Israel Commemorates Oct.7 Massacre as Hamas Launches Missile Barrage
Israel was in a state of mourning on October 7, as it marked the anniversary of a horrific attack. Meanwhile, Hamas decided to launch its most significant missile barrage on Israel in months. The Israeli military, however, managed to thwart most of the missile attacks through its defense systems.
Hamas timed its rocket attacks to coincide with the beginning of memorial events across the country. This was a departure from the previous pattern of rocket attacks, which had largely ceased due to the ongoing ground war in central and southern parts of the Gaza Strip.
Memorial Events and Hamas Rocket Attacks
Starting from 6:29 a.m., memorial events, rallies, and spontaneous memorials were held across Israel. These events were to commemorate the moment when Gazan terror groups began a massive rocket attack a year ago. This attack provided air cover for thousands of terrorists who crossed the border by land, air, and sea, resulting in the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.
On the morning of the anniversary, Hamas managed to fire only four rockets to mark the moment at 6:30 a.m. Three of these rockets were reportedly intercepted, while the fourth fell in an open area.
Remembering the Hostages
Family members of hostages also led remembrance events. Approximately 100 Israelis are still being held somewhere in Gaza. Many of the captives are feared dead after a full year of brutal war, especially given that Hamas has turned to executing some in instances where IDF soldiers get too close.
The brutal Oct.7 attack, which resulted in about 1,200 deaths, involved thousands of well-armed Hamas militants invading both the Nova music festival and several kibbutzim near the border. Concert-goers were randomly shot or dragged away into captivity. Military border outposts were also overrun, and in some cases, Israeli troops were dragged out of the tanks they were manning.
Aftermath of the Attack
That fateful day unleashed a war in Gaza that has since spiraled to include conflict in Lebanon, and now with a looming showdown and possible direct war between Israel and Iran.
One major hostage exchange deal was successfully negotiated and implemented during late November 2023: Hamas released 105 civilian captives which include 81 Israelis and 24 foreign workers. Israel, as part of the swap, released 240 Palestinian prisoners.
Israeli society has since then been deeply divided, with critics of Prime Minister Netanyahu accusing him of prioritizing the military operation over getting the captives home, as well as seeking to ensure his own political longevity.
Memorial Events and Public Sentiment
This divide among the population has been evident during Oct.7 memorial events. "In Jerusalem’s Azza Street, relatives of the hostages and hundreds of supporters stood down the road from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s private residence and sounded a two-minute siren at 6:29 a.m. Some stood stoically as the klaxon wailed, while others wept quietly."
Thousands gathered at the Nova Music Festival site to mark one year since the October 7 massacre, when 1,200 were murdered, and 250 were abducted by Hamas. 40 of those taken hostage were from the festival itself.
At the Nova music festival venue, mourners played the lost song heard at the concern one year ago before Hamas swept in on paragliders and gunshots began ringing out. This was followed by a moment of silence.
Bottom Line
The events of October 7, 2023, have left a deep scar on Israel and its people. The memory of this horrific day serves as a painful reminder of the ongoing conflict and the lives lost. As we reflect on these events, what are your thoughts on this matter? Feel free to share this article with your friends and engage in a discussion. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.
