October 7 marks a tragic anniversary as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate. One year ago, Hamas launched an attack on Israel, resulting in over 1,100 deaths and approximately 250 captives. Resultantly, Israel declared war on Gaza, leading to the deaths of more than 41,000 people, with many families facing starvation due to a lack of food and drinking water.
As per reports, 96,000 Palestinians are injured, facing dire medical needs amid a crumbling healthcare system. 1.9 million Palestinians have been displaced from their homes in search of safety and shelter. The conflict has also claimed the lives of 1,151 healthcare workers, severely impacting medical care and emergency response efforts. 128 journalists have died while reporting on the situation, highlighting the dangers faced by those covering the crisis. Additionally, 360,000 houses have been destroyed, leaving countless families without shelter.
Meanwhile, commemorative events took place across Israel, including a gathering at the Nova music festival site, where family members and friends honored the victims of last year's attacks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the country is engaged in a conflict on multiple fronts, including threats from Iran and its affiliates like Hezbollah and Hamas. Israeli President Isaac Herzog described the October 7 attacks as a “scar on the face of the Earth,” urging international support for Israel as he laid a wreath and lit memorial candles.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot attended a ceremony in southern Israel to commemorate the October 7 Hamas attack. Following the ceremony, Barrot is scheduled to meet with his Israeli counterpart, Israel Katz, before traveling to Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. He will also make a statement in Reims, honoring the families of French victims of the attack.
The relationship between the Israeli government and France has recently soured, particularly after French President Emmanuel Macron called for a halt to arms deliveries to Israel. This appeal came in response to the ongoing bombing in Gaza and Israel's military operations in Lebanon.
On the anniversary, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza intensified, targeting what the military described as Hamas “targets and launchers.” Reports from the Palestine Red Crescent Society indicate that a recent strike on the Bureij refugee camp killed three and wounded several others.
As the conflict rages on, thousands around the globe rallied in support of Palestinians in Gaza, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation ahead of the somber anniversary.