Netanyahu vows to end Hamas rule on October 7 commemoration

On October 5, 2026, Israel marked a national day of remembrance for the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at a memorial ceremony at the Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem, vowed that Hamas would never regain authority in the Gaza Strip. He emphasized that while Israel has made significant progress in its military objectives, further operations remain to be completed to ensure national security and eliminate threats from groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, while also warning Iran against threatening Israel's existence.

The October 7, 2023, attack, which began at 6:29 a.m., resulted in the deaths of 1,221 people according to official figures. In response, the Israeli military has engaged in a prolonged offensive in Gaza. On the same day as the memorial, the Israel Defense Forces announced they had killed a commander of the Nukhba elite unit who had participated in the initial attack and was reportedly preparing further strikes against Israeli targets. The military noted this action occurred amid ongoing tensions despite a ceasefire technically in effect since October 2025. Israel continues to focus on addressing regional instability and ensuring the safety of its citizens as it pursues those involved in the original atrocities.