Israelis observe two-year anniversary of 7 October attacks as Gaza ceasefire negotiations continue

Israelis have come together across the country to mark 24 months since the Hamas-led attack on that fateful day in October 2023, as discussions continued in Egypt over a conclusion to the war in the Gaza Strip.

The assault resulted in in excess of 1,200 people killed and 251 others abducted back to Gaza as captives. It was the most most lethal day for Jews since the Second World War.

Israel responded by initiating a armed campaign in Gaza which has killed more than 67,000 people, according to the area's Hamas-run health ministry. Its figures are considered reliable by the United Nations and other global organizations.

"The bloodthirsty adversaries have caused great damage, but they have not broken us," Benjamin Netanyahu added on Tuesday.

He also pledged to "achieve all the aims of the war: the return of all the abducted, the destruction of the Hamas regime and the promise that Gaza will never again create a risk to Israel".

Memorial Events Across Israel

The Israeli government postponed state commemorations until mid-October - after the completion of the religious holiday season - but events still were held around the country on that day.

A remembrance service for the relatives of Israelis who lost their lives in the Hamas incident was held in Tel Aviv. Arranged by the affected families, it was televised across Israeli TV networks.

Some time earlier, a minute's silence was observed throughout the country.

Ceasefire Discussions in Egypt

Simultaneously, the conflicting parties' negotiating teams met in the North African coastal city of Sharm el-Sheikh for a follow-up session of indirect talks to examine the conditions of the proposal.

A prominent delegate knowledgeable about the discussions said that an late session of indirect talks began at evening in Egypt.

The source explained the earlier meeting ended without significant progress, because of differences over the recommended Israeli retreat arrangements from Gaza and over safeguards Hamas seeks to ensure Israel does not resume hostilities after the opening period of the agreement.

He added that the discussions are "difficult and have still not produce any major advancement," but noted that facilitators are working hard to close the gaps between the two sides.

Critical Points in Discussions

• A permanent halt to fighting
• The trade of the captives still held by Hamas for detainees from Gaza
• The removal of military personnel from Gaza
• Arrangements for humanitarian aid deliveries
• Post-war management of the area

Public Reaction

In Tel Aviv's Hostages Square previously, 29-year-old Hagar - whose family member survived the assault on the outdoor event, where many attendees were lost their lives and many more were abducted by Hamas fighters - explained: "Nowhere feels like home any longer and until all the hostages return not a single person will have peace of mind."

"Once we see all home returned, we can relax once more. Then we can commence rebuild," she concluded.

Near the prime minister's home in the capital, people congregated to express their support for the relatives of the hostages. Israel says forty-eight continue in detention in Gaza, 20 of whom are thought to be living.

Activist Atalia Regev stated: "We must do whatever arrangement necessary for the abducted to return. But we sincerely need promises that we will be safe."

Surveys now regularly indicate that about seventy percent of Israelis desire the conflict to conclude in return for the freedom of the captives.

Gaza Situation

At the area of the gathering, mourners gathered to honor the dead.

From there, the boom of Israeli air strikes and artillery could be heard just a few kilometres away in Gaza, where witnesses reported the severe Israeli bombardment continued.

In Gaza City, attacks were noted in the morning of that day in the west side district, sector and zone areas and in the eastern neighbourhood of Sheikh Radwan, as well Shati refugee camp to the north-west.

"Once the night arrives, the dread appears with it," displaced urban resident Emaan al-Wahidi, whose 17-year-old son was died by an Israeli bombing earlier, shared.

"We are fearful of the air strikes. During nighttime we are sleeping together, embracing, especially my smallest child who rests his face on me all night."

"Constantly we look at the reports to see developments. And I'm concerned that this ceasefire will not be finalized and that the conflict will resume to us."

Health Situation

Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City announced it had taken in the remains of several people by the afternoon, including several killed in an Israeli strike in the southern al-Sabra neighbourhood.

A different healthcare center in the south region of the city reported two more victims had been brought there. A person was died by Israeli forces while looking for help to the south region, health workers said.

The territory's health ministry said a significant number of the {territ