A total of 344 people lost their lives at the site of the music festival when Hamas militants invaded Israeli territory and attacked the attendees. Those who had gathered there found themselves facing armed individuals, while nearby kibbutzim were also attacked.
Since early morning, relatives of the victims, friends, and ordinary citizens have begun to gather at the location. They stand in a circle, at attention, praying and paying their respects to the victims. Many embrace each other and discuss the events that marked their lives three years ago.
Israelis pay their respects at the memorial to the victims of the 2023 Hamas attacks at the Nova festival site in Reim, southern Israel, on October 6, 2026. Israel's defense minister on October 6 said he had put the military on high alert before the anniversary of Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack, warning Gazans would pay a "heavy price" if forces were harmed. Photo by Ilia YEFIMOVICH / AFP
However, this year's anniversary takes place in a particularly charged environment. Sporadic gunfire has been heard from the Gaza Strip area since the early morning, while movements of Israeli forces are recorded in the region.
Apache helicopters and aircraft can be heard firing shots, while artillery fire against Hamas targets can also be heard in the background. The previous day, Israeli authorities had warned of the possibility that Hamas might attempt an attack on the anniversary of 7 October.
The October 7 attack was accompanied by a massive launch of approximately 3,500 rockets within a span of four hours, while Hamas gunmen crossed the border and attacked communities in southern Israel.
Three years later, one of the biggest question that remains concerns the failure of Israeli security mechanisms to prevent the attack and protect civilians. The relatives of the victims continue to seek answers about what information the Israeli authorities had prior to the attack, what information existed, and whether it reached the relevant parties in time.
During discussions with relatives of the victims, the demand for answers remains strong. Many wonder how it was possible for the Israeli army and security services not to be able to protect civilians from an attack of such magnitude.
The issue of the information available before October 7 remains a subject of controversy, as reports have been made that there were warning signals, whereas the Israeli government has denied that there was a specific warning regarding the impending attack.
An Israeli woman pays her respects at the memorial to the victims of the 2023 Hamas attacks at the Nova festival site in Reim, southern Israel, on October 6, 2026. Photo by Ilia YEFIMOVICH / AFP
Overall, according to the data, 1,029 civilians were killed in the October 7 attack, including 63 children and teenagers, while 1,318 Israeli soldiers have lost their lives in the three years of fighting with Hamas.
Meanwhile, 251 people were abducted and taken to the Gaza Strip. Last year's anniversary was associated with the release of some hostages, with a total of 154 people returning alive.
An article written by ERTNews, initially published on 7 October 2026, 06:12 (CEST)