Miami marks Oct. 7 attack, two years of Gaza war

Catch up quick: On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led militants killed about 1,200 people and abducted 251 others.

• The resulting war has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, which doesn't differentiate between civilians and soldiers, according to the Associated Press.

Driving the news: Local city governments and faith groups are hosting multiple events this month to commemorate the attacks, including art exhibit openings, musical performances and an author talk.

• Miami-Dade is home to an estimated 131,000 Jewish residents, making up about 5% of the population, according to a study from the Greater Miami Jewish Federation.

The other side: Pro-Palestine groups Al-Awda, Jewish Voice for Peace, and American Muslims for Palestine are also hosting an event Tuesday night mourning "two years of genocide on the Palestinian people."

• A United Nations commission determined that Israel committed "genocidal acts" against Palestinians in Gaza, CNN reports.

• The Israeli government has claimed self-defense and denied accusations of genocide.

Meanwhile, the City of Coral Gables is planning to host an interfaith ceremony after deciding against raising the Israeli flag at City Hall, which Mayor Vince Lago proposed. (The date of the ceremony has yet to be announced.)

• Miami Beach city leaders held a pro-Israel event yesterday to mark the Oct. 7 attacks, which Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava attended.