United StatesIsrael Marks 3 Years Since Hamas Attack
About 1,200 people were killed and 251 others taken hostage during the assault. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports that more than 74,200 people have been killed in subsequent Israeli attacks.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
Israel is marking three years since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which began with a barrage of thousands of rockets fired into the country.
An estimated 6,000 Hamas-led militants breached the border into Israel in dozens of places, entering in cars, on motorbikes or in some cases by paraglider.
The attackers targeted military bases and stormed through multiple kibbutzim near the border, burning homes and killing civilians. One kibbutz, Nir Oz, saw 41 people killed and 76 kidnapped out of its 400-strong community.
The attackers also targeted a music festival in the Negev desert, killing 378 people and kidnapping 44 more, according to an IDF tally.
In total, around 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken as hostages, making it the single deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust.
Keith Siegel, who was taken captive by Hamas, said he is still living with the trauma of the attack. 'I'm living a kind of dual life,' he said in an interview in Tel Aviv.
The cemetery at Nir Oz contains two lines of fresh headstones, marking lives that all ended on that same date. A shared plot for a family of five has been made into a garden with space left for their still-living grandparents.
Key facts
- 1,200 people were killed in the attack
- 251 people were taken hostage
- More than 74,200 people have been killed in subsequent Israeli attacks
- 6,000 Hamas-led militants breached the border into Israel
Three perspectives
Neutral
The attack has had a lasting impact on Israel and the region. The country is still dealing with the aftermath of the attack, and many are still trying to come to terms with what happened. The international community is watching the situation closely.
Positive
Despite the trauma and devastation caused by the attack, many Israelis are working to rebuild their lives and communities. Keith Siegel, who was taken captive by Hamas, is speaking out about his experiences to help others.
Negative
The attack has been widely condemned, and many have criticized the Israeli government's response to the attack. The high number of casualties and the ongoing conflict in the region have raised concerns about the situation.
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