Numerous rockets were launched into Israel throughout the day as Israelis commemorate the one-year anniversary of the assault on 7 October.
Hundreds of family members of hostages and victims of the attack gathered for a memorial event in a central park in Tel Aviv; however, due to missile threats, the gathering had to be significantly reduced.
Just before the memorial commenced, alarms alerted attendees of an incoming missile from Yemen, prompting everyone to lie flat on the ground until the threat was neutralized.
A second significant memorial service, organized by the government, took place in Israel today, although it was pre-recorded without an audience, seemingly due to concerns about potential disruptions.
Follow the latest: IDF warns Lebanese civilians to ‘clear off beaches’
Across Israel, various ceremonies and protests were also held to remember the tragic events that took place one year ago when Hamas militants breached the Gaza border, launching attacks in Israeli communities and kibbutz settlements.
Approximately 1,200 individuals lost their lives, and around 250 others were taken into Gaza as captives, marking it as the deadliest day for Jewish people since the Nazi Holocaust.
Families in mourning organized an anniversary memorial in Tel Aviv. Pic: Reuters
In retaliation, Israel has initiated an extensive military operation in Gaza that, according to health officials in the Hamas-governed area, has resulted in nearly 42,000 fatalities.
Currently, it is engaging in battles on multiple fronts against Hamas’s allies in the Middle East, including the formidable Iran-supported Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon and the Houthis from Yemen.
One of the rocket barrages fired into Israel on Monday originated from Hamas, aiming at Tel Aviv and triggering alarm signals in several central regions of the country.
Please utilize the Chrome browser for an enhanced video player experience
The five rockets resulted in minor injuries to two women and caused negligible damage.
According to Israel’s military, the rockets originated from the Khan Younis region in Gaza.
Read more:
More details about the hostages still in Gaza
Alistair Bunkall: Time has offered no healing for many in Israel
‘Life was beautiful’: What Gaza has sacrificed in a year of conflict
Deborah Haynes: The challenges that Israel currently faces
In the meantime, Hezbollah launched rockets towards Haifa, Israel’s third-largest metropolis. The organization claimed it targeted a military facility south of the city with “Fadi 1” projectiles and executed an additional assault on Tiberias, located 40 miles away.
Reports indicate that ten individuals sustained injuries in the Haifa vicinity, with two others wounded further south in central Israel.
This rocket assault coincided with Israeli forces seemingly preparing to intensify ground operations in southern Lebanon, following three weeks of heavy bombardments and incursions in the region.
Please utilize the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Moment rocket lands in Haifa
According to Israel’s military, the air force is conducting extensive bomb assaults on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, and it was confirmed that two Israeli soldiers lost their lives in border skirmishes, raising the military death toll within Lebanon to 11 thus far.
The military has also cautioned residents against sailing in areas up to 22 miles north of the Israeli boundary as operations are planned for Lebanon’s southern coastline.
They emphasized that individuals must avoid the beaches along the Mediterranean coastline, stretching from the Israeli border northward to the southern Lebanese port city of Sidon.
👉 Click here to subscribe to the Sky News Daily wherever you access your podcasts 👈
During an Israeli cabinet assembly on Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is engaged in a “war of resurrection” and will persist until its objectives are achieved and the hostages are returned “alive and deceased”.
“This is the battle for our survival – the ‘war of resurrection’. This is the designation I wish to officially assign to this conflict,” he expressed.
Please utilize the Chrome browser for a more user-friendly video experience
Silence, screams and the sounds of war
A solemn memorial service was held at the White House, hosted by US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.
The Bidens observed as Rabbi Aaron Alexander from Washington’s Adas Israel Congregation recited the Jewish memorial prayer for those who perished on October 7, after which Mr. Biden ignited a solitary memorial candle and a moment of silence ensued.
In his remarks, the US President stated: “On this solemn anniversary, let us acknowledge the unspeakable savagery of the October 7 attacks while also celebrating the remarkable lives lost that day.”
He expressed that he thinks about the over 100 hostages still held captive and their families daily, pledging that his administration will “never relent” until their safe return.
Joe Biden with First Lady Jill Biden and Rabbi Aaron Alexander
In other news, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan commemorated the anniversary of the Hamas assault, but utilized the opportunity to criticize Israel’s military operations in Gaza and Lebanon.
“Today, I mourn the loss of the tens of thousands of individuals massacred by the ruthless Israeli government since October 7,” Mr. Erdogan expressed in a statement shared on X.
“I extend my deepest sympathies to my brothers in Gaza, Palestine, and Lebanon.”
The Turkish president is a vocal opponent of Israel’s actions in Gaza and has recently condemned the conflict against Hezbollah in Lebanon, previously referring to Hamas as a “liberation force”.
