This October 7 marks one year from devastating terror attacks on Israel that set in motion a series of events plunging the Middle East into crisis.

Hamas gunmen launched surprise cross-border raids from the Gaza Strip during the Jewish new year holiday of Rosh Hashanah, leaving with more than 1,200 Israelis killed and at least 250 hostages taken.

Hostilities mushroomed to claim over 40,000 Palestinian lives, with Hezbollah in Lebanon and then Iran pushing into the conflict.

In Britain, the 7 October attacks, were followed by a huge increase in antisemitism and anti-Muslim abuse.

As vigils mark this sombre day, The Standard podcast hear reflections from Marie van der Zyl, World Jewish Congress commissioner for gender inclusion and equality, and former president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews.

In part two, The Standard’s deputy political editor Jitendra Joshi discusses the weekend departure of Sue Gray, Sir Keir Starmer’s controversial chief of staff, and her successor at No.10, Labour’s election guru Morgan McSweeney.

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