Israel Marks Second Anniversary of October 7th Attack Amidst Ongoing Conflict

Nationwide Commemorations Reflect Enduring Trauma

Israelis gathered across the country on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, to mark the second anniversary of the devastating Hamas-led attack that occurred on October 7, 2023. The assault resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 individuals, initiating the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. While the Israeli government opted not to hold a state ceremony on this date due to its coincidence with the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, a national day of remembrance is scheduled for October 16, aligning with the Hebrew calendar anniversary.

Despite the absence of an official state event, numerous commemorations took place. Displaced residents of communities like Kfar Aza gathered at dawn to honor relatives killed two years prior. At the site of the Nova music festival near Re'im, where more than 370 people were killed and dozens taken hostage, relatives and others paid their respects, with the desert site now serving as both a grave and a shrine. Mourners observed a minute of silence at 6:29 a.m., the precise time the attack commenced.

The Shadow of Ongoing Conflict and Hostage Crisis

The anniversary was observed against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Gaza and persistent ceasefire negotiations in Egypt. The conflict, which began immediately after the October 7, 2023, attacks, has continued for two years. Calls for the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas were a central theme of many gatherings.

A significant national memorial event, organized by Kumu ('Rise Up'), a movement founded by families of victims, hostages, and survivors, drew an estimated 30,000 attendees to Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv. Other demonstrations for a hostage deal were held in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square and Paris Square in Jerusalem. International bodies, including the United Nations, reiterated calls for the unconditional release of hostages and an end to hostilities.

Remembering the Victims and Demands for Accountability

The October 7, 2023, attack, described by many as the bloodiest day in Israel's history, saw Hamas-led militants breach the Gaza-Israel barrier, attacking military bases and massacring civilians in 21 communities. The initial assault involved a barrage of rockets and coordinated incursions by land, air, and sea. Beyond the 1,200 fatalities, 251 Israelis were kidnapped, with officials believing 48 individuals are still held captive in Gaza, and only 20 of them are thought to be alive.

The commemorations highlighted the deep divisions within Israeli society, particularly concerning the government's handling of the war and hostage situation. Families of victims and hostages continue to demand answers and accountability, with some expressing frustration over the perceived lack of investigation into the failures of that day. The anniversary served as a poignant reminder of the profound and lasting impact of the attack on the nation.