EU leaders honor victims of October 2023 attacks in Israel
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa posted messages on X to commemorate the victims of the October 2023 attacks in Israel.
On X, Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa each issued statements marking the anniversary of the October 2023 attacks in Israel. Von der Leyen conveyed empathy to the victims' families, recalling the premature deaths at a music festival and the ongoing ordeal of hostages, and stressed that the EU will help turn the fragile cease-fire into a durable peace based on a two-state framework. Costa similarly paid tribute to Israeli and foreign civilians who lost their lives, expressed support for the injured and hostages, and reaffirmed that no act of terror can be justified. Both leaders underscored the EU’s commitment to Israel’s security and the pursuit of a two-state solution as essential for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
How this was covered
- The two sides describe this in almost entirely different words
Why it matters
The statements signal the EU's continued political support for Israel and its advocacy for a two-state peace solution.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTAll camps condemn the Hamas attack, but left-leaning coverage stresses honoring victims and a two-state peace framework, centrist coverage emphasizes condemning terrorism and rejecting antisemitism as a democratic duty, while right-leaning coverage focuses on standing with Israel and fighting antisemitism.
CENTER
Condemns the terrorism and stresses the need to reject antisemitism across Europe
RIGHT
Expresses solidarity with Israel and vows to combat antisemitism everywhere
The right emphasises
- we stand with Israel
- combat antisemitism everywhere
- honor the heroes who risked everything
How this story developed
- Sep 3 Netanyahu urges fragmented right-wing parties to merge ahead of October election
- Sep 12 Eisenkot’s Yashar party entered the race with a poll showing 23 projected seats.
- Sep 12 Herzog’s flag-lowering ceremony coincided with the national day of remembrance for the Oct 7 massacre, which claimed about 1,200 lives and sparked the Swords of Iron conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is slated to attend back-to-back state services on Mount Herzl honoring fallen soldiers and terror victims. The Israel Defense Forces held a minute of silence at Zikim base, where Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir reflected on the tragedy and the military’s response. Later, Herzog will host a “Salon Otef” discussion featuring Omri Miran, who was released from Hamas captivity in 2025.
- Sep 23 Israel's Central Elections Committee barred the Joint List from the upcoming Knesset election, prompting the alliance to label the move racist and vow a Supreme Court appeal.
- Sep 24 The electoral commission has acted on two Arab party lists.
- Sep 24 Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told the UN General Assembly that the international community must accelerate the US-backed Gaza peace plan and prevent a repeat of the 1948 displacement.
- Sep 24 The United States denied visas to Abbas and other Palestinian officials for a second consecutive year, forcing a video address to the UN.
- Sep 27 Netanyahu publicly urged right‑wing parties to merge ahead of the election.
- Oct 2 The Central Elections Committee voted 18-5 to bar the United Arab List and the Joint List from the ballot.
- Oct 2 Balad leader Sami Abu Shehadeh withdrew his candidacy following the court's indication it may approve a disqualification petition.
- Oct 6 The United Nations Secretary‑General called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
- Oct 6 Opposition leaders met to outline a coordinated electoral strategy.
- Oct 6 Defense Minister Israel Katz announced a heightened state of readiness for Israeli forces in Gaza and warned of severe retaliation if troops are harmed.
- Oct 7 Israel placed its security forces at maximum readiness on the anniversary, citing possible new Hamas attacks.
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