Israeli Rave Site Targeted by Hamas Attracts Tourists, Reports Reuters

By Leonardo and Benassatto

NEAR RE’IM, Israel – At the scene of the deadliest event during Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7, locals and visitors stroll past signs bearing the names and photographs of those who lost their lives at an open-air festival.

Many capture the moment on their mobile devices while others express their grief through tears.

"It’s crucial to witness this in person," remarked Samantha Malcar, a visitor from Canada. "These posters show real faces, and the destruction around us reflects that these were real people who lost their lives simply for attending a party."

A large gathering of young people was celebrating in the early hours of October 7 when gunmen entered from Gaza.

Authorities report that 364 individuals were killed by gunfire, bludgeoning, or fire, with some victims also subjected to sexual assault at the Nova festival, located amid trees near Kibbutz Re’im. About 40 others were taken hostage to Gaza, situated just a couple of miles away.

Visitors attend both organized tours by civil society groups and independent visits to honor those who were killed at the festival.

This attack marked the most lethal incident during a sudden cross-border assault by Hamas, resulting in around 1,200 fatalities and 240 kidnappings.

In response, Israel launched a military operation aimed at dismantling the Hamas leadership in Gaza, leading to the reported deaths of over 26,000 Palestinians according to health officials in the region.