Raz Zarfati attended a memorial ceremony marking the third anniversary of the attack on the Nova music festival near Kibbutz Reim, southern Israel. This tragic day, Oct. 7, 2023, saw 1,200 people killed and 251 taken hostage, igniting a devastating conflict in Gaza.
In southern Israel, families gather to honor those lost, visiting intersections, bomb shelters, and the festival site, which militants overran in the deadliest attack against Israel. For many, this is the first anniversary where hostages have returned, signifying a fresh phase of mourning.
Palestinians experience this day differently. They continue enduring the repercussions of Israel’s retaliatory campaign, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths. The majority of Gaza’s population of 2 million reside in overcrowded tent camps. Many parts of the region’s urban areas lie in ruins. Despite a ceasefire reached nearly a year earlier, Israeli strikes occur almost daily. Half of the territory remains under Israeli control.
The anniversary emphasizes the significant changes across the region. Israeli forces occupy southern Lebanon, engaging with Hezbollah, which aligned with Hamas in 2023. The conflict involves Iran and the United States, leading to confrontations across Arab Gulf countries and affecting the global economy.
Marking the First Oct. 7 Anniversary for a Released Hostage
Elkana Bohbot, who was freed after 738 days of captivity, observes the anniversary in Israel for the first time. Taken from the Nova music festival, he spent his captivity 50 meters underground in dark, humid conditions. His captors deprived him of food and bathing privileges and forced him to participate in propaganda videos.
Since his release, Bohbot has undergone rehabilitation, authored a book, engaged in public speaking, and shared precious moments with his family. The birth of his daughter, Michele, fulfilled a promise he made while captive, symbolizing resilience and hope.
No Commemorations Expected in Gaza
Gaza faces ongoing challenges, as no events are planned for the day. The Israeli offensive has displaced approximately 90% of Gaza’s population, exacerbating a hunger crisis. Over 74,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began. The Health Ministry reports that about half of these were women and children. The numbers are considered reliable by U.N. agencies and experts.
Following a ceasefire on Oct. 10, Israeli strikes persist, targeting alleged Hamas militants. Since the ceasefire, 1,145 Palestinians have died in Gaza, according to the ministry, while seven Israeli soldiers have also died. Hamas claims the attack was a reaction to years of Israeli military occupation and settlement expansion. However, the hope for an independent Palestinian state seems more remote.
The Anniversary in a Changed Middle East
An election in Israel later this month adds tension to the anniversary. Official memorial services were conducted on Oct. 5, aligning with the Hebrew-calendar date. This separation reflects the controversies surrounding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the war and his hesitation to launch official inquiries into the day’s events.
The attack initiated cascading events across the Middle East. Israel has engaged with multiple adversaries and seized territory in Syria and Lebanon, where many Lebanese remain displaced. Meanwhile, the U.S. joined Israel in military actions against Iran, impacting global markets.
Violence has risen in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, with extremist settlers attacking Palestinians under the current far-right Israeli government.