Israel Marks Three Years Since October 7 Attacks Amid Ongoing Gaza War

Israel marked three years since the October 7, 2023, attacks with memorial ceremonies across more than 400 locations, while Gaza faced continued military assaults and deepening devastation.

National Memorials and Grassroots Protests Across Israel

Three years to the minute after the start of the attacks, Israel marked the anniversary on October 7, 2026, with nationwide ceremonies and protests. The commemorations began at 6:29 a.m. with a national moment of silence, recalling the moment Hamas-led gunmen crossed the border from Gaza to kill more than 1,200 people and take 251 hostages.

Memorial events took place at the Nova festival site in the Re’im Forest, where over 370 people were murdered and 44 abducted. In contrast to official state memorials held on Monday, grassroots movements organized widespread demonstrations on Wednesday. Groups such as the “Kumu” (Rise Up) movement and the October Council led protests demanding a state commission of inquiry and calling for political leadership changes.

The National Security Council issued warnings for Israelis abroad, highlighting increased threats from Iran, Hamas, and other regional proxies on the anniversary.

Border Closures and Humanitarian Aid Restrictions

In anticipation of the memorial events, Israeli defense authorities implemented strict closures along the borders. The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) closed West Bank and Gaza crossings on October 5 and October 7 following security assessments.

During the closure period, passage through West Bank crossings was restricted to humanitarian, medical, and exceptional cases approved by COGAT, alongside essential healthcare workers. Gaza crossings were similarly closed to new entry, pausing direct humanitarian aid shipments on the memorial days themselves, although previously transferred supplies continued to be collected from the Gazan side via the Kerem Shalom Crossing.

Gaza After Three Years of War

In Gaza, the anniversary was marked by mourning amid severe infrastructural collapse. The enclave has been transformed beyond recognition by three years of sustained aerial and ground assaults, which have left more than 74,000 Palestinians dead according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

The Ministry of Education noted that approximately 700,000 children aged 4 to 17 have missed nearly three consecutive years of in-person education, with roughly 200,000 children lacking any access to schooling as classes move into tents and temporary spaces. Healthcare infrastructure has also been severely impacted; the World Health Organization reported that all 36 of Gaza’s hospitals have sustained damage, leaving only 19 functioning.

Economic indicators reflect deep distress. Industry and agriculture operated at just six percent of 2022 output levels, while construction fell to one percent, compounding widespread struggles with food, water, and basic necessities.

Military Leaders Vow to Kill Remaining Militants

The anniversary unfolded against a backdrop of ongoing military operations. Statements from Israeli officials indicated that 4,000 out of 6,000 militants who infiltrated Israel on October 7, 2023, have been killed, with military leaders vowing to reach the remainder amid near-daily strikes in Gaza.