Israel observed a national day of mourning on Monday to honor the victims of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and the soldiers killed during the ensuing military campaign in Gaza, according to Israeli media reports.
Two official state ceremonies were held at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, with President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and other senior government officials in attendance, as reported by The Jerusalem Post. Additional memorial events, rallies, and gatherings took place across the country, with schools, municipalities, and local communities holding their own observances throughout the day.
In accordance with the day of remembrance, flags at government institutions, police stations, prisons, and military bases were lowered to half-mast. The date of the memorial fell on October 5 in 2026 due to the fluctuations of the lunisolar Hebrew calendar.
The terrorist assaults carried out by Hamas on October 7, 2023, resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths in Israel and saw 251 hostages taken into Gaza. It remains the deadliest day for Jewish people since the Holocaust. In response, Israel launched a major military offensive against Hamas, which has held power in the Gaza Strip since 2006.
According to figures from Gaza’s Health Ministry, the conflict has left more than 73,650 Palestinians dead, the majority of whom are civilians. The European Union, the United States, Germany, and several other nations designate Hamas as a terrorist organization.
The civilian toll in Gaza is staggering. Mourning must be universal, not divided by sides.
Remembering the fallen. We need to never forget what happened on that terrible morning.
The sheer scale of loss is heartbreaking. How will either side ever recover from this?
Can’t believe it’s already two years. The wounds still feel so fresh every single day.
Such a heavy day. Praying for peace and the safe return of all remaining hostages.