BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) -- Louisiana officials released statements on the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel. The Israel-Hamas War started on Oct. 7, 2023, after air and ground attacks on Israel that left 1,200 dead and over 250 taken as hostages, according to The Associated Press. In Gaza, approximately 42,000 have died, and the violence has spilled over into Lebanon. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris released statements on the anniversary of the attacks, remembering those killed and supporting Israel's right to defend itself. "On this solemn anniversary, let us bear witness to the unspeakable brutality of the October 7th attacks but also to the beauty of the lives that were stolen that day," Biden said in the statement. According to U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy's office, the Senate Republican Conference introduced a resolution condemning Hamas and reiterating Israel's right to defend itself. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed an executive order for flags to be flown at half-staff at state buildings until sunset Monday. “Israel is our greatest ally in the Middle East and Louisiana will always stand strong with them. Today, we stand in solidarity and remembrance of the atrocities Israel suffered on October 7, 2023. We remember the victims and we pray for the hostages.” Gov. Jeff Landry Read Louisiana leaders' statements below. Read other Louisiana leaders' reactions Cassidy released the following statement. “October 7 left an indelible mark on the Jewish State of Israel. In the last year, we have seen Hamas for the pure evil it is. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to stand with Israel, reinforce our efforts to bring all the remaining hostages, including American citizens, home, and pledge to always stand up to antisemitism."   U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy Colleges brace for Oct. 7 anniversary Sen. John Kennedy said in a statement the U.S. must help Israel to make sure another attack like Oct. 7 doesn't happen again. “On October 7, 2023, Hamas showed the world what evil looks like. Americans and decent people around the globe can’t afford to forget that. “Hamas terrorists shot babies and cut the heads off innocents, burned people alive, raped women and girls, kidnapped elderly grandparents, and slaughtered hundreds of young people at a music festival. They murdered more than 40 American citizens. The took other Americans hostage. “They’re still holding our fellow citizens captive, including Edan Alexander, Omer Neutra, Sagui Dekel-Chen and Keith Seigel. These victims haven’t seen their families in a year, and too many Washington elitists are refusing to acknowledge their pain or fight for their release by helping Israel destroy Hamas decisively. “Let’s not forget that Hamas broke the cease-fire on Oct. 7. Hamas is using civilians as shields. Hamas is hoarding fuel and food at the expense of their fellow Palestinians. Hamas dug up water pipes to turn them into rocket launchers. The people of Gaza and Israel both suffer because of Hamas. Any suggestion that Israel is culpable for this suffering plays into the hands of these terrorists. “President Biden and Vice President Harris need to demonstrate that America will continue to stand with Israel until Hamas is in ruins and Iran’s genocidal agenda becomes impossible. Our world will be safer and more just when Hamas is not in it. America must help Israel ensure that an attack like Oct. 7 never happens again.” U.S. Sen. John Kennedy US spends a record $17.9 billion on military aid to Israel since last Oct. 7 House Majority Leader Steve Scalise posted a statement on X. "One year later we remember the 1,200+ innocent lives lost in the October 7th terrorist attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians and pray for the safe return of the 97 remaining hostages—including four Americans. "Israel has every right to defend its existence and deter violence against its people. The United States must continue to strongly support them in this mission and stand with them today and every day to ensure a day like October 7th never happens again." U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise Latest News Live Wobble Tracker: Map shows real-time movements of Hurricane Milton Tampa Bay Buccaneers going to New Orleans early as Hurricane Milton heads to Florida Trump: Israel has to 'get smart' about supporting him See the Lousiana parishes with the highest unemployment rates Supreme Court won’t hear Pennsylvania legislators' challenge to executive actions expanding voting access