Israel Marks Oct. 7 Anniversary Amid Gaza Talks

Israel marked the second anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks with nationwide mourning, sirens and vigils at Hostage Square, the Nova festival site and kibbutzim including Kfar Aza. The assault remains the deadliest in Israel’s history, with more than 1,200 civilians and soldiers killed and roughly 370–400 people slain at the Nova festival, while dozens of Israelis remain captive. Nonprofit OneFamily says it has tripled in size to support thousands more bereaved and wounded families, adding about 4,000 newly bereaved. Indirect, U.S.-backed negotiations in Egypt have raised hopes for a hostage release and a broader Gaza deal that could begin with a ceasefire and prisoner exchange. At the same time, reports put Palestinian deaths at more than 67,000 amid ongoing military operations, leaving Gaza’s humanitarian situation dire and Israel increasingly isolated diplomatically. World leaders urged immediate hostage releases, a ceasefire and renewed efforts toward a two-state solution while condemning the Oct. 7 attacks and debating the proportionality of subsequent Israeli military actions.