🔗 Share this article Israeli citizens mark two-year anniversary of October 7th attacks as Palestinian peace talks proceed Several gathered at the location of the music festival, where over 370 people perished and numerous more taken to Gaza as hostages People have gathered across the country to remember the second anniversary since the Hamas-led assault on 7 October 2023, as talks advanced in the neighboring country over an end to the war in the Gaza Strip. The incident saw over 1,200 people losing their lives and 251 others abducted away to Gaza as captives. It was the most deadliest day for the Jewish community since the World War II. Israel answered by launching a armed campaign in Gaza which has taken more than 67,000 people, as reported by the area's Hamas-run health ministry. Its numbers are seen as accurate by the United Nations and other world agencies. "Our aggressive enemies have caused great damage, but they have not broken us," Benjamin Netanyahu remarked on that day. He also promised to "achieve all the aims of the war: the release of all the kidnapped, the elimination of the Hamas government and the promise that Gaza will not create a risk to Israel". Remembrance Gatherings Across Israel The national leadership delayed state commemorations until 16 October - after the end of the religious holiday season - but ceremonies still were held across the country on that day. A memorial ceremony for the relatives of people who lost their lives in the Hamas attack was held in the coastal city. Put together by the victims' relatives, it was aired across Israeli TV networks. Hours earlier, a silent tribute was respected across the country. Peace Talks in Egypt Meanwhile, both sides' representatives convened in the North African tourist destination of the Egyptian city for a follow-up session of indirect talks to discuss the terms of the agreement. A senior representative involved in the negotiations revealed that an night meeting of mediated discussions began at 19:00 Cairo time. The source said the earlier meeting finished without concrete outcomes, amid disagreements over the proposed Israeli retreat arrangements from Gaza and over safeguards Hamas wants to ensure Israel does not resume fighting after the opening period of the deal. He added that the discussions are "tough and have still not deliver any real breakthrough," but mentioned that mediators are working hard to close the gaps between the both parties. Essential Issues in Discussions A permanent halt to fighting The trade of the captives still held by Hamas for detainees from Gaza The withdrawal of military personnel from Gaza Measures for humanitarian aid provision Future administration of the area Citizen Reaction In the city's public square earlier, 29-year-old Hagar - whose brother lived through the attack on the outdoor event, where hundreds were lost their lives and numerous more were taken hostage by Hamas gunmen - told: "No location feels like home now and until every captive come back not a single person will feel safe." "After we see everyone home once more, we can feel relief anew. Then we can begin to heal," she continued. Outside the prime minister's residence in Jerusalem, people assembled to express their support for the families of the captives. Israel states nearly fifty remain in confinement in Gaza, approximately twenty of whom are thought to be living. Demonstrator one woman stated: "We must do any agreement needed for the captives to be released. But we really want guarantees that we will be safe." Surveys now consistently show that about 70% of Israelis prefer the hostilities to end in as payment for the release of the hostages. Palestinian Circumstances At the site of the gathering, those paying respects gathered to remember the victims. From the site, the noise of military attacks and explosions could be heard just a few kilometres away in Gaza, where witnesses indicated the severe Israeli bombardment persisted. In Gaza City, bombardments were documented in the morning of Tuesday in the west side district, Rimal and Nasr areas and in the east side district of that sector, as well the camp to the north-west. "When the dusk falls, the dread arrives with it," evacuated urban resident Emaan al-Wahidi, whose young son was lost his life by an Israeli air strike previously, described. "We are fearful of the attacks. All the night we are sleeping together, holding each other, particularly my little child who rests his head on me throughout the night." "Constantly we monitor the updates to see developments. And I'm worried that this ceasefire will not be achieved and that the war will return to us." Health Emergency The healthcare center in Gaza City said it had taken in the bodies of several people by the midday, including a trio who lost their lives in an Israeli strike in the south part al-Sabra neighbourhood. Another medical facility in the southern city of the city reported another two fatalities had been delivered. An individual was killed by Israeli forces while looking for help to the southern area, health workers said. Gaza's health ministry said a significant number of the {territ