TEL AVIV — Israelis marked a full year on Monday since Hamas’s brutal Oct. 7 terrorist attack, gathering at the sites of some atrocities to mourn those killed and those still held captive in Gaza. demanded the release of those who were there. For many, it’s hard to believe that 365 days have passed.
“We are not done with this story. We are still in that Sabbath, that Saturday,” Bathsheva Yahalomi said just a few days ago, revisiting her former home on Kibbutz Nir Oz. told CBS News.
Her husband is believed to be among the 101 hostages still being held in Gaza. Her son was held hostage for 52 days before being released in a prisoner exchange with Hamas in November 2023. He was one of 105 Israelis freed in exchange for about 180 Palestinians in the only exchange negotiated during the war years.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog and his wife visit relatives of victims in Reem, October 7, 2024, to commemorate one year since Hamas attacked festivals and other venues across southern Israel. , will attend a memorial ceremony at the Nova Music Festival venue. Israel. Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images
At the Nova Music Festival venue in Israel’s southern desert, the song that was last played a year ago before rockets started falling was played again on Monday as mourners embraced. Hamas terrorists killed more than 360 people at the festival, and the death toll rose again on Monday, one year after the massacre.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told CBS News: “We are in a just and difficult war, but unlike 80 years ago, Jews have the ability to defend themselves and have seven different As we fight the enemy, we will prevail.” Elizabeth Palmer attended the Nova venue on Monday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited a memorial in Jerusalem on Monday and said Israelis “went through a terrible massacre a year ago, but we rose as a people like lions.”
The Family Forum of the Oct. 7 Hostages announced Monday morning that it was confirmed that Idan Shtibi, who was among the dozens abducted at the festival, was killed by Hamas during the attack. His body was taken to Gaza that day and is still being held by the group.
The memorial service comes as tensions continue to rise across the volatile Middle East. Overnight, Israel carried out more airstrikes into Lebanon, and the fight against the Hamas-aligned group Hezbollah has rapidly intensified since mid-September.
People hold hands during a commemorative event marking the first anniversary of the Hamas attack in southern Israel, October 7, 2024, in Tel Aviv. Jack Ghez/AFP via Getty Images
The Israel Defense Forces also responded to an “imminent threat” in a new attack in Gaza, a longtime Hamas stronghold, attacking a hospital when it intercepted three projectiles fired from the Palestinian territory. announced.
More rockets were fired from Gaza into Tel Aviv on Monday, slightly injuring two women in the city, the Israel Defense Forces and Hamas said. Hours later, sirens rang out again in Tel Aviv, forcing people preparing for an evening memorial service to evacuate.
A year ago, Israel launched a war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip within hours of the Oct. 7 terrorist attack.
It took weeks of intense air strikes before ground forces penetrated the dense enclave. The Hamas-run Health Ministry says Israel’s military operation in Gaza last year killed about 42,000 people, the deadliest ever between the two countries. A war broke out.
One year after October 7 attacks, civilian casualties remain high 02:50
Some Hezbollah rockets fired from Lebanon penetrated Israeli air defenses overnight and landed in the northern city of Haifa, injuring several people.
In a statement commemorating the 12th month of the war, which was called “the fairest war ever fought,” Gallant said: “We will continue to do whatever it takes to protect our country, our loved ones, I will continue to live up to the legacy of those who died in action.” Comrades – the people and the soldiers. ”
In a lengthy statement released by the White House on Monday morning, President Biden reminded the world “not only of the unspeakable brutality of the October 7th attack, but also of the beauty of the lives taken that day.” He called on them to testify.
Referring to his visit to Israel shortly after the attack, the president said, “At that time, I made it clear to the people of Israel that you are not alone. A year later, Vice President Harris and I still… “We are fully committed to Israel’s security.” The security of the Jewish people, Israel, and its right to exist. ”
Biden said the attack “brings to the surface the painful memories of thousands of years of hatred and violence against Jews,” adding, “Israel’s right to protect itself from attacks by Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and other Islamic extremist organizations… “I reiterated my support for this,” he said. Iran. ”
In an open letter to Catholics released by the Vatican on Monday, Pope Francis said that a year ago “a fuse of hatred was lit” and that “it did not explode, but in a spiral of violence. “I exploded in shameful incompetence,” he lamented. For the international community and the most powerful countries to silence their weapons and end the tragedy of war. ”
“I never tire of repeating that wars are lost, that weapons destroy the future instead of building it, and that violence never brings peace,” the Catholic Church leader said. “History proves this, but years of conflict don’t seem to teach us anything.”
crisis in the middle east
Haley Ott
