(NewsNation) — It’s been one year since Hamas militants launched a surprise cross-border attack on Israel, killing some 1,200 people and abducting another 250.
Israelis marked the somber occasion Monday and are still pressing for the release of the around 100 hostages still being held in Gaza, a third of whom are believed to be dead.
As Israelis mourned the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks, Palestinian militants in Gaza fired a barrage of rockets into Israel.
Now, tensions in the Middle East continue to brew as fighting between Israel, Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran wages on.
The fighting on the anniversary underscored the militants’ resilience in the face of a devastating Israeli offensive that has killed around 42,000 Palestinians, according to local medical officials. It has also destroyed large areas of Gaza and displaced around 90% of its population.
As fears of a wider regional war grow across the Middle East, about 20 Hezbollah rockets rained down on northern Israel overnight, injuring at least nine people. These attacks followed a bombardment on Hezbollah targets just outside Beirut in Lebanon.
A moment of silence
Thousands of mourners gathered Monday morning at the location of the Nova music festival where Hamas militants killed more than 360 people.
Moments of silence, prayers and sunrise memorials around the world have honored those killed during the Hamas attacks.
At Kibbutz Nir Oz, a small community of about 400 people lived not far from the Israel-Gaza border. One year ago from Monday, about a quarter of the kibbutz’s residents were killed or taken hostage. Today, the scars of those attacks are still evident.
“One year ago, there were 400 people here, and now, it’s totally empty,” Dani Lifshitz, the grandson of two Israelis taken hostage on Oct. 7, 2023, told NewsNation.
He continued, “We didn’t move one day. This place, we feel we are on Oct. 7, 2023. A year didn’t pass for us.”
Since the attacks, Lifshitz’s grandmother has been returned to Israel. However, his grandfather remains in Hamas’ captivity.
“This was a heaven, and now this is hell,” Lifshitz said.
‘I believe in my heart he’s alive’
Idit Ohel’s son was alive when he was taken hostage by Hamas militants one year ago. Since then, Ohel has not received any information about her son, but she said she believes in her heart Alon Ohel is alive.
“I can feel him, I know this,” Ohel said.
Ohel is one of many Israelis still waiting for their loved ones to be returned home.
Benjamin Netanyahu reflects on Oct. 7 anniversary
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel “arose as a nation as lions” following the Oct. 7 attack a year ago.
“We remember our fallen, our hostages — whom we are committed to return — our heroes who fell in defense of our homeland and country. We went through a terrible massacre a year ago and we arose as a nation as lions,” Netanyahu said at a memorial commemorating the anniversary of the attack.
He visited the memorial in Jerusalem for civilians, first responders and soldiers killed in the attack. He spoke alongside the mayor of Jerusalem as the two held a small tribute at an event that appeared closed to the public.
Netanyahu has faced heavy criticism for security lapses that allowed the attack to unfold and mass protests over his failure to return the remaining hostages.
Oct. 7 commemorative events
President Joe Biden and his wife marked the first anniversary of the attacks by participating in a yahrzeit candle-lighting, paying respect to the lives lost when on Oct. 7, 2023.
Several thousand people could attend a rally in Washington, D.C., that a Christian nonprofit organized in support of Israel. Leaders at Columbia University also issued a notice to students Monday, saying the campus could be the site of major gatherings for the anniversary.
The university campus has been home to several pro-Palestinian protests over the past few months. School staff said extra security will be on hand Monday and students may notice more dividers and barricades.
Some events began over the weekend, including thousands who marched through downtown Washington and gathered near the White House to show solidarity with Palestine. Crowds also gathered near Times Square in New York City, where some people waved Palestinian and Lebanese flags. Others protested against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The group If Not Now has called for an end to U.S. support for Israel and plans to host events in cities including Boston, Los Angeles and Chicago to honor lives lost during the war.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.