Israel commemorates 1st anniversary of Hamas' attack

Israelis on Monday marked the first anniversary of Hamas' deadly assault last October, an attack that left southern communities in shock, ignited a war, and fueled fears of a wider Middle East conflict, reported Xinhua.

Commemorations began at 6:29 a.m. local time (0329 GMT), the exact moment when Hamas fighters breached the border fence and launched a deadly raid, killing civilians at home and at a music festival.

Over 1,200 people were killed in the initial attack, with 251 kidnapped. Israeli officials say 101 hostages remain in Gaza, about half of whom are believed to have died in captivity.

Throughout the day, Israeli TV and radio stations broadcast testimonies from survivors and grieving families. The assault and its aftermath have had a lasting impact, as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza.

Health authorities in Gaza have reported nearly 42,000 fatalities, mostly women and children, as a result of Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire since the October attack. The United Nations has warned of a "catastrophic" humanitarian crisis, citing widespread famine and disease following Israel's blockade of essential resources to the enclave.

Israel's military response has extended beyond Gaza. In September, Israel escalated strikes in Lebanon, causing heavy casualities and raising concerns of a regional conflict. According to the Israeli military, more than 25,000 projectiles have been fired at Israel since Oct. 7 from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iran, most of which intercepted by Israel's air defense systems.

Protests on Monday were led by families of hostages, who gathered outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem. Many held photos of their loved ones and observed a moment of silence as sirens sounded across the country. Human chains, symbolizing solidarity, were formed in major cities, while protesters outside the Knesset -- Israel's parliament -- demanded action to secure the return of the hostages.

In Tel Aviv's Yarkon Park, families of those killed or taken hostage held a memorial service. They had opted out of the government's official ceremony, citing frustration with the government's handling of the attack and hostage situation. The ceremony, broadcast live nationwide, featured emotional addresses, including a speech from Yigal Cohen, whose daughter was killed in the attack.

"The blood of our daughters cries out to us from the ground," Cohen said, calling for accountability from Netanyahu and military leaders.