A new mural commemorating victims of the October 7 attacks in Israel has been unveiled in east Belfast. The artwork was created by artist Dee Craig and was showcased at Castlereagh Street, facing the Raven Social Club.

The unveiling took place on Wednesday, marking the third anniversary of the attacks. Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took more than 250 hostages. Israel has described it as the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.

East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson spoke at the event. He said the mural is vivid and emotive, reflecting both the horror of the attack and the determination to stand against terrorism. Robinson noted that the turnout demonstrated strong support for the local Jewish community. The event was attended by members of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Jeremy Michaelson, vice president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews.

The mural depicts the attack on the Nova music festival and the abduction of the Bibas family. The festival saw 344 civilians and 34 security personnel killed, and 44 people taken hostage. The Bibas family, including two young children, were taken to Gaza. Israel says forensic evidence shows the boys were killed by their captors in November 2023.

Northern Ireland Friends of Israel chair Steven Jaffe said the artwork provides a local touchstone for global grief, bringing the memory of October 7 into Belfast's tradition of community-based mural art. He said it honours the innocent lives lost and shows solidarity with the victims.

The final location of the mural has not been decided and will depend on planning permission. Craig is an internationally recognised mural artist born in Belfast in 1971, with work displayed throughout the UK, Ireland, and globally.

In Derry, a separate event is planned for October 10 to mark the anniversary of what organisers call the Gaza genocide. The Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign will hold a march and rally from Bishop Street courthouse to the Guildhall, with speakers including Breandán Mac Cionnaith and Majida Al Askari.