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JERUSALEM — Israel held low-key events today to remember the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Sirens went off at 6:30 a.m. across the country, matching the time the attack started. Thousands gathered in southern towns like Be’eri and Nir Oz, where the violence hit hardest.
Families placed flowers and shared stories at sites now rebuilt but still showing damage. In Be’eri, where over 100 people died, survivors talked about the lasting trauma. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke at the Western Wall and said Israel will not stop until all hostages come home. But he upset some families by saying 46 hostages remain in Gaza, when the number is 48.
The day stayed quiet compared to last year, with no big protests. President Isaac Herzog called for global support in a video message. In the U.S., events like empty chairs at Columbia University stood for each victim.
At the same time, talks for a Gaza ceasefire kept going in Egypt. Israeli and Hamas teams met with mediators from Qatar and the U.S. The deal would trade the 48 hostages for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and let aid into northern Gaza. Israel wants to keep some troops there during the truce. A U.S. official said the mood is good, but issues like Hamas giving up weapons are holding things up.
Rockets from Gaza hit near the border during the events, and drones came from Yemen. This shows the fighting has not stopped after two years. Over 41,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza from Israel’s response, according to health officials there. About 700 Israeli soldiers have also been killed.
The talks follow a plan pushed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Steve Witkoff, a Trump advisor, joined the Egypt meetings today. Qatar said it’s too soon to expect a full deal.
Israel’s economy has taken a hit from the war, with tourism down and many people called up for reserve duty. Some Jews have left the country because of safety worries and rising antisemitism worldwide.
The anniversary comes as the war heads into its third year. Both sides want a break, but trust is low after failed deals before.
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