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People have gathered throughout the country to mark two years since the Hamas-led offensive on October 7th, 2023, as discussions advanced in Egypt over an end to the conflict in Gaza.

The attack saw in excess of 1,200 people killed and 251 others captured away to Gaza as captives. It was the single most fatal day for the Jewish community since the Holocaust.

Israel responded by launching a military offensive in Gaza which has taken in excess of 67,000 people, according to the region's Hamas-administered health ministry. Its statistics are regarded as accurate by the UN and other international bodies.

"Our bloodthirsty opponents have hit us hard, but they have not overcome us," Benjamin Netanyahu added on that day.

He also vowed to "accomplish all the aims of the war: the release of all the captured, the elimination of the Hamas administration and the guarantee that Gaza will never again pose a risk to Israel".

Memorial Events Across Israel

The national leadership delayed official remembrance events until October 16th - after the completion of the festive season - but gatherings still took place around the country on that day.

A remembrance service for the loved ones of Israelis killed in the Hamas assault was conducted in the coastal city. Put together by the victims' relatives, it was televised on Israeli TV networks.

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

Peace Talks in Egypt

At the same time, both sides' negotiating teams gathered in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of the negotiation venue for a follow-up session of mediated discussions to discuss the provisions of the proposal.

A senior representative familiar with the talks said that an evening round of negotiations started at evening in Egypt.

The source said the earlier meeting finished without concrete outcomes, because of differences over the recommended Israeli retreat arrangements from Gaza and over guarantees Hamas seeks to make certain Israel does not recommence hostilities after the opening period of the agreement.

He noted that the talks are "difficult and have not yet produce any major advancement," but pointed out that mediators are working hard to close the disparities between the two sides.

Critical Issues in Talks

• A permanent ceasefire
• The trade of the captives still kept by Hamas for detainees from Gaza
• The pullout of military personnel from Gaza
• Arrangements for humanitarian aid deliveries
• Post-war management of the region

Civilian Sentiment

In the city's memorial area previously, 29-year-old a woman - whose family member survived the attack on the outdoor event, where many attendees were murdered and numerous more were taken hostage by Hamas militants - explained: "No location appears as home any longer and until each abducted person come back no one will feel safe."

"When we see everyone home returned, we can feel relief once more. Then we can commence rebuild," she continued.

Outside the prime minister's official dwelling in Jerusalem, people assembled to demonstrate their solidarity for the families of the captives. Israel reports nearly fifty stay in captivity in Gaza, twenty of whom are believed to be alive.

Demonstrator Atalia Regev explained: "We must do every compromise needed for the hostages to come back home. But we truly desire promises that we will be protected."

Opinion polls now regularly indicate that about 70% of the population prefer the hostilities to finish in return for the freedom of the hostages.

Gaza Situation

At the site of the music event, grieving people assembled to remember the victims.

From that location, the boom of Israeli air strikes and artillery could be noticed just a few kilometres away in Gaza, where witnesses said the severe Israeli bombardment continued.

In the main city, bombardments were noted in the morning of that day in the west side neighborhood, area and Nasr neighbourhoods and in the east side neighbourhood of that sector, as well the camp to the north-west.

"Once the dusk comes, the dread comes with it," evacuated Gaza City resident Emaan al-Wahidi, whose young son was died by an Israeli aerial attack previously, explained.

"My family are fearful of the air strikes. During nighttime we are resting together, clinging, particularly my little child who rests his face on me all night."

"Every second we monitor the reports to see the situation. And I'm worried that this truce will not be achieved and that the war will resume to us."

Humanitarian Crisis

Al-Shifa hospital in the urban area said it had received the remains of several people by the midday, including a trio who lost their lives in an Israeli bombing in the south part area.

A different healthcare center in the south region of that area said additional fatalities had been transported. One of them was died by Israeli troops while seeking help to the south region, health workers reported.

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