UK leaders mark October 7th anniversary

UK leaders have issued statements on the anniversary of the 7 October attacks.

Prime minister Keir Starmer said the attack by Hamas was "the darkest day in Jewish history since the Holocaust. One year on, we stand together to remember the lives so cruelly taken."

As part of the attack, 365 people were killed and many more were wounded. Hostages were also taken from the festival and moved into the Gaza strip.

After 7 October, Israel declared war on Hamas. 

Starmer added: "As a father, a husband, a son, a brother – meeting the families of those who lost their loved ones last week was unimaginable. Their grief and pain are ours, and it is shared in homes across the land. 

"A year on, that collective grief has not diminished or waned.

"Yet their strength and determination to cherish the memories of those they had lost continues, and our determination to bring those still captive home endures. I stand firm in our commitment to bring the hostages home, and we will not give up until they are returned.

"One year on from these horrific attacks we must unequivocally stand with the Jewish community and unite as a country. We must never look the other way in the face of hate."

Scottish first minister John Swinney said in a statement: “The atrocious attacks carried out by the terrorist organisation, Hamas, on 7 October resulted in the worst single loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust. Jewish communities across the world, including here in Scotland, are deeply traumatised by the attacks,

“As we remember those who died, I express my sympathy to the Jewish community and all those who mourn. 

“I also remember the thousands of innocent people who have been killed in the crisis over the last year. Now more than ever, an immediate ceasefire is needed in Gaza, and the Middle East.

“As communities across Scotland reflect on the 7 October terrorist attacks and the subsequent loss of further innocent life that has followed, I pledge the unwavering support of my government to ensure our communities remain united, that all communities are kept safe and that we live in a Scotland where people of all faiths, and none, can live in peace.”