October 7, 2025 – Jerusalem
Israelis gathered on Monday at memorial events across the country to mark two years since the deadly Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023. The coordinated assault resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 others, many of whom remain unaccounted for.
One of the most poignant scenes was at the site of the Nova music festival near Re’im, where dozens were killed during the attack. The area has since become a symbol of national grief. Visitors laid flowers, lit candles, and left personal tributes in memory of the victims.
In the aftermath of the 2023 attack, Israel launched a sustained military campaign in the Gaza Strip targeting Hamas infrastructure. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, over 67,000 people have since been killed in Gaza, a figure that includes both combatants and civilians. The humanitarian situation in the territory remains dire, with international calls for a ceasefire continuing to mount.
Meanwhile, the conflict has sparked political tensions abroad. In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged students and citizens to refrain from joining planned pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Speaking over the weekend, Starmer described the rallies as “un-British,” a comment that has sparked both support and criticism across the political spectrum.
As the anniversary of the attacks reignites public discourse, both in Israel and internationally, calls for remembrance, accountability, and a lasting resolution to the conflict continue to dominate the global stage.