Israel on Sunday marks the half a year since the October 7 massacre carried out by the Gaza-based terrorist group Hamas.

“We mark six months since the cruel terror attack and the horrific massacre. Half a year since this crime against our sisters and brothers, against our state, this crime against humanity. Six months of a bloody and difficult war,” Israel’s President Isaac Herzog said in statement marking the somber anniversary.

President Herzog remembered the plight of nearly hundred Israeli hostages, including women and children, enduring Hamas captivity for six months. “Half a year our sisters and brothers have been held by a cruel enemy, our hearts falter, day after day, minute after minute—with them, there. Half a year we, the entire people, accompany, support, embrace the families of the hostages. We never forget them or their loved ones.”

On the morning of October 7, 2023, Hamas unleashed a multi-pronged attack on civilian communities and military posts in southern Israel. The Hamas-led assault began early morning with the launch of over 5,000 rockets from Gaza into Israel, a tactic planned to cover the massive cross-border incursion.