In Hostage Square, the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas massacre is being observed under tense conditions, with large gatherings limited due to the threat of attacks from Iran. One year after the tragic event, where 1,200 people were killed, around 100 hostages remain captive in Gaza, including seven Americans.

For Ruby Chen, whose son Itay is believed to have been killed by Hamas, the last year has felt like a never-ending cycle of grief. Chen, along with other hostage families, met with U.S. Ambassador Jack Lew to urge the U.S. government to take decisive action to secure the release of American hostages.

“It’s been a year, but every day feels like it’s repeating over and over,” Chen said. He emphasized the urgent need for the U.S. administration to explore every option for the hostages’ release.

Meanwhile, the situation in the region remains volatile. Over the weekend, Israel launched strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs as part of its campaign against Hezbollah, while preparing for a response to Iran’s recent missile attacks targeting Israel’s densely populated areas. The region edges closer to the brink of all-out war.