World leaders mark the first anniversary of the attack on Israel on October 7 | Israel

Leaders, governments and individuals around the world will mark the first anniversary of Hamas' terrorist attack on Israel on October 7. Commemorative events range from official declarations to formal ceremonies and small private vigils.

The Israeli government said the attack killed nearly 1,200 people, including hundreds at a music festival held in Re'im, near the Israel-Gaza border. Militants also brought about 250 hostages back to Gaza.

The resulting Israeli offensive in Gaza has since killed nearly 42,000 people, most of them civilians, and injured nearly 97,000, according to health authorities. The conflict has escalated into a regional crisis over the past year, affecting Lebanon, where Israel is carrying out heavy airstrikes nearly a year after Hezbollah militants began a firefight, Iran and Yemen's Houthi rebels.

“The attack on October 7th left deep scars,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “On this day, we remember all those who were brutally killed and suffered unspeakable violence – including sexual violence – while simply living their lives.”

Guterres said Monday was “a day for the global community to reiterate with a loud voice our complete condemnation of Hamas' heinous acts, including the hostage-taking,” which must be released “immediately and unconditionally.”

He added that the “wave of shocking violence and bloodshed” that has erupted since then “continues to shatter lives and inflict deep human suffering on the Palestinians of Gaza and now the people of Lebanon,” and it is “time to end the suffering to stop”.

Pope Francis said “the fuse of hate” was lit a year ago and “exploded in a spiral of violence – in the shameful inability of the international community and the most powerful countries to silence the weapons and bring an end to the tragedy of war.” to put.” “.

In the US, a vigil for the Israeli hostages is to be held at the White House, while Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump will mark the anniversary at a memorial event organized by Jewish community leaders in Miami.

In Germany, Olaf Scholz said his country stands with Israel. “We feel with you the horror, the pain, the uncertainty and the sadness… The Hamas terrorists must be fought,” said the German Chancellor.

Scholz also drew attention to the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and said that people “need hope and perspectives to renounce terror.” Berlin “demands a ceasefire, the release of the hostages and a political process,” he said.

Emmanuel Macron said on social media that “the pain remains as strong as it was a year ago.” The pain of the Israeli people. Our. The pain of wounded humanity. We don’t forget the victims, the hostages or the families.”

More than 40 French citizens were killed in the attack on October 7th. The French president will also meet the families of French hostages in Gaza on Monday, before a ceremony attended by about 4,000 people, including Prime Minister Michel Barnier.

Keir Starmer said: “One year after these terrible attacks, we must unequivocally stand with the Jewish community and unite as a country.”

The British Prime Minister added: “On this day of pain and sorrow, we honor those we have lost and remain committed to returning those still held hostage, helping those suffering and a better future for the Middle East to secure.”

Giorgia Meloni paid tribute to the victims of the “inhuman aggression carried out by Hamas a year ago” in a speech during a ceremony at the Great Synagogue in central Rome.

Remembering and condemning the attack is “not a mere ritual, but the prerequisite for any political action to restore peace in the Middle East,” the Italian prime minister said, adding that “the increasing reluctance to do so betrays a latent and rampant anti-Semitism.” “This has to concern everyone.”

The Spanish government said in a statement that it “reaffirms its most vehement condemnation of the atrocious Hamas terrorist attacks.” and expresses its solidarity with the relatives of the hostages who remain captive.”

Madrid called for “a ceasefire, the release of hostages, access for humanitarian assistance… and an end to the violence” and pledged to remain committed to “peace in the Middle East and advance the solution for two states to stand side by side in peace and security.” Live page”. .

In Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was expected to attend an event in Melbourne on Monday evening, while a candlelight vigil was planned in Sydney to show support for Palestinians after a year of war.

The first vigils, commemorations and marches to mark the anniversary took place a day earlier, on Sunday, in cities from Tel Aviv to London, Paris and Berlin, while pro-Palestinian marches also took place from Jakarta to Istanbul to Buenos Aires

In Berlin on Sunday, about 500 people took part in a pro-Israel demonstration near the Brandenburg Gate, many waving the Israeli flag and some carrying pictures of hostages. Meanwhile, more than 1,000 people marched in solidarity with Palestinians.

Reuters and Agence France-Presse contributed to this report