Commemorative ceremonies were held in Israel on October 7 to mark the anniversary of the Hamas attack that led to the current conflict in Gaza.
Events took place at Mount Herzl military cemetery, honoring the 1,206 lives lost in the attack. Flags were flown at half-mast on public buildings starting at 6:29 AM, the time the assault began.
Top officials attended the memorials to pay tribute to both military personnel and civilians affected by the tragedy.
The attack led to Israeli retaliatory strikes and ground combat that have resulted in the deaths of 42,924 Palestinians, according to data from Gaza’s health ministry, which the UN considers reliable.
Military chief Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi stated, “This war, waged by a nation seeking to be free on its territory, comes at a high cost… Today, we commemorate all those who fell on that day the war broke out or in the year of fighting that followed.”
On October 7, two ceremonies were held to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack, with the government also designating a day of mourning.
Additionally, at least 765 Israeli soldiers have lost their lives due to the initial attack and subsequent conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, where military operations against the Iran-backed Hezbollah have been ongoing since late last month.
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