadliest attack of that day.
Families of the victims attended the solemn ceremony, many in tears, as Herzog met with those gathered.
Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv, families of hostages held rallies early in the morning, holding banners and pictures of their loved ones, urging for their safe return.
On Sunday, tens of thousands participated in global events, with some honoring the victims of the October 7 attack, while others voiced their support for the Palestinian people as the Gaza conflict continues.
The anniversary comes as Israel remains engaged in its military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, as well as fighting Hezbollah forces in Lebanon.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, vowing to defeat Hamas and secure the return of hostages, declared that Israel has “completely transformed reality” since the attack.
Just minutes after the commemorations began on Monday, rockets were fired from Gaza, with the Israeli army retaliating by striking Hamas positions.
Hezbollah also vowed to continue its fight against Israeli forces, intensifying fears of a broader regional war.
As the conflict rages on, civilians on both sides remain deeply affected. Mona Abu Nahl, a 51-year-old Gaza resident displaced by the fighting, expressed her exhaustion, saying, “We no longer have the energy to bear all this.”