Israel on Tuesday marked three years since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks that killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. Commemorations were held across the country, including at the site of the Nova music festival where 348 people were killed.

Hundreds gathered at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv in the early hours to mark the exact moment the assault began. The ceremonies carried a different tone this year: for the first time, all the hostages are home, following the ceasefire and exchange arrangements under the US-backed plan.

Gaza’s health ministry says more than 74,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war that followed. The commemorations came amid fragile calm, with attention on whether the truce can hold and on reconstruction in Gaza.

Politics shadowed the day. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke at a state ceremony at Mount Herzl on October 5, and a general election is due in about 20 days. International leaders issued statements of remembrance, while rallies in several cities called for a lasting end to the conflict.