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Israelis on Thursday marked 1,000 days since the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023, with a series of somber commemorations and protests across the country, as families of victims and hostages renewed calls for a state commission of inquiry into the events surrounding the assault. The first commemoration began at 6:29 a.m., the exact time the attack was launched, according to a report by France 24.

Coverage Comparison

The Jerusalem Post reported that the October Council, an organization representing bereaved families and former captives, held a press conference ahead of the date, titled "1,000 Days of Shiva." The council announced plans for a convoy to gather in Kibbutz Re'im's parking lot and march around the Gaza border, passing by sites attacked on October 7. The protest route included Kerem Shalom, Nir Oz, Nirim, Ein Hashlosha, Kissufim, Be'eri, Alumim, Nahal Oz Outpost, Givat Hatzfitniyot, Kfar Gaza, and the Police Memorial in Sderot.

France 24's coverage emphasized the nationwide nature of the commemorations and protests, noting that thousands of protesters gathered in Tel Aviv's "Hostages Square" in the evening, waving Israeli flags and holding placards criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The plaza was renamed "Memory Square" for the day, according to the report.

Key Claims

  • One thousand days since the attack: The milestone of 1,000 days since the October 7 massacre was recognized in reports by both France 24 and the Jerusalem Post. An official tally based on Israeli figures cited by France 24 said 1,221 people were killed in the attack, and militants took 251 hostages to Gaza.
  • Demand for a state commission of inquiry: The October Council, during a press conference and through public announcements, called on the Israeli public to demand a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 attack. The Council stated that a thousand days after the massacre, a commission of inquiry still had not been established. The France report also quoted Dina Hertz, a Jerusalem resident, who expressed frustration that no such inquiry had been launched.
  • Protests and memorials: The Jerusalem Post detailed that the convoy would be open to the public, with the October Council inviting participants or supporters to line the route with Israeli flags. A ceremony was planned in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square, which was to be renamed "Square of Remembrance" following the event, according to Israeli media reports. France 24 reported that thousands gathered in Hostages Square in the evening.
  • Casualty figures: According to the Gaza health ministry, as reported by France 24, Israel's military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 73,000 people. Israeli forces were reported to control nearly 70 percent of the Gaza territory.
  • Government accountability: Both sources highlighted the families' demand for accountability from the government. The October Council criticized the lack of a commission of inquiry, and protesters in Tel Aviv were seen holding placards criticizing Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Perspectives

Families of October 7 victims and the October Council: This group, representing bereaved families, hostage families, and survivors, is calling for a state commission of inquiry into the failures leading to the October 7 attack. They are organizing memorial and protest events, including a march around the Gaza border and a central rally at Hostages Square, to pressure the government.

The government (implicit in quotes): While not directly quoted, the government's handling of the events is the target of the protests. The demands for an inquiry imply a lack of accountability, and the criticism of Prime Minister Netanyahu is noted in the protests. However, no official government response or defense was reported in the available material.

Conclusion

The 1,000-day mark was observed with both grief and political demands, as the October Council and the families of victims use the day to push for an investigation. The events drew thousands, highlighting the ongoing demand for closure and accountability in a country that continues to face the aftermath of the attack.