Israelis Commemorate Two Years As October 7th Attacks Amid Hostage Negotiations
Israelis are marking two years since the October 7th, 2023, attacks by hamas, the deadliest single day in the nation’s history. Commemorations are taking place across the country, interwoven with calls for the return of hostages still held in Gaza.
The attacks, which targeted small kibbutzim in southern Israel, resulted in significant loss of life and the abduction of numerous individuals. The memory of the trauma remains deeply felt, evidenced by images of hostages displayed prominently in public spaces and the continued presence of homes destroyed during the initial assault.
Memorial events are being held, including a gathering of survivors from the Nova music festival alongside former hostages and families of victims. Ofir Dor,whose son Idan was killed at the festival,expressed the enduring pain of the loss,stating,”This angel woudl have been 27 today. I live the memory as if it were an hour ago.” A national ceremony of remembrance is scheduled for October 16th at Mount Herzl, Israel’s national cemetery, following the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah.
This year’s anniversary is particularly poignant as it coincides with renewed hope for a potential ceasefire and hostage release deal. Negotiators from Hamas and Israel have begun indirect talks in Egypt, focusing on the release of all hostages in exchange for the return of approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, and an initial withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. This round of negotiations has generated more optimism than previous efforts since the breakdown of a ceasefire in mid-March.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed hope for an proclamation regarding hostage releases “in the coming days,” while former US President donald Trump has issued a threat of “total obliteration” to Hamas should the deal fail. Some commemorative events have been adapted into rallies urging the government to secure a deal for the hostages’ return and an end to the ongoing war. Families have publicly called on netanyahu to pursue a resolution, referencing Trump’s proposed plan.
Meanwhile,in Gaza,Palestinians await news of a potential ceasefire. Despite calls for a halt to strikes, Israeli military operations have continued, with the Gaza health ministry reporting at least 19 deaths in the last 24 hours, including individuals seeking aid.
The anniversary also marks two years since the start of Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in widespread destruction and a significant humanitarian crisis. According to the Gaza health ministry, over 67,000 Palestinians have been killed and approximately 170,000 wounded. At least 460 deaths have been attributed to starvation, and international organizations warn of a developing famine, citing an Israeli blockade as a contributing factor – a claim Israel denies.
Allegations of genocide in Gaza have been made by a UN commission of inquiry, several human rights groups, and the International Association of Genocide Scholars.Israel has vehemently denied these accusations, maintaining that its actions are in self-defense.
