Israel holds memorial ceremony marking anniversary since 7 October Hamas-led attack

Israel marked two years since Hamas-led militants staged attacks on southern Israel on 7 October 2023 with an official ceremony which fell on the anniversary according to the Jewish calendar.

Top lawmakers in the country, including President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Parliament Speaker Amir Ohana, participated in the remembrances and spoke at the event.

Netanyahu, in his address, vowed to bring more Israeli families to live in the southern communities which were attacked by Hamas.

Over the past two years, various people who resided in these communities fled elsewhere, fearing similar Hamas attacks may reoccur in the future.

"We have a crucial national mission to rehabilitate the communities surrounding Gaza as a flourishing region of revival," said Netanyahu.

"We are investing enormous sums into this and we are already seeing the results. Over 90% of the residents have returned to most of the affected communities. But we are not satisfied with that," he said. "We will bring new families there. We will break growth records.”

President Isaac Herzog offered an apology to the victims on behalf of the state of Israel, acknowledging that the attacks had "fragmented" lives and families and expressed hope that all those affected heal.

"All I can do is embrace you, apologise on behalf of the State of Israel, and hope on behalf of an entire nation that you find healing and comfort, that we learn and investigate the disaster, and be worthy of your sacrifice," he said.

Thousands of people watched the ceremony, which featured a large screen showcasing some of the atrocities committed and the hostages who were taken by Hamas into Gaza.

The Hamas attacks killed 1,139 people as hundreds of the Gaza-based group's militants stormed settlements near the enclave. They also took 251 people as hostages back to Gaza.

Israel responded with a military operation which lasted just over two years and killed close to 68,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials in Gaza.