Ahead of Critical Elections.. Israel Commemorates the Third Anniversary of October 7

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Israel commemorates today, Wednesday, the third anniversary of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, just before elections overshadowed by the repercussions of that day, the deadliest in the country's history.

Ceremonies are scheduled throughout the day to honor the victims of the attack carried out by Hamas members from Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of 1,221 people, according to a count by Agence France-Presse. On that day, 251 people were also kidnapped and forcibly taken to Gaza, including 44 who had died.

At the Nova music festival site, which was stormed by Hamas militants during that attack using cars and gliders, relatives of the victims observed a moment of silence at 6:27 AM (3:29 AM GMT), the exact time the attack began, which resulted in the deaths of more than 300 at the festival. They were surrounded by pictures of their loved ones, with bouquets of flowers placed in front of them, according to reporters from Agence France-Presse present at the scene.

A police officer, while looking at pictures of his fallen colleagues, said, "These are our heroes, the greatest sons of Israel."

A minute of silence was also observed in Kibbutz Kfar Aza near the border with Gaza, where 64 people were killed and 18 others were kidnapped, as well as in other locations. An event organized by the families of the victims is also taking place this evening in Tel Aviv.

In addition to coinciding with the election campaign, this year's memorial ceremonies take on a special significance, as it is the first since the ceasefire came into effect last year in Gaza, which was devastated by the war waged by Israel following the attack on October 7.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who criticizes current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for failing to prevent the attack, joined the tribute ceremonies in Nova. He told reporters, "It was a terrible failure for the State of Israel, which was established to defend Jews in our land." He added, "But during those minutes, young men and boys from all over Israel rushed to fight, to protect and save lives, the lives of their brothers and sisters, and a generation of heroes was born. We owe this exceptional generation the task of rebuilding our country stronger and better."

On Monday, the official ceremonies were held on a date set by the Israeli government according to the Hebrew calendar.

The memorial ceremonies are taking place under heightened security measures, three weeks before the legislative elections, which are the first since the attack, and after a week of an attempted attack on a Fly Dubai plane heading to Tel Aviv.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant ordered the army on Tuesday to increase vigilance, relying on intelligence information about potential Hamas attacks on Israeli forces.

In response to the October 7 attack, Israel launched a wide-ranging assault on the Gaza Strip, turning most of the area into rubble and resulting in the deaths of more than 74,200 people, according to the health ministry in the Palestinian territory controlled by Hamas, figures that the United Nations considers reliable.

Israeli forces carried out new airstrikes on Gaza on Wednesday, while a reporter from Agence France-Presse at a memorial site for the victims of the Nova festival near the border reported hearing loud explosions coming from the Palestinian territory. Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City reported the deaths of two people in airstrikes that occurred late Tuesday into Wednesday.

Over the past three years since 2023, Israel has engaged in battles on multiple fronts, particularly in Lebanon against Hezbollah, which is backed by Tehran, as well as directly against Iran.

In Gaza, the humanitarian situation remains catastrophic despite a ceasefire negotiated under U.S. auspices that came into effect last October. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians continue to live in tents or temporary shelters.

While the political future of the sector remains unclear, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed on Monday that Hamas will not govern Gaza again, vowing to continue targeting those who participated in the attack on October 7 or who held hostages.