World marks first anniversary of Hamas October attack

On Monday, Israel’s president initiated global commemorations marking the first anniversary of the deadly Hamas attack on October 7, which resulted in numerous casualties and hostages. Memorials were organized to honor the victims and those still held captive in Gaza. In addition, protests erupted against the conflicts that escalated following the unprecedented assault.

President Isaac Herzog began the day with a moment of silence at 6:29 AM, the exact time the attack commenced, at Kibbutz Reim. This location was notably impacted by the assault during the Nova music festival, where Hamas militants tragically claimed the lives of at least 370 individuals. Families of the victims gathered at the memorial, many visibly grieving as Herzog interacted with them.

A rally is also scheduled at Kibbutz Beeri, where more than 120 people lost their lives during the attack, emphasizing the call for the release of hostages still in the hands of Palestinian militants. In Tel Aviv, relatives of hostages are organizing a rally to advocate for a ceasefire.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, stating, “The pain remains, as vivid as it was a year ago. The pain of the Israeli people. Ours. The pain of wounded humanity.” His message was conveyed in posts on X, presented in Hebrew, English, and French.

In Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to attend an event in Melbourne, while a candlelight vigil is scheduled in Sydney to show support for the Palestinian people amid ongoing conflicts. Meanwhile, students in New Delhi, India, have called for a rally advocating for a “free Palestine.”

In the United States, the White House plans to hold a vigil for the Israeli hostages, while Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is set to participate in a “Remembrance Event” in Miami, organized by Jewish community leaders.

Prior to the main commemorations, vigils and marches took place over the weekend in various cities, including Tel Aviv, London, Paris, and Berlin. Thousands of protesters rallied globally to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon. In Tel Aviv, friends and family of the victims from the Nova festival held a candlelight vigil at a concert hall, lighting candles in memory of their loved ones.

In London, a large gathering took place in Hyde Park, where demonstrators waved Israeli flags and displayed placards bearing the faces of hostages. Mandy Damari, whose daughter Emily was among the 251 hostages taken by Hamas, expressed her anguish, stating, “One year has passed and she is still in hell. I need to hug her again and I need to see her smile.”

Berlin saw contrasting demonstrations, with a pro-Israel rally near the Brandenburg Gate attracting around 500 participants, while over a thousand marched in solidarity with Palestinians. In Paris, thousands gathered to remember the victims of the attack, and in Geneva, around 300 people paid tribute outside the UN offices.

The October 7 attack resulted in 1,205 deaths, predominantly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Israel’s subsequent military response has reportedly resulted in over 41,870 deaths in the Gaza Strip, with the majority being civilians, as indicated by the territory’s health ministry.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer released a statement emphasizing the need for unity against hate one year after the attacks. He called for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon and urged for humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza.

In Washington, a man set himself on fire during a protest outside the White House, where over 1,000 demonstrators were demanding an end to US military aid to Israel. In Morocco, tens of thousands rallied in Rabat, advocating for the severance of diplomatic ties with Israel, which had been normalized in 2020.