Ahead of Crucial Elections.. Israel Commemorates the Third Anniversary of October 7

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Israel commemorates today, Wednesday, the third anniversary of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, ahead of elections overshadowed by the repercussions of that day, the deadliest in the country's history.

Ceremonies are scheduled throughout the day to honor the victims of the attack carried out by Hamas members from Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of 1,221 people, according to a count by AFP. On that day, 251 people were also kidnapped and forcibly taken to Gaza, including 44 who had died.

At the Nova music festival site, which was stormed by Hamas militants during that attack, using cars and gliders, relatives of the victims stood for a moment of silence at 6:27 AM (3:29 AM GMT), the exact time the attack began, which resulted in the deaths of more than 300 at the festival. They were surrounded by pictures of their loved ones, in front of which bouquets of flowers were placed, according to AFP journalists present at the scene.

On the third anniversary of the October 7 attack, Israel raises its alert level to the maximum and closes the crossings to Gaza and the West Bank, while France and European capitals prepare for solidarity events with Gaza. https://t.co/prI8ncDU7w

A police officer said while looking at pictures of his fallen colleagues, "These are our heroes, the greatest sons of Israel."

Also, a minute of silence was observed in Kibbutz Kfar Aza near the Gaza border, where 64 people were killed and 18 others were kidnapped, and in other locations. An event organized by the families of the victims is also taking place this evening in Tel Aviv.

In addition to coinciding with the election campaign, this year's memorial ceremonies take on a special significance, as it is the first since the ceasefire came into effect last year in Gaza, which was devastated by the war waged by Israel following the attack on October 7.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who criticizes current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for failing to prevent the attack, joined the tribute ceremonies in Nova. He told reporters, "It was a terrible failure for the State of Israel, which was established to defend Jews in our land." He added, "But during those minutes, young men and boys from all over Israel rose up to fight, to protect and save lives, the lives of their brothers and sisters, and a generation of heroes was born. We owe this extraordinary generation the rebuilding of our country stronger and better."

On Monday, the official ceremonies were held on a date set by the Israeli government according to the Hebrew calendar.

The commemoration ceremonies are taking place under heightened security measures, three weeks before the legislative elections, which are the first since the attack, and a week after an attempted attack on a Fly Dubai plane heading to Tel Aviv.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant ordered the army on Tuesday to increase vigilance, relying on intelligence information about potential Hamas attacks on Israeli forces.

In response to the October 7 attack, Israel launched a wide-ranging assault on the Gaza Strip, turning much of the area into rubble and resulting in the deaths of more than 74,200 people, according to the health ministry in the Palestinian territory controlled by Hamas, figures that the United Nations considers reliable.

Israeli forces carried out new airstrikes on Gaza on Wednesday, while a reporter from Agence France-Presse at the memorial site for the victims of the Nova festival near the border reported hearing loud explosions coming from the Palestinian territory. Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City reported two deaths from airstrikes that occurred late Tuesday into Wednesday.

Over the three years since 2023, Israel has engaged in battles on multiple fronts, particularly in Lebanon against the Iran-backed Hezbollah, as well as directly against Iran.

In Gaza, the humanitarian situation remains catastrophic despite a ceasefire negotiated under the auspices of the United States that came into effect last October. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are still living in tents or temporary shelters.

While the political future of the sector remains unclear, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Monday that Hamas will not govern Gaza again, vowing to continue targeting those who participated in the attack on October 7 or who held hostages.