Israel Marks Second Anniversary of Oct. 7 Attacks

Israel marked the second anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas-led assault, the deadliest day in the country's history, when militants killed roughly 1,200 people—including about 370 at the Nova music festival—and abducted roughly 251. Dozens returned to the festival site and other memorials to mourn as families pressed for a deal to end the war and secure the hostages' release; Israeli officials say about 48 captives remain in Gaza and only around 20 are believed to be alive, while indirect talks in Egypt continued and a U.S.-proposed 20-point plan has been floated. Main memorials were organized by bereaved families rather than the government, underscoring domestic divisions and criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the war and the hostage crisis. Israel's retaliatory offensive has devastated Gaza, with recent reports citing roughly 66,000–68,000 Palestinian deaths, massive destruction and displacement, warnings of famine and catastrophic humanitarian conditions, and accusations by some international bodies that the campaign amounts to genocide. Commemorations extended abroad, including U.S. synagogues and churches planting over a million Israeli flags and holding vigils, while the conflict's fallout has prompted a rise in antisemitic incidents and increased security at houses of worship.