The people of Israel mark two-year anniversary of 7 October incident as Palestinian peace negotiations advance
Israelis have assembled throughout the country to commemorate 24 months since the Hamas-led offensive on that fateful day in October 2023, as talks advanced in Egypt over a resolution to the hostilities in Gaza.
The attack led to more than 1,200 people losing their lives and 251 others abducted away to Gaza as captives. It was the uniquely most fatal day for Jewish people since the World War II.
Israel reacted by initiating a defensive operation in Gaza which has taken more than 67,000 people, based on figures from the territory's Hamas-administered health ministry. Its numbers are seen as reliable by the United Nations and other international bodies.
"The violent adversaries have hit us hard, but they have not broken us," the prime minister stated on Tuesday.
He also pledged to "achieve all the aims of the war: the return of all the abducted, the removal of the Hamas regime and the guarantee that Gaza will no longer pose a risk to Israel".
Commemorative Events Across Israel
The government authorities delayed formal remembrance events until 16 October - after the completion of the festive season - but events still were held throughout the country on that day.
A remembrance service for the families of people killed in the Hamas attack was organized in the coastal city. Put together by the victims' relatives, it was aired throughout Israeli television channels.
Some time earlier, a silent tribute was respected around the country.
Ceasefire Discussions in Egypt
Meanwhile, Israeli and Hamas negotiating teams convened in the North African Red Sea resort of the negotiation venue for a continuing round of indirect talks to examine the terms of the proposal.
A high-ranking Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations revealed that an night meeting of indirect talks commenced at evening in Egypt.
The source said the earlier meeting finished without concrete outcomes, due to differences over the proposed Israeli retreat arrangements from Gaza and over assurances Hamas demands to guarantee Israel does not recommence hostilities after the opening period of the agreement.
He commented that the negotiations are "difficult and have still not deliver any significant progress," but mentioned that intermediaries are working hard to close the gaps between the conflicting groups.
Essential Issues in Discussions
- A lasting halt to fighting
- The exchange of the hostages still held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners from Gaza
- The removal of military personnel from Gaza
- Plans for humanitarian aid provision
- Future management of the territory
Civilian Sentiment
In Tel Aviv's memorial area that day, 29-year-old Hagar - whose brother lived through the assault on the gathering, where hundreds were killed and dozens more were captured by Hamas militants - explained: "Nowhere seems like home anymore and until every captive return not a single person will be secure."
"Once we see everyone home once more, we can relax again. Then we can begin to heal," she continued.
In front of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's official dwelling in Jerusalem, people gathered to demonstrate their solidarity for the families of the abducted. Israel says 48 remain in detention in Gaza, twenty of whom are thought to be alive.
Demonstrator one woman remarked: "We must do whatever arrangement required for the hostages to be released. But we truly desire assurances that we will be protected."
Opinion polls now consistently show that about 70% of Israelis prefer the hostilities to conclude in exchange for the freedom of the abducted.
Gaza Circumstances
At the site of the gathering, those paying respects came together to honor the dead.
From the site, the boom of Israeli air strikes and shelling could be noticed just a few kilometres away in Gaza, where witnesses reported the heavy Israeli attacks continued.
In Gaza City, bombardments were noted in the early hours of that day in the western neighborhood, sector and Nasr neighbourhoods and in the eastern area of the community, as well Shati refugee camp to the north-west.
"Once the dusk falls, the anxiety arrives with it," relocated Gaza City resident a mother, whose teenage son was lost his life by an Israeli air strike previously, described.
"My family are afraid of the bombings. Throughout the evening we are sleeping together, clinging, particularly my smallest child who rests his face on me throughout the night."
"Every second we check the updates to see the situation. And I'm concerned that this truce will not be finalized and that the war will return to us."
Medical Crisis
Al-Shifa hospital in the urban area announced it had taken in the bodies of half dozen people by the daytime, including several who lost their lives in an Israeli strike in the south part area.
A different healthcare center in the southern urban center of that area said two more victims had been delivered. An individual was died by Israeli soldiers while attempting to get aid to the south region, health workers reported.
The region's health ministry reported 25 of the {territ