Israel’s Foreign Ministry marked 1,000 days on Wednesday since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led assault on southern Israel. The attack resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 people and the abduction of hundreds into Gaza.
In a statement, the ministry described Israel's response as one of "resilience," citing efforts to rebuild communities, reopen schools and businesses, and restore agriculture and tourism. "Israel answered hatred with resilience, destruction with rebuilding, and terror with life," the ministry stated, emphasizing that "Israel rises" despite ongoing challenges.
The US Ambassador to Israel urged remembrance of the Oct. 7 victims, stating, "1000 days ago, Hamas monsters stormed out of Gaza & into Israel & massacred 1200 men, women & children-butchering them viciously, taking 251 people hostage." The envoy added, "We should never forget the victims & should keep asking ‘how did such a thing happen?’"
The Israel Defense Forces held a conference marking 1,000 days of fighting in the "War of Redemption," launched in response to the Oct. 7 massacre. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir led an assessment with the IDF General Staff Forum, which includes senior commanders. The meeting began with a moment of silence for the 964 soldiers killed since Oct. 7. A recording was played of the late Col. Asaf Hamami’s declaration of war approximately 30 minutes after the invasion began.
Panel discussions with field commanders followed, focusing on the 1,000 days of conflict. The Oct. 7 attack saw an estimated 6,000 terrorists from Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Fatah, and unaffiliated Gazan civilians infiltrate southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths, thousands wounded, and 251 hostages taken.
Israeli ground forces entered Gaza on Oct. 27, following an air campaign, with stated objectives to dismantle Hamas’s military and governing capabilities, prevent future threats to Israel, and secure the return of all hostages. The conflict has since expanded to include engagements with Hezbollah in Lebanon, clashes with militant groups in Judea and Samaria, military operations in Syria, responses to Houthi attacks from Yemen, strikes within Iran, and retaliatory actions from Iraq.