Both Albanese and Minns criticised the planned events as insensitive to the grief of victims of the October 7 attacks, in which about 1175 Israelis and foreign nationals were killed. A further 3400 were wounded, and 247 soldiers and civilians were taken hostage. At least 97 are still believed to remain in captivity.

Candlelight vigils will be held across many Australian cities on Monday to mark the October 7, 2023, attacks after members of the Jewish community joined Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon at a commemoration in Sydney on Sunday evening. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who will attend an event in Melbourne, said October 7 carried a terrible pain.