Countries commemorate first anniversary of Hamas attack on Israel

An event in Sydney, Australia, was one among many seen across the world (AP)

Vigils, commemorations and acts of remembrance were planned across the world to mark one year since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, as world leaders called for an end to antisemitism and the release of Israeli hostages.

Last year’s surprise cross-border attack, which killed about 1,200 people, caught Israel unprepared on a major Jewish holiday, shattering Israelis’ sense of security and leaving many countries, already on edge over Russia’s war in Ukraine, facing the prospect of another major conflict in the Middle East.