Two Years After October 7: A Divided Israel Marks Anniversary Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict
Israel marks two years since the devastating Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, with the nation deeply divided over leadership and ongoing conflict in Gaza. The anniversary comes as indirect peace talks continue in Egypt, while thousands gather at memorial sites to remember the 1,200 killed and call for the return of remaining hostages. The conflict has transformed regional dynamics and left Israel increasingly isolated internationally, with ongoing military operations in Gaza displacing millions and creating a severe humanitarian crisis.
Two years after Hamas militants launched their devastating October 7 attack on southern Israel, the nation remains deeply divided as it commemorates the anniversary while conflict continues to rage in Gaza. The attacks, which killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken to Gaza, plunged the region into a conflict that has reshaped Middle Eastern politics and left lasting scars on Israeli society.
A Nation Divided in Mourning
The anniversary commemorations reflect the deep political divisions within Israel. Separate ceremonies were organized by bereaved families and the government, highlighting the widespread criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership. Many Israelis blame his government for failing to secure a ceasefire that would free the remaining hostages held by Hamas. Weekly mass protests against Netanyahu have become a fixture of Israeli political life, with demonstrators demanding greater action to bring hostages home.
Ongoing Conflict and Regional Implications
The October 7 attack triggered a cascade of regional conflicts that extended beyond Gaza. Israel has engaged in combat with Iran and its allies across the Middle East, including significant clashes with Lebanon's Hezbollah. The United States joined Israel in attacking Iran's military and nuclear program during a 12-day war in June 2025, according to reporting from The Associated Press. Israel has killed several top militants and Iranian generals while seizing control over most of Gaza and parts of Lebanon and Syria.
Memorial Sites and Personal Loss
At the Nova music festival site in Reim, where nearly 400 Israelis were killed and dozens abducted, thousands visited throughout the day to share memories of relatives and friends. The site has emerged as a permanent memorial, with portraits of the kidnapped and fallen encircling the spot where the DJ booth stood. Survivors and family members gathered before sunrise, playing the same music that was playing two years ago and observing a moment of silence at 6:29 a.m.—the exact time the attack began.
Current Peace Efforts and Humanitarian Crisis
In neighboring Egypt, Israel and Hamas held indirect talks in Sharm el-Sheikh to discuss former U.S. President Donald Trump's peace plan. The conflict has killed over 67,000 Palestinians according to Gaza's Health Ministry, with around 90% of Gaza's population displaced multiple times. Restrictions on humanitarian aid have contributed to a severe hunger crisis, with experts saying Gaza City is experiencing famine conditions.
International bodies including the International Criminal Court are seeking the arrest of Netanyahu and his former defense minister for allegedly using starvation as a method of conflict, charges Israel vehemently denies. The country maintains it is waging a lawful conflict of self-defense and taking extraordinary measures to avoid harming civilians.
International Response and Future Prospects
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a statement marking the anniversary, highlighting the Canadian Jewish community as among those worldwide living with "grief and anxiety." He remembered the seven Canadians killed in the attacks and others with close ties to Canada. The conflict has left Israel more isolated internationally than it has been in decades, with ongoing diplomatic challenges complicating resolution efforts.
As Israel marks this somber anniversary, the nation faces fundamental questions about its security strategy, political leadership, and path forward. The ongoing conflict in Gaza and the failure to secure the release of all hostages continue to dominate national discourse, ensuring that the legacy of October 7 will shape Israeli society and regional politics for years to come.
