Events held across Dallas to observe anniversary of Oct. 7 Hamas attack

DALLAS - Exactly one year ago on Monday, a barrage of rockets ricocheted as Hamas militants stormed Gaza and other nearby Israeli towns, killing dozens and abducting others in a surprise attack.

North Texans are marking this day in various ways: from rallies, speeches, remembrances and student walkouts

CONTINUED COVERAGE: Israel-Hamas War

The Hamas’ cross-border attack in the Gaza Strip killed 1,200 Israelis and took 250 others hostage. 

In response to the attacks, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war on Hamas, vowing to inflict an "unprecedented price," as Israel launched airstrikes in Gaza.

Dozens of hostages said to be in Gaza are still believed to be alive. Among them are five Americans.

The tiny coastal enclave is ravaged beyond recognition as U.S.-led ceasefire efforts have repeatedly failed.

The Texas Tribute Summit

It was a somber day for the hundreds of families who lost loved ones in the terrorist attack, and many pro-Palestinians used Monday’s anniversary to demand an end to the ongoing war in Gaza.

At a one-day Texas Tribute Summit in Dallas, attendees — including U.S. Senator Ted Cruz —honored Israel.

"We're here today on a solemn occasion," Cruz said. "We're here to remember one year ago today the horror that the world saw unfold."

Among those who spoke was a 23-year-old man who survived the massacre at the Nova Music Festival. He hid in a nearby town for 10 hours. He spoke virtually.

"I experienced some insane miracles that day, split decisions that ended up saving my life," he said.

Some 250 hostages were dragged into Gaza, prompting Israel's retaliation and the ground war in Gaza.

"We stand together today because we, and we alone, can and there more must call out that evil," said Rabbi Jack Rubin with Olami Dallas.

Over the past year, the war in Gaza has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians, displaced most of the territory's 2.3 million population and sparked a humanitarian crisis that has led to widespread hunger.

Pro-Palestinian Student Walkout 

The scenes triggered protests at college campuses like UT Dallas in Richardson. Pro-Palestinian students held a walkout in support of a national call for what they're calling a "week of rage."

Fatima Gasem is with Students for Justice in Palestine.

"We created a red line for the people inside who are rejecting our university's complicity, so we're encouraging people to join inside the red line."

The group has been very vocal in calling for UTD and other universities across the country to divest from companies that manufacture weapons being used by Israel in Gaza.

One of nine UTD students arrested during an encampment protest back on May 1 spoke via phone. She said she's been banned from campus.

"Over the last year, not only has this genocide been enabled by the U.S. government; it’s also been enabled by universities all over the country," she said.

City of Dallas, Gov. Abbott Honor Victims

The flags in Dallas were lowered to half-staff on Monday to honor the victims.

"Today, Dallas has lowered its flags to honor the lives lost one year ago in the horrific terrorist attack against Israel by Hamas. We remember those still held hostage and urge for their swift release and safe return. Four days after the attack, Dallas passed a resolution in support of Israel and condemning these attacks. Then and today, Dallas stands firmly in support of our Jewish community," Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson posted on X.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called for flags to be lowered with a moment of silence in cities across the state. 

The governor will be in Dallas on Monday to meet with pro-Israeli leaders for a summit. He’ll attend a ceremony at 7 p.m. Hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas.