Israel on 'high alert' ahead of Hamas attack anniversary amid widening tensions

As the war in Gaza persists, Israel has shifted its focus toward northern threats, particularly from Hezbollah in Lebanon.

In preparation for the anniversary of Hamas's devastating attack on October 7, 2023, Israel has placed its forces on high alert. A military official indicated that Israel is gearing up to retaliate for a recent missile attack from Iran.

Military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari announced in a televised briefing that increased forces are on standby for potential "attacks on the home front." The original attack by Hamas resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, primarily civilians.

As the war in Gaza persists, Israel has shifted its focus toward northern threats, particularly from Hezbollah in Lebanon. Since the ground operations began against Hezbollah, Israeli forces claim to have killed around 440 fighters from the group.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has underscored Israel's right to self-defense, responding to Tuesday's Iranian missile attacks that damaged an Israeli airbase and resulted in casualties in the West Bank.

The upcoming anniversary will be marked with memorial services in areas severely affected by last year's assault, including Sderot and the kibbutz communities of Beeri and Reim, where many lives were lost. Events in Tel Aviv will also see families of hostages still held by Hamas demonstrating for their release.

President Isaac Herzog described the ongoing pain of those affected, stating, "Our wounds still cannot fully heal... because hostages are still being tortured, executed, and dying in captivity."

As the situation remains volatile, Israel's military operations in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least 41,825 individuals, the majority of whom are civilians, according to health ministry figures. Amid this backdrop, international calls for ceasefires in both Gaza and Lebanon continue to grow, reflecting a deepening humanitarian crisis in the region.