Israel has warned of a heightened risk of terrorist attacks against Israelis and Jews as the country marks the third anniversary of the 7 October Hamas
attack. The National Security Council (NSC) issued the warning on Wednesday, as Israeli security chiefs met to discuss threats ahead of the country's 27 October Knesset election. Large anti-Israel demonstrations were held in major cities around the world to mark the first two anniversaries of the attack, with further protests planned this week. "Terrorist organizations, led by Iran and its proxies, Hamas, and global jihadist elements, view this date as a significant milestone," the NSC said in a travel warning published by the Prime Minister's Office on Tuesday. It urged Israelis to avoid Jordan, Qatar, Somaliland and Egypt, including the Sinai Peninsula, on Wednesday. Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, said on Tuesday that he had put the military on high alert ahead of the anniversary of Hamas's 7 October 2023 attack. The office of Katz said the move came "in light of intelligence regarding Hamas's intentions to attempt to carry out attacks and terror operations against our forces in Gaza on that day". "If, heaven forbid, our forces are harmed, the ones who will pay the heavy price will be Hamas and the population of Gaza — beyond all proportion," the statement said. October 7 Attack Hamas's 7 October 2023 attack was the deadliest day in Israel's history, killing 1,221 people, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Militants also took 251 hostages to Gaza, 44 of whom were already dead. Israel responded by launching a military offensive in Gaza that has left much of the territory in ruins. More than 74,200 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the territory's Health Ministry, which is under Hamas authority. The United Nations considers the ministry's figures reliable. Since a ceasefire was declared last October, Israeli forces have killed more than 1,440 people in Gaza, according to the ministry. At a state ceremony on Monday marking three years since the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there would be "no Hamas rule in Gaza". He also vowed to continue targeting anyone involved in the 7 October attack or anyone who had held hostages. The anniversary comes as Israel prepares for a national election later this month, with security concerns and the government's handling of the war likely to remain central to the political debate.
