Israel Commemorates Anniversary of Hamas Attack
Families mourning their loved ones lost on October 7 have directed their anger towards Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
As Israel commemorates the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attack by Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promoted a message of unity. However, the families of those who lost their lives have expressed demands for accountability from the government.
Ceremonies were observantly held throughout the country to remember the surprise assault from Hamas militants, which resulted in around 1,100 deaths and the abduction of approximately 250 individuals into Gaza. In retaliation, Israel declared war on Hamas, leading to significant casualties on both sides, with nearly 42,000 Palestinian lives lost, along with the deaths of 726 Israeli soldiers.
Netanyahu stated during a pre-recorded ceremony, "As has happened time and again in Israel’s history, it is precisely in moments of difficulty that great inner strength emerges." He emphasized the unity demonstrated by the citizens, saying, “We stood together for the defense of our country, for the defense of our homeland,” and affirmed Israel would "continue to fight" as long as there is a threat to its existence and peace.
Conversely, at an unofficial gathering organized by the families of victims in Tel Aviv, the atmosphere was charged with frustration. Yonatan Shamriz, whose brother died during a failed hostage rescue operation, expressed his sentiments, stating, "October 7 was a day without an army, without a state – a day where all we had was ourselves, the citizens."
Shamriz's accusations about government negligence echo a sentiment shared by many. Reports suggest that Egyptian intelligence had warned Israeli authorities about Hamas’s plans prior. Additionally, an Israeli intelligence report had indicated that the militants were preparing for a significant assault, but these warnings reportedly went unheeded.
According to journalist Seymour Hersh, Netanyahu showed little concern about the potential for an attack, redirecting troops usually stationed at the Gaza border to provide security at a festival in the West Bank instead.
Reflecting on the ongoing situation, Shamriz lamented, "Instead of standing here as multitudes of the people of Israel, united, we stand here waiting for the next siren," highlighting the fear still present due to ongoing rocket attacks from Hamas and Hezbollah. He criticized the lack of a formal inquiry into the government's failures, noting that families are left to question the circumstances without receiving answers.
Over the past year, families of hostages captured by Hamas have continually urged Netanyahu to negotiate for their loved ones’ release. During a protest in Jerusalem, Yael Or, whose cousin remains missing, accused Netanyahu of opting for "endless war" rather than prioritizing hostage negotiations. "Netanyahu wants to stay in power forever," she proclaimed, asserting that this has led to the abandonment of hostages "in Hamas death tunnels deep under Gaza," alleging that Netanyahu has committed offenses against his own people.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
Ceremonies were observantly held throughout the country to remember the surprise assault from Hamas militants, which resulted in around 1,100 deaths and the abduction of approximately 250 individuals into Gaza. In retaliation, Israel declared war on Hamas, leading to significant casualties on both sides, with nearly 42,000 Palestinian lives lost, along with the deaths of 726 Israeli soldiers.
Netanyahu stated during a pre-recorded ceremony, "As has happened time and again in Israel’s history, it is precisely in moments of difficulty that great inner strength emerges." He emphasized the unity demonstrated by the citizens, saying, “We stood together for the defense of our country, for the defense of our homeland,” and affirmed Israel would "continue to fight" as long as there is a threat to its existence and peace.
Conversely, at an unofficial gathering organized by the families of victims in Tel Aviv, the atmosphere was charged with frustration. Yonatan Shamriz, whose brother died during a failed hostage rescue operation, expressed his sentiments, stating, "October 7 was a day without an army, without a state – a day where all we had was ourselves, the citizens."
Shamriz's accusations about government negligence echo a sentiment shared by many. Reports suggest that Egyptian intelligence had warned Israeli authorities about Hamas’s plans prior. Additionally, an Israeli intelligence report had indicated that the militants were preparing for a significant assault, but these warnings reportedly went unheeded.
According to journalist Seymour Hersh, Netanyahu showed little concern about the potential for an attack, redirecting troops usually stationed at the Gaza border to provide security at a festival in the West Bank instead.
Reflecting on the ongoing situation, Shamriz lamented, "Instead of standing here as multitudes of the people of Israel, united, we stand here waiting for the next siren," highlighting the fear still present due to ongoing rocket attacks from Hamas and Hezbollah. He criticized the lack of a formal inquiry into the government's failures, noting that families are left to question the circumstances without receiving answers.
Over the past year, families of hostages captured by Hamas have continually urged Netanyahu to negotiate for their loved ones’ release. During a protest in Jerusalem, Yael Or, whose cousin remains missing, accused Netanyahu of opting for "endless war" rather than prioritizing hostage negotiations. "Netanyahu wants to stay in power forever," she proclaimed, asserting that this has led to the abandonment of hostages "in Hamas death tunnels deep under Gaza," alleging that Netanyahu has committed offenses against his own people.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
