Israel on Wednesday marked three years since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage, sparking a war that has devastated Gaza.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended a state memorial at Mount Herzl on Monday. A national ceremony organised by the Kumu movement is being held in Tel Aviv on Wednesday evening, hosted by former hostage Eli Sharabi.

Across the country, families held vigils. At the Nova music festival site, where 348 people were killed, mourners gathered for prayers and songs. The anniversary comes with Israel holding a fragile ceasefire in Gaza.

The Gaza Health Ministry says more than 74,000 people have been killed in the territory since the war began, a toll that has drawn global condemnation and reshaped regional politics.

This is the first anniversary with no hostages still held in Gaza, after the remains of the last captive were recovered in January. The commemoration also comes just weeks before a general election, with the war’s conduct central to the campaign.