Rubio says US will never forget October 7 Hamas barbaric attack on Israel

International, Middle East

Washington D.C., US (NPA) —US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said the United States will never forget the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, as Israelis mark the third anniversary of the assault that triggered the ongoing war in Gaza.

In a statement marking the anniversary on Wednesday, Rubio said Hamas fighters had killed about 1,200 people and abducted hundreds of others during the attack.

“Three years ago today, Hamas terrorists tortured, mutilated, and murdered 1,200 innocent civilians in Israel,” Rubio said, adding that the victims included babies, people with disabilities and elderly people.

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“Among those slain were men, women, and children — including dozens of Americans. We will never forget this act of barbarism against an ally and recommit ourselves to the defense of civilization,” he added.

The October 7 attack, which involved Hamas and other armed Palestinian groups entering southern Israel from Gaza, killed about 1,200 people and resulted in the abduction of 251 hostages, according to current figures cited by Reuters.

Israel declared war on Hamas in response and launched a sustained military campaign in Gaza with the stated objective of dismantling the group’s military and governing capabilities and preventing another attack.

Three years later, however, the conflict remains unresolved. Hamas continues to operate in parts of Gaza, while Israel maintains control over large areas of the enclave and military operations have continued despite a ceasefire framework.

The war has also widened beyond Gaza, with Israel confronting armed groups allied with Hamas, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, while tensions involving Iran have further complicated the regional security situation.

The October 7 anniversary comes as Israelis remember those killed in the attack and the hostages taken into Gaza, while Palestinians in the enclave continue to grapple with the destruction and humanitarian consequences of the war.

The anniversary has also renewed international attention on the unresolved questions surrounding Gaza’s future, including the disarmament of Hamas, Israeli military withdrawal, governance of the territory and reconstruction as key elements of the post-war framework remain stalled.