One Year On, Israel Mourns October 7 While War Losses Mount

Latest Developments

Israel observed a second national day of mourning on October 27 for the victims and fallen of the past year’s Hamas terror attack and subsequent war. The date unanimously approved by the Israeli government comes a few days after the Hebrew calendar date for October 7, 2023. Two official ceremonies were held at the Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem with solemn broadcasts on television and radio: the first, in memory of fallen soldiers and members of the Israeli security forces, and the second, in memory of the civilian victims.

Israel’s losses over the past year have been heavy: 885 civilians were killed in terror attacks in Israel over the past year, including 809 murdered on October 7, 2023. In addition, 771 military and security personnel have been killed, both in the initial fighting on October 7 and in the ongoing counter-offensives in Gaza, southern Lebanon, and the West Bank.

During the day of mourning, the Israeli military announced the names of new casualties: a total of five reservists were killed in action while combatting Hezbollah in Lebanon, and an infantry conscript succumbed to injuries received on October 18 while fighting Hamas in northern Gaza.

In addition, two terrorist attacks took place during the day of mourning. A Palestinian terrorist was shot dead after attacking a police checkpoint near Jerusalem with a knife. Further, an Israeli-Arab truck driver rammed a bus stop near Ramat Hasharon, killing one and injuring dozens; the driver was shot dead on the scene by first responders.

Expert Analysis

“The scale of Israel’s October 7 losses, when compared to its population size, is staggering. In per capita terms, the attack was 13 times more devastating than 9/11. The toll on Israel’s military is also immense: in U.S. terms, it equates to losing around 30,000 troops in just over a year. This is more than four times the number of U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan combined. Most of these Israeli soldiers are not career military personnel but conscripts and reservists — ordinary citizens sacrificing for their country. Their resolve to continue defending Israel amid such heavy losses is a testament to the nation’s strength and resilience during this unprecedented crisis.” — Mark Dubowitz, FDD CEO 

“October 7 was a bestial pogrom which gave the world a glimpse of the fate that all Israelis would face in a state ruled by Hamas and its Iranian backers. But the last year has proved over and again that Israel will take the fight to its enemies, eliminating leaders and operatives alike, and reminding them that the Jewish state is a permanent feature of the Middle East, whether they like it or not.”— Ben Cohen, FDD Senior Analyst and Rapid Response Manager

Related Analysis

“Israel Moves Against Hamas Reconstitution in North Gaza’s Jabalya,” FDD Flash Brief

“The Impact of the October 7 Attack Still Reverberates in the U.S.” by Enia Krivine

“Head of Hamas Government Killed in July,” FDD Flash Brief

“Sinwar is gone. Now what?,” by Jonathan Schanzer