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People have gathered across the country to mark two years since the Hamas-led attack on October 7th, 2023, as discussions continued in Egypt over a resolution to the war in the Gaza Strip.

The attack saw more than 1,200 people killed and 251 others captured back to Gaza as hostages. It was the uniquely deadliest day for the Jewish community since the Second World War.

Israel responded by beginning a defensive operation in Gaza which has claimed over 67,000 people, according to the area's Hamas-run health ministry. Its numbers are considered accurate by the UN and other world agencies.

"The bloodthirsty opponents have caused great damage, but they have not defeated us," the leader added on that day.

He also promised to "realize all the objectives of the war: the release of all the kidnapped, the removal of the Hamas government and the promise that Gaza will never again pose a threat to Israel".

Memorial Gatherings Across Israel

The Israeli government rescheduled formal commemorations until October 16th - after the conclusion of the religious holiday season - but events still took place across the country on that day.

A memorial ceremony for the families of people who lost their lives in the Hamas assault was organized in Tel Aviv. Organized by the families themselves, it was aired on Israeli television channels.

Hours earlier, a moment of silence was held throughout the country.

Peace Discussions in Egypt

Simultaneously, both sides' delegations convened in the North African coastal city of the negotiation venue for a continuing round of mediated discussions to review the provisions of the proposal.

A senior delegate knowledgeable about the talks said that an evening round of negotiations began at evening in Egypt.

The official said the earlier meeting ended without tangible results, due to differences over the proposed Israeli pullout plans from Gaza and over guarantees Hamas demands to ensure Israel does not resume combat after the opening period of the deal.

He noted that the talks are "difficult and have not yet deliver any major advancement," but pointed out that intermediaries are striving to narrow the gaps between the conflicting groups.

Key Issues in Talks

• A lasting truce
• The exchange of the captives still kept by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners from Gaza
• The removal of military personnel from Gaza
• Measures for assistance deliveries
• Post-war administration of the region

Public Sentiment

In the city's Hostages Square that day, young Hagar - whose brother survived the incident on the gathering, where hundreds were murdered and dozens more were captured by Hamas gunmen - told: "No place appears as home anymore and until every captive return not a single person will be secure."

"After we see everyone home once more, we can feel relief again. Then we can start to recover," she continued.

In front of the leader's home in Jerusalem, people gathered to demonstrate their solidarity for the families of the hostages. Israel says nearly fifty remain in confinement in Gaza, approximately twenty of whom are believed to be living.

Activist Atalia Regev stated: "We need do every compromise required for the captives to come back home. But we truly desire assurances that we will be protected."

Surveys now regularly indicate that around the majority of the population prefer the hostilities to conclude in return for the freedom of the captives.

Gaza Circumstances

At the area of Nova festival, grieving people came together to pay their respects.

From there, the sound of Israeli air strikes and shelling could be noticed just a short distance away in Gaza, where local people said the heavy Israeli shelling carried on.

In Gaza City, attacks were reported in the morning of that day in the west side district, sector and Nasr neighbourhoods and in the eastern area of Sheikh Radwan, as well the settlement to the northwestern area.

"When the dusk comes, the dread appears with it," evacuated urban resident Emaan al-Wahidi, whose teenage son was lost his life by an Israeli air strike earlier, shared.

"We are afraid of the bombings. All the night we are lying together, clinging, particularly my smallest child who places his face on me throughout the night."

"Every second we monitor the updates to see developments. And I'm afraid that this ceasefire will not be finalized and that the conflict will come back to us."

Health Emergency

The medical facility in the urban area reported it had taken in the corpses of six people by the afternoon, including three who lost their lives in an Israeli strike in the south part district.

Another medical facility in the south region of Khan Younis indicated another two fatalities had been brought there. An individual was died by Israeli forces while looking for aid to the southern area, health workers stated.

The territory's health ministry said twenty-five of the {territ