The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) held a poignant ceremony at the Nahal Oz base Thursday to commemorate the second anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of nearly 150 Israeli soldiers. The event, attended by top IDF officials and families of the fallen, included a moment of silence at 6:29 a.m., the exact time the attacks began in 2023, to honor those who lost their lives. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and Yiska Steinberg, the widow of late former Nahal Brigade commander Col. Yonatan Steinberg, were among the attendees, underscoring the gravity of the occasion.
During the ceremony, Col. Ido Kass, who led the inquiry into the battle, recounted the sequence of events that led to the attack. The IDF’s failure to prevent the assault has been scrutinized in recent months, with calls for accountability and improvements to security measures. Zamir reaffirmed the IDF’s commitment to learning from the past and ensuring that such an event does not occur again, stating, “The IDF will not repeat the mistakes of the past.” In addition, the IDF announced the establishment of a Decorations Committee to honor those who displayed bravery during the attacks, highlighting their sacrifice and heroism.
While the ceremony focused on remembrance, the broader context of the conflict continued to unfold. Hamas, which has claimed responsibility for the Oct. 7 attacks, has been engaged in a power struggle within Gaza, with reports of internal divisions and purges of its leadership. This came just days after former U.S. President Donald Trump declared “war is over” in Gaza, signaling a shift in U.S. policy amid the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, the situation for hostages remains dire, with only nine of the 28 deceased hostages’ remains returned to Israel so far, according to the ceasefire terms. Among those whose remains are still missing are two U.S. citizens, Omer Neutra and Itay Chen, who was killed while fighting alongside other captives.
The trauma experienced by captives, such as Matan Angrest, who was kidnapped during the attack and later returned to Israel, has been widely documented. Angrest reportedly suffered severe physical and psychological abuse during his captivity, including electrocution and starvation, according to testimonies from fellow survivors. His return to Israel was described as an emotional moment for his family, yet the physical and psychological toll of his experience remains a significant concern for his health and well-being. As the IDF continues its operations, the focus remains on both remembrance and the pursuit of justice for the fallen, with no indication of a resolution in the near future.