Anniversary commemorations across Israel come amid continuing disputes over Gaza, Hamas’ disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawal and reconstruction
Jerusalem, Oct 2026 : Israel on Wednesday marked three years since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that killed around 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken to Gaza, an assault that triggered a prolonged Israeli military campaign and devastated large parts of the Palestinian enclave.
Memorial events were held at several locations across Israel, including a vigil at the site of the Nova music festival near the Gaza border, where hundreds of young people were killed during the attack. A separate commemoration was also scheduled at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv.
This year’s anniversary comes after the release, exchange or recovery of all Israeli hostages taken during the October 7 attack. The remains of the last hostage were recovered in January, bringing the hostage chapter of the conflict to a close for Israel.
The anniversary is also politically significant, coming just 20 days before Israel’s first general election since the October 7 attack. The events of that day, including questions over the security failure that allowed Hamas fighters to cross into Israel, are expected to remain a major issue during the campaign.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected calls for him to accept responsibility for the security failures surrounding the attack and has resisted demands for an independent investigation.
Public opinion surveys indicate the continuing political importance of the attack. According to an Israel Democracy Institute poll, 68 per cent of Jewish Israelis said the events of October 7 were a very or fairly central factor in determining which political party they would support.
The anniversary also comes a year after a US-brokered ceasefire that halted major fighting but left several key issues unresolved. Disagreements remain over Hamas’ disarmament, the future security arrangement in Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Israel currently controls around two-thirds of Gaza, while Hamas retains control over the remaining area. Much of Gaza’s population continues to live in makeshift shelters or damaged buildings, while reconstruction has made limited progress amid disagreements between the parties.
According to Gaza health authorities, more than 74,000 Palestinians have been killed since the beginning of Israel’s military campaign. The authorities have also reported more than 1,400 Palestinian deaths since the October 2025 ceasefire. The Israeli military, meanwhile, has said that five of its soldiers have been killed during the same period.
Ceasefire negotiations remain deadlocked. Israel has insisted that Hamas must fully disarm before it agrees to a complete withdrawal of its forces from Gaza. Hamas, however, has maintained that it will not surrender its weapons while Israeli military operations continue.
The October 7 anniversary therefore comes at a time when the conflict remains unresolved despite periods of reduced fighting and diplomatic efforts.
For Israelis, the commemorations have focused on remembering those killed in the attack and those who were taken hostage. In Gaza, the anniversary comes amid continuing humanitarian challenges, destruction and uncertainty over reconstruction.
Three years after the attack, the conflict continues to shape Israel’s political debate and remains central to negotiations over Gaza’s future, security arrangements and the prospects for a lasting ceasefire.
