Mourners and leaders around the world have voiced horror and a desire for peace at tearful memorials remembering the unprecedented October 7, 2023
on
that sparked a year of devastating war in Gaza.
People from Melbourne and Sydney, to Rome and Warsaw to Washington grieved for those killed and urged freedom for those taken hostage one year ago, while rallies also called for peace in the Palestinian territories.
Mourners around the world attended events marking the anniversary of the October 7 attack in Israel. Source: AAP / Steven Markham
About 1,200 people were killed in the assault on southern Israel led by Hamas — Gaza's militant rulers — according to Israeli tallies. About 250 people were taken hostage, of whom 97 are still held captive in the coastal territory, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead.
Israel's subsequent bombardment of Gaza has killed 41,909 people, according to the enclave's heath ministry, and plunged the territory into a deep humanitarian crisis.
'Step back from the brink'
United States President Joe Biden lit a candle at the White House, after a rabbi said a prayer.
United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the House of Commons called for renewed diplomatic efforts, while Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited a London synagogue.
"The region cannot endure another year of this, civilians on all sides have suffered too much. All sides must now step back from the brink and find the courage of restraint," Starmer said.
US President Joe Biden lit a candle in the White House. Source: AAP / Pool/ABACA/PA
French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot at a conference in Jerusalem echoed the British premier's sentiments.
"Force alone cannot guarantee Israel's security, your security," Barrot told the audience. "After a year of war, the time has come for diplomacy."
In Paris at a ceremony organised by the Jewish community, French Prime Minister Michel Barnier vowed to "continue fighting antisemitism in every way".
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, at a ceremony in Hamburg, said: "We are still shocked," also calling for "a ceasefire soon, which is linked to the release of the hostages".
But Turkey's hardline President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ignored the commemorations and instead launched another broadside against Israel.
"Sooner or later, Israel will pay the price of the genocide it has been committing for the last year," Erdogan posted on X.
The war in Gaza has led to
, which Israel denies.
'Here alive'
In Spain, families of hostages and survivors paid tribute to the attack's many victims.
"I want to say 'I'm here alive, thank God'," said Carmel Efron, who survived the Hamas attack.
"I believe that light will win over darkness, the good will win over the evil and I still believe in peace and love."
Members of Australia's Jewish community gathered in Sydney for a vigil, where many held Israeli flags and lights in the shape of candles.
"Today is a very emotional day," said 48-year-old Zack Shachar, whose cousin Naama Levy was taken hostage on October 7.
"In the last year, we participated in any event, we read the names of the hostages every week in a different place in the city, and we will continue to do it until they all come back home."
In Melbourne, attendees at a vigil in Melbourne's south east took part in a street walk.
One woman said she was walking to show support for the Jewish people.
"I can't believe in Australia, and around the world, the antisemitism has increased so much. It's breaking my heart," she said.
But she said being part of Monday night's vigil had "lifted her spirits".
'End the genocide'
Pro-Palestinian protests were staged around the world, including in Australia, India, Pakistan, and Belgium.
In Sydney, one protester who attended a vigil said she was hoping world governments, including Australia, would shift their attitudes towards the conflict.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrations and vigils were also held around the world. Source: AAP / Belga/DIRK WAEM/Belga/Sipa USA
"They're still continuing to offer diplomatic support to Israel," said Yasmin Johnson, 24.
"We are hoping to change that attitude and to cut ties with Israel, to stop weapon shipments and to end the genocide."
Thousands marched in Karachi, holding signs reading "stop genocide" and "you don't need to be Muslim to stand with Palestine, you just need to be human". Some also trod on the Israeli flag.
In New Delhi, around 150 protesters gathered in a peaceful rally to support the Palestinian people.
"Every day people are dying, they don't have food, they are starving," said social activist Bhavna Sharma.
Sharma, 52, carrying a placard that read "Stop the massacre", said she condemned India's support of Israel, including sales of arms.
"Why are we sending arms to Israel?" she said. "Why are we supporting Israel in any way?"
