On the 3rd anniversary of Hamas’s terrorist attack on Israel, Mertz emphasized that “Germany stands firmly with Israel.”

October 7 this year marks the third anniversary of the Hamas terrorist organization’s attack on Israel. German Chancellor Mertz reiterated Germany’s firm support for Israel, saying, “Germany stands firmly with Israel. We pledge to support our Israeli friends to ensure that such crimes will never be repeated.”

The German Chancellor also pointed out that "Germany must defend the security and survival of Israel - this is both a lesson from the Nazi Holocaust and a part of Germany's historical identity." Mertz pointed out that the foundation must now be laid for a new order so that Israelis, Palestinians and their neighbors can coexist in peace and security. "We believe that the establishment of a Palestinian state, existing side by side with Israel, is the best way to achieve this goal," he added.

Merz also talked about the phenomenon of anti-Semitism in Germany: "In Germany, we are witnessing growing anti-Semitism, which often does not receive the response it deserves. The federal government will do its best to resolutely combat all new and old forms of anti-Semitism." He emphasized that Jews should be able to live without fear throughout Germany. "We will fight back against those who downplay or even deny Israel's right to exist. This is not just a task on October 7th, but a principle that must be upheld every day."

On October 7, 2023, militants from Hamas and its allies raided Israel, killing 1,221 people and taking 251 people as hostages to the Gaza Strip. At least 370 people were killed at the Israeli Kibbutz Nova Music Festival near the Gaza Strip alone, and another 44 were taken hostage. After this raid, Israel responded with a large-scale and sustained military attack on Gaza. The war has killed more than 70,000 people, according to the Hamas-controlled health ministry (a figure that has not been independently verified). Hamas is listed as a terrorist organization by the European Union and others.

German Foreign Minister Waldful said that the attack on October 7, 2023 was "the largest attack against Jews since the Nazi Holocaust." For many Israelis, this day divides their lives into a "before" and an "after." This day marked the beginning of endless suffering for hundreds of hostages and their families. Wadfur emphasized that he was deeply aware that there was also an "alarming rise in anti-Semitism" in Germany. The federal government will fight back with determination.

On Wednesday, multiple commemorative ceremonies will be held in Berlin and other German cities to commemorate the victims of the Hamas attack three years ago.

In Israel, flags at the Knesset and the presidential palace were flown at half-staff on Monday. Commemorative ceremonies on Wednesday include the Nova music festival site on the Gaza border, and another large event will be held that evening in Tel Aviv's Yarkon Park, where tens of thousands of people are expected to attend.