On Tuesday, Israel commemorates the second anniversary of the devastating October 7, 2023 attack, coinciding with ongoing indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israeli representatives aimed at concluding the prolonged Gaza conflict, guided by a US-brokered peace initiative.
Exactly two years prior, as the Jewish festival of Sukkot drew to a close, militants affiliated with Hamas launched an unprecedented surprise offensive against Israel, marking the deadliest single day in the nation’s history.
Palestinian fighters crossed the Gaza-Israel border, launching violent assaults on southern Israeli towns and a desert music festival, employing firearms, rockets, and explosives.
This brutal attack claimed the lives of 1,219 Israelis, predominantly civilians, according to an AFP count based on official Israeli data.
Additionally, militants abducted 251 individuals, taking them into Gaza; of these, 47 remain in captivity, with Israeli military sources reporting that 25 of the hostages have died.
Memorial ceremonies were held across Israel on Tuesday to honor the victims.
At the Nova music festival site in southern Israel-where over 370 people were killed and numerous hostages taken-relatives and friends gathered to light candles and observe a moment of silence.
Many Israelis visited the festival grounds on Monday to pay their respects.
“This was an incredibly tragic and overwhelming event,” said Elad Gancz, a teacher, reflecting on the attack. “Yet, we strive to live on and carry forward, cherishing the memories of those who are no longer with us.”
Another remembrance event took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, a location known for weekly demonstrations demanding the release of captives.
A state-sponsored memorial is scheduled for October 16.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military operations in Gaza continue relentlessly by air, land, and sea, resulting in tens of thousands of Palestinian casualties and widespread devastation.
The Hamas-controlled health ministry reports at least 67,160 deaths, figures that the United Nations regards as credible.
These statistics do not differentiate between combatants and civilians but indicate that more than half of the fatalities are women and children.
Entire districts have been razed, with residential buildings, hospitals, schools, and water infrastructure reduced to rubble.
Hundreds of thousands of displaced Gazans now live in overcrowded camps and open spaces, struggling with scarce access to food, clean water, and sanitation.
“We have lost everything-our homes, loved ones, friends, and neighbors,” shared Hanan Mohammed, 36, who fled her home in Jabalia. “I long for a ceasefire to end this endless cycle of bloodshed and destruction.”
After two years of conflict, a recent survey by the Institute for National Security Studies revealed that 72% of Israelis are dissatisfied with their government’s management of the war.
– Enormous Challenge –
Throughout the conflict, Israel has broadened its military operations, targeting locations in five regional capitals, including Iran, and eliminating several high-ranking Hamas officials as well as Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Both Israel and Hamas are now under increasing global pressure to halt hostilities. A recent UN investigation accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, while human rights organizations have charged Hamas with war crimes related to the October 7 attack. Both parties deny these accusations.
Last week, former US President Donald Trump introduced a 20-point proposal advocating for an immediate ceasefire contingent upon Hamas releasing all hostages, the group’s disarmament, and a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Indirect negotiations commenced Monday in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, with mediators facilitating dialogue between the parties under stringent security measures.
Al-Qahera News, affiliated with Egyptian intelligence, reported that discussions are centered on “laying the groundwork” for a prisoner exchange aligned with Trump’s plan.
A Palestinian insider close to Hamas negotiators indicated that talks, which began just before the October 7 anniversary, could extend over several days.
Trump has urged swift progress, emphasizing the urgency to end the Gaza conflict, where Israeli airstrikes persisted on Monday.
In an interview with Newsmax TV, he expressed optimism: “I believe we are very close to reaching an agreement… There is a remarkable amount of goodwill being demonstrated.”
While both factions have expressed support for Trump’s framework, finalizing the details remains a formidable challenge.
Previous ceasefires during the war have facilitated the release of some hostages.
However, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, Israel’s military chief, cautioned that failure in these talks would lead to a resumption of combat operations in Gaza.