Israelis mark third anniversary of Oct. 7 attack as Gaza war continues

Israelis gathered on 7 October 2026 to commemorate the third anniversary of the Hamas-led attack on Israel, NPR reported. The attack on 7 October 2023 killed 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage, according to NPR. Families were set to mourn at intersections, bomb shelters and the Nova music festival site near Kibbutz Reim in southern Israel, NPR reported. NPR reported this is the first anniversary on which all the hostages are home.

Elkana Bohbot, 37, marked the anniversary in Israel for the first time after 738 days in captivity, NPR reported. He said he was held 50 meters (165 feet) underground in a dark, damp tunnel and given very little food. His wife, Rivka, gave birth to a daughter, Michele, in August, NPR reported.

In Gaza, NPR reported that no events were expected on 7 October 2026. NPR reported that Israel's offensive has displaced around 90 percent of the population, often multiple times, and that restrictions on the entry of goods and aid have contributed to a severe hunger crisis. More than 74,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. NPR reported that more than half of the territory remains in the hands of the Israeli military.

Al Jazeera described the war as "genocidal" in its headline and reporting, while NPR described it as Israel's "retaliatory campaign." Al Jazeera reported that Gaza's Health Ministry says 1,462 Palestinians have been killed since a ceasefire took effect in October 2025, and that Israeli attacks and other military activity have continued. NPR reported that despite a ceasefire deal reached nearly a year ago, Israeli strikes continue almost daily.

Al Jazeera reported UN figures showing 94 percent of Gaza's population remained in urgent need of shelter and basic household assistance in September, and that 65 percent of households were living in tents or makeshift shelters. It reported that 91 percent of assessed households experienced moderate-to-high water insecurity in early August, up from 84 percent in June.

Al Jazeera reported that UNCTAD estimated 92 percent of Gaza's economic establishments had been damaged or destroyed since October 2023, with unemployment at 78 percent. It reported that GDP per capita stood at $212 in 2025, around 17 percent of its 2022 level.