Global Commemorations Mark One Year Since Israel-Hamas Conflict Began

One year has passed since the Hamas-led attack on Israel, which ignited the ongoing conflict in Gaza. As of October 8, 2024, the world reflects on the events that unfolded 366 days ago, with various commemorations, protests, and diplomatic statements marking this somber anniversary.

The attack, which occurred on October 7, 2023, resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli casualties and the abduction of around 250 hostages, according to Israeli sources. In the year since, the Gaza Strip has witnessed devastating consequences, with Palestinian health authorities reporting nearly 42,000 fatalities and the displacement of most of its 2.3 million residents.

In Israel, ceremonies began at 6:29 a.m., mirroring the exact time Hamas militants launched their initial rocket barrage last year. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lit candles at Jerusalem's Swords of Iron memorial, stating, "We remember our fallen, our hostages that we are obliged to return." The Nova music festival site, where hundreds lost their lives, saw President Isaac Herzog joining grieving families. One attendee, Anat Regev, aunt of a victim, poignantly remarked, "This is where she was happy in her last moments."

Globally, pro-Palestinian demonstrations took place in major cities, from Jakarta to Buenos Aires. In the United States, college campuses became focal points for both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel gatherings. Columbia University, known for its history of student activism dating back to the 1960s, saw opposing groups expressing their views on and off campus.

U.S. President Joe Biden condemned the "unspeakable brutality" of the October 7 attack while also expressing concern for Palestinian civilians. Vice President Kamala Harris planted a pomegranate tree at her official residence, the Naval Observatory, symbolizing hope and righteousness in Judaism.

In Gaza, no formal events were planned as Israeli forces continued their operations. Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal, speaking from exile, called for "new fronts of resistance" against Israel. The ongoing conflict has severely impacted Gazan civilians, with one resident, Abu Hassan Shaheen, lamenting the loss of decades of work and dreams.

International reactions varied. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned Hamas while addressing the "terrifying surge in antisemitism." Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan focused on Palestinian suffering, stating, "What is dying in Gaza... is humanity."

The conflict's ripple effects reached as far as Thailand, where families like the Sriaoun's continue to pray for the safe return of their loved ones held captive by Hamas.

As the world marks this grim anniversary, the Israel-Hamas conflict continues to shape global politics and humanitarian concerns, with no clear resolution in sight.

"We are changing the security reality in our region, for our children's sake, for our future, to ensure that what happened on Oct. 7 does not happen again."