Israel Marks 2 Years Since October 7, 2023 Attack as Peace Talks Resume Under US Plan

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Israel on Tuesday marked the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023 attack, the deadliest day in its history as indirect negotiations between Israeli and Hamas officials resumed under a US-backed peace proposal aimed at ending the two-year war in Gaza.

The attack, launched by Hamas-led militants at the close of the Jewish festival of Sukkot, saw Palestinian fighters breach the Gaza-Israel border, storming southern communities and a desert music festival with gunfire and rockets. According to Israeli figures compiled by AFP, 1,219 people, mostly civilians, were killed, and 251 others were taken hostage into Gaza. Forty-seven hostages remain captive, including 25 confirmed dead by the Israeli military.

Commemorative events were held across Israel on Tuesday. At the Nova music festival site, where more than 370 people were killed, families and friends lit candles and held a minute’s silence. “It was a very difficult and enormous incident,” said teacher Elad Gancz. “But we want to live — and despite everything, continue with our lives, remembering those who are no longer with us.” Another ceremony took place at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, with a state-organized memorial scheduled for October 16.

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Israel’s military campaign in Gaza continues by air, land, and sea, leaving tens of thousands dead and widespread devastation. The Hamas-run health ministry reports at least 67,160 fatalities, a figure the UN deems credible, noting that over half are women and children. Neighborhoods have been flattened, and displaced residents now live in overcrowded camps with limited access to basic necessities.

“We have lost everything in this war. Our homes, family members, friends,” said 36-year-old displaced resident Hanan Mohammed from Jabalia. “I can’t wait for this endless bloodshed to stop.”

A recent poll by Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies shows 72 percent of Israelis are dissatisfied with the government’s handling of the war. Over two years, Israel has widened its military reach, striking targets in five regional capitals and killing senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, including Hassan Nasrallah.

Both Israel and Hamas face growing international pressure to end the conflict. A UN probe recently accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, while rights groups say Hamas committed war crimes on October 7  claims both sides deny.

Last week, US President Donald Trump announced a 20-point peace plan calling for a ceasefire upon the release of hostages, Hamas’ disarmament, and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Indirect talks began Monday in Egypt’s resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh, with mediators shuttling between delegations under tight security.

According to Egypt’s Al-Qahera News, discussions are focusing on groundwork for a hostage-prisoner exchange. A Palestinian source said the talks could last several days. Trump told Newsmax TV he believes negotiators are “very, very close to a deal,” adding, “There’s a lot of goodwill being shown now.”

While both sides have expressed openness to the US proposal, reaching a final agreement remains a daunting task. Israeli military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir warned that if negotiations collapse, the army will “return to fighting” in Gaza.


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