On October 7, at 6:30 AM, Hamas initiated a series of rocket attacks aimed at the Israeli border, targeting gatherings commemorating the anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war. This assault coincided with the anniversary of last year’s cross-border raid by Hamas. Israeli news outlet Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Hamas specifically focused on events taking place at the Rafah crossing, Kerem Shalom crossing, and kibbutz Holit, labeling these as “enemy gatherings.”
The Guardian also highlighted a statement from Hamas’s military wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, confirming their rocket barrage aimed at these commemorative gatherings.
According to the Israeli Defense Forces, they successfully prevented a more extensive rocket launch by Hamas. Ultimately, four rockets were fired towards the Sufa area; three were intercepted, while the fourth fell in an open space.
In stark contrast, thousands of Israelis gathered that same day at the site of last year’s Nova Music Festival, which had been targeted by Hamas, resulting in 364 deaths and 44 kidnappings.
The Guardian reported that as the anniversary of the war drew near, Israelis from across the nation planned to attend memorial ceremonies, visit cemeteries, and gather at remembrance sites to pay tribute to the hundreds of victims, the numerous individuals still held captive, and the soldiers who were injured or lost their lives in the rescue efforts.
