On Tuesday, Israelis around the country gathered to mark the second anniversary of the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack, which killed about 1,200 people and kidnapped 251 captives during a concerted assault on southern Israel. The attacks, the deadliest single strike in the country’s history, left indelible marks on the communities affected, particularly the small kibbutzim targeted by militants.
Unofficial memorials were conducted in the kibbutzims where inhabitants were found dead or kidnapped, and a large rally in Tel Aviv is scheduled to demand the release of the remaining captives held in Gaza.
Mourning at Nova Music Festival Site
Families returned early in the morning to remember the victims of the Nova music festival, which murdered over 370 citizens and kidnapped many more. Everyone present held a minute of silence at 6:29 a.m., exactly at the time the attacks began.
The official Israeli remembrance ceremony will be held on October 16 at Mount Herzl National Cemetery, following the Jewish holiday Simchat Torah. However, the tragedy continues to loom large with the pictures of hostages still in Gaza hung on bus stations across the country, and destroyed homes in kibbutzim serve as bitter reminders of the destruction.
Hope for Hostage Release Amid Ongoing Conflict
The anniversary comes with mixed feelings, as indirect talks between Hamas and Israel started in Egypt on Monday. Negotiators hope to finalize plans for the release of hostages, the return of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, and the initial withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced hope that hostages will be released “in the coming days,” while former US President Donald Trump has threatened Hamas with “total obliteration” if a compromise is not struck. Some remembrance gatherings have also served as protests, asking the Israeli government to reach an agreement that would end the crisis and bring hostages home.
Continuing Violence and Humanitarian Crisis
Despite ongoing negotiations, bloodshed in Gaza persists. Israel has continued to launch airstrikes, killing at least 19 Palestinians in the last 24 hours, including two who were seeking humanitarian relief, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Since the conflict began, more over 67,000 Palestinians have been killed and approximately 170,000 injured. At least 460 people have perished from malnutrition, and humanitarian groups warn of famine in portions of the strip.
A United Nations commission of investigation, various human rights organizations, and top genocide researchers have condemned Israel’s activities in Gaza as genocide over the last two years, which Israel disagrees with, claiming that its operations are self-defense.
Commemorations as Calls for Peace
Memorial events throughout Israel have served a dual purpose to remember the victims while also urging immediate action to return hostages. In Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, families urged Netanyahu to adopt Trump’s suggested plan to halt the war in Gaza. Meanwhile, Palestinians in Gaza await news of a possible ceasefire, but their hopes are dashed by ongoing bloodshed and humanitarian suffering.
As Israel commemorates this horrific year, the country is dealing with grief, resilience, and the pressing need to ensure peace and the release of those still held captive.
