Israelis gathered across the country on Tuesday to commemorate the second anniversary of the 7 October 2023 attack, when Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people and took 251 hostages in southern Israel. Unofficial ceremonies were held in the small kibbutzim that bore the brunt of the assault, while a large rally in Tel Aviv called for the release of the remaining captives.
At the site of the Nova music festival, where more than 370 people were killed and dozens abducted, relatives returned at dawn to mourn. A minute's silence was observed at 6.29am, the exact moment the attack began. The official state remembrance ceremony will take place on 16 October at Mount Herzl cemetery after the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah.
The second anniversary also marks two years since the start of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which has caused widespread destruction and a humanitarian crisis. More than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed and 170,000 wounded, according to the Gaza health ministry. The UN and human rights groups have accused Israel of genocide, a charge Israel rejects as self-defence.
The memory of the collective trauma remains stark, with faces of hostages posted at bus stops and homes still charred from the attacks. However, this anniversary is overshadowed by cautious optimism over renewed negotiations in Egypt, aimed at securing a hostage release and a ceasefire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he hopes to announce the release of hostages 'in the coming days', while US President Donald Trump has threatened Hamas with 'total obliteration' if no deal is reached.
In Gaza, Palestinians wait anxiously for a possible ceasefire, even as Israeli strikes continue. The Gaza health ministry reported at least 19 deaths in the past 24 hours, including two people seeking aid. The war has also led to a famine in parts of the territory, which Israel denies is due to a blockade.
