Memorial events were held in Israel on the third anniversary of the Hamas-led attack that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "The nation unites on this day in the longing for our dear ones," amid calls for an independent inquiry into security failures on that day. In response to the attack, Israel initiated a military offensive in Gaza, which has reportedly resulted in over 74,200 deaths according to the Hamas-run health ministry, figures that the UN considers reliable.
On the anniversary, bereaved families and survivors gathered at a memorial for the 378 victims of the Nova dance festival, where gunmen launched an attack. Witnesses reported that attendees were shot and subjected to violence. Ahuva Yavin Mayze, who lost her daughter in the attack, described the events as "dystopic, unimaginable." Shlomo Sharf, a former Israeli footballer, paid tribute to his granddaughter who was also killed.
Crowds visited the cemetery at Kibbutz Kfar Aza, where 64 residents were killed, with community leader Zion Regev noting that many survivors have not returned home due to trauma. At a national memorial event in Tel Aviv, Ido Yakir honored those who sacrificed their lives to save others. Netanyahu lit a memorial candle for each victim and stated, "We will complete the mission: we have settled the score and will continue settling the score with all the murderers."
In Tel Aviv, anti-government protesters dyed a fountain red to symbolize blood and held a moment of silence. Many Israeli defense officials have resigned since the attack, but Netanyahu has rejected calls for an independent inquiry, citing potential bias from the judiciary.
Memorials were also held internationally, including in Germany, where Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledged the attack as a "profound rupture." UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed solidarity with the Jewish community, while Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, emphasized the need to prevent such violence from occurring again.
Despite a ceasefire agreement last year, violence continues in Gaza, with over 1,460 deaths reported since its implementation. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with extensive destruction and displacement affecting the 2.1 million residents. Mohammed Emad al-Din, a displaced father, expressed fears of being forced out of Gaza, stating, "I don't believe Israel caused all this destruction for nothing." Hamas characterized the October 7 attack as a "historic milestone" in its struggle against Israel, framing it as a response to suffering inflicted by Israeli actions.