Israel marks three years since October 7 attack ahead of elections

Israel observed the third anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks on Wednesday with solemn memorials, fresh military activity in Gaza, and escalating political tension weeks before national elections.

Mourners converged on key sites targeted during the 2023 assault, including the grounds of the Nova music festival and Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Family members of victims paused for quiet reflections and played music in memory of lost relatives. Explosions from fresh Israeli strikes in Gaza could be heard across the border during the gatherings, despite a ceasefire that had been in place for the preceding year. Authorities in Gaza reported that five people were killed in the renewed bombardments.

Later in the day, thousands assembled in a Tel Aviv park for an evening memorial service organized by survivors and grieving families. Broadcast nationwide, the gathering featured musical performances and video tributes. It was co-hosted by former captive Eli Sharabi, who lost his wife, two daughters, and his brother as a result of the attacks and their aftermath. Leading opposition figures, including Gadi Eisenkot, attended the memorial.

The anniversary arrived amid intense political friction ahead of Israel's upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for October 27, marking the first general vote since the 2023 tragedy. Opinion polls point to a close contest for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose tenure over the past three years included extensive military operations in Gaza as well as fighting against Hezbollah in Lebanon and confrontation with Iran.

Political opponents seized on the anniversary to challenge the current leadership. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who is campaigning against Netanyahu, called the 2023 breach an enormous failure of the state to protect its citizens. Democrats Party leader Yair Golan argued that the failure to dismantle Hamas rule after three years makes the government dangerous to the country.

Netanyahu marked the occasion by lighting a commemorative candle at his office in Jerusalem, stating that the public remains united in memory and declaring that Israel would see its mission through and hold perpetrators responsible. Abroad, United States President Donald Trump said he spoke with Netanyahu, describing the original attack as a terrible tragedy and asserting that the opposing side is paying a heavy price.

Hamas also released a statement regarding the milestone, praising the 2023 assault as an important moment in Palestinian history and framing it as an answer to years of hardship.

The cross-border operation three years ago claimed 1,221 lives on the Israeli side, according to official Israeli data, while militants captured 251 hostages, including dozens who were already dead. Israel's subsequent military campaigns have devastated much of Gaza, uprooting nearly all of its residents and killing more than 74,200 people, according to the territory's health ministry.