The U.S.-backed Board of Peace marked the third anniversary of the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, massacre on Wednesday by renewing its commitment to a Gaza Strip that is demilitarized, deradicalized and no longer capable of threatening Israel.

“Three years ago today, on October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists invaded Israel and carried out a massacre of staggering cruelty,” the Board said in a statement. “Some 1,200 people were murdered in their homes, at a music festival, and in their communities, and 251 were taken hostage into Gaza.”

The anniversary was observed across Israel with memorial ceremonies at communities devastated by the assault and at the site of the Nova music festival, where hundreds were killed. Reuters and the Associated Press reported that Wednesday marked the first Oct. 7 anniversary since all of the hostages — living and deceased — had been returned from Gaza.

The Board noted that the final captives were brought home during the past year after “many observers had said it could not be done.”

“President Donald Trump said otherwise, making the return of every hostage the first demand of his plan.”Board of Peace statement

The Board added that Trump “fulfilled his commitment to the people of Israel.”

The last hostage remaining in Gaza was Israeli police officer Ran Gvili, who was killed fighting Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7 and whose body was taken into the Gaza Strip. His remains were recovered and returned to Israel in January 2026, completing the return of all 251 people abducted during the attack.

Gaza’s Future Tied to Disarmament

The anniversary comes as the Board of Peace moves ahead with a broader plan intended to fundamentally change the political and security environment in Gaza.

In July, Trump announced that the Board had reached an agreement for the “complete disarmament” of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza, calling it a critical step toward ensuring the territory could never again be used as a base for attacks against Israel.

Under the framework, Gaza is to transition toward Palestinian civilian administration while Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other armed factions are excluded from governing the territory. Israeli forces are expected to withdraw in phases as verified disarmament proceeds, while an International Stabilization Force and vetted Palestinian police assume security responsibilities.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has said the Trump framework differs from previous proposals because it directly addresses what Israel considers the roots of the conflict.

“At the heart of President Trump’s comprehensive plan are the disarmament of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, and deradicalization of Palestinian society there.”Gideon Sa’ar, Israeli Foreign Minister

The United Nations Security Council endorsed the U.S.-backed Comprehensive Plan in November 2025 through Resolution 2803, authorizing a temporary International Stabilization Force tasked in part with helping demilitarize Gaza, dismantle terrorist infrastructure and permanently decommission weapons held by non-state armed groups.

A subsequent Board of Peace report to the Security Council stressed that Gaza’s reconstruction is directly connected to verified demilitarization, arguing that disarmament is necessary for civilian security, international donor confidence and a lasting political settlement.

‘No October 7 Will Ever Happen Again’

The Board said Wednesday that Washington’s approach is based on “pragmatic solutions, not statements or slogans,” while acknowledging the human toll the conflict has exacted on both Israelis and Palestinians. It said it mourned the “immense loss of life and profound suffering endured by Israelis and Palestinians” during the war triggered by the Hamas attack.

“Genuine and durable security for Israel is the foundation on which any peace must be built, and it is the surest guarantee that no October 7 will ever happen again.”Board of Peace statement

“On this solemn day, we renew that commitment, in memory of those we lost and for the sake of all who deserve to live in security and peace,” the Board said.

Three years after Hamas terrorists breached Israel’s southern border, murdered families in their homes and communities, attacked the Nova music festival and dragged hostages into Gaza, the emerging international framework represents an effort to ensure that the end of the war does not simply return Gaza to the conditions that existed before Oct. 7.

The central test will be whether Hamas and other terrorist organizations can be permanently disarmed and prevented from rebuilding the military infrastructure that enabled the deadliest single-day attack against Israel in its history.