Israel marks October 7 anniversary – DW – 10/07/2025

In a video statement marking the October 7 anniversary, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for “a new wave of anti-Semitism in Germany”.

He urged citizens to “go today, go tomorrow and the day after tomorrow” to their Jewish neighbors, showing that “together we will do everything possible to ensure that Jews can live here in Germany without fear.”

German Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer spoke specifically about the victims at the Nova music festival.

He said, “Culture thrives on freedom, it creates spaces of diversity and connection – and that’s why the Nova music festival became the target of deep hatred.”

Israeli officials are negotiating a ceasefire deal with Hamas based on a 20-point plan presented by US President Donald Trump in Cairo.

The agreement would have called for the return of the remaining 47 Israeli hostages (25 of whom are presumed dead), an end to Israel’s bombing campaign, and the creation of an interim government for Gaza led by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

International representatives, including German Foreign Minister Johann Wadeful, will also participate in the talks.

Thousands of civilians have been killed since the start of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, many of them children. The large number of civilian deaths coupled with restrictions on food and medical aid have led international groups, including the United Nations Commission of Inquiry, to classify Israel’s war in Gaza as genocide.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants breached the heavily guarded Israel–Gaza border and attacked civilians in several border communities as well as at the Nova music festival.

About 1,200 people were killed in Israel and 251 were taken hostage.

Memorials were planned at various sites in Israel throughout Tuesday, but many people also gathered at the concert venue to mourn their loved ones.

Dozens of friends and relatives held a minute of silence and lit candles at the site where 370 people were killed.

A large state-organized commemoration event is planned for 16 October.

Tuesday marks the second anniversary of the Hamas-led terrorist attacks on Israel on October 7, ahead of the war in Gaza.

In Egypt, Israeli officials, Hamas representatives and mediators are negotiating to implement a ceasefire in Gaza, allowing the remaining hostages taken in those attacks to be returned to Israel.

Follow here for a summary of the latest headlines on the talks and commemorations.