REIM, Israel (AP) - Israelis are preparing to mourn the dead on Tuesday, marking two years since the devastating Oct. 7 attack by Hamas that plunged the region into war. While Israel and Hamas engage in indirect talks in Egypt, the main memorial ceremony is being organized by bereaved families rather than government officials. This reflects significant divisions regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership, with many blaming him for the failure to secure a ceasefire and free the remaining hostages held by Hamas.
In the Gaza Strip, Israel's retaliatory offensive has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands and the destruction of entire towns and cities. Many residents are fleeing a renewed invasion of Gaza City, while others remain sheltered in place, unable to afford the arduous journey south.
The Worst Attack in Israel's History
It has been two years since thousands of Hamas-led militants launched a surprise attack, entering southern Israel after a barrage of rockets. This assault targeted army bases, farming communities, and an outdoor music festival, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. Additionally, 251 individuals were abducted, with around 48 still believed to be held captive in Gaza.
Many of the captives have been released through ceasefires or deals, but Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until all hostages are returned and Hamas is disarmed. This conflict has also escalated into combat involving Iran and its allies in the region, particularly with Hezbollah in Lebanon, resulting in significant losses on both sides. The United States joined Israel in a 12-day military campaign against Iran's military and nuclear capabilities earlier this year.
Despite killing several top militants and Iranian military personnel, Israel remains divided due to the failure to secure a solution for the hostages, with weekly protests against Netanyahu's leadership. Furthermore, Israel's international standing is reportedly at a low point.
A Memorial at the Scene of a Massacre
The Nova music festival site in Reim, where nearly 400 Israelis were killed and dozens were abducted, has become a memorial. Portraits of the victims are displayed alongside Israeli flags. In honor of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, bereaved families plan to erect a sukkah at the site, although there will not be an official ceremony due to the holiday.
The primary memorial event is slated for Tel Aviv and will feature musical performances and speeches. Yonatan Shamriz, who lost his brother Alon in a tragic incident involving Israeli forces, is organizing the event.
Israel and Hamas Discuss Peace Plan
On Monday, Israel and Hamas met in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh to discuss a new peace initiative proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, with talks expected to continue on Tuesday.
According to Gaza's Health Ministry, the ongoing conflict has claimed over 67,000 Palestinian lives, with women and children accounting for nearly half of the casualties. Independent experts suggest this figure is one of the most reliable estimates of wartime deaths. Israel's military operations have displaced about 90% of Gaza's 2 million residents, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis, with many facing starvation and dire conditions.
Major human rights groups have accused Israel of committing acts of genocide, while the International Criminal Court is investigating Netanyahu and his former defense minister for allegedly utilizing starvation as a weapon of war. Israel, however, denies these allegations, asserting it is conducting a lawful war of self-defense and placing the blame on Hamas for utilizing civilian areas for military purposes.
Hamas has framed the Oct. 7 attack as a response to decades of Israeli occupation and territorial expansion. Nonetheless, the conflict has inflicted catastrophic consequences on the Palestinians, and their aspirations for statehood appear further away than ever.
