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People have assembled around the country to remember two years since the Hamas-initiated offensive on October 7th, 2023, as talks proceeded in the neighboring country over an end to the conflict in Gaza.

The incident resulted in more than 1,200 people killed and 251 others captured back to Gaza as prisoners. It was the uniquely deadliest day for the Jewish community since the World War II.

Israel responded by launching a defensive operation in Gaza which has taken over 67,000 people, based on figures from the territory's Hamas-run health ministry. Its statistics are considered trustworthy by the United Nations and other global organizations.

"Our bloodthirsty enemies have hit us hard, but they have not defeated us," the prime minister added on that day.

He also promised to "accomplish all the goals of the war: the homecoming of all the captured, the elimination of the Hamas government and the promise that Gaza will never again present a danger to Israel".

Commemorative Gatherings Across Israel

The government authorities rescheduled formal memorials until October 16th - after the completion of the religious holiday season - but events still took place throughout the country on that day.

A remembrance service for the loved ones of Israelis killed in the Hamas incident was held in Tel Aviv. Put together by the victims' relatives, it was broadcast on Israeli television channels.

A period earlier, a silent tribute was observed around the country.

Peace Meetings in Egypt

Meanwhile, Israeli and Hamas delegations met in the North African coastal city of the Egyptian city for a follow-up session of mediated discussions to discuss the provisions of the proposal.

A high-ranking Palestinian official knowledgeable about the talks revealed that an night meeting of mediated discussions began at 19:00 Cairo time.

The representative said the earlier meeting finished without significant progress, amid differences over the suggested Israeli pullout plans from Gaza and over assurances Hamas demands to guarantee Israel does not recommence hostilities after the opening period of the arrangement.

He added that the discussions are "challenging and have yet to achieve any major advancement," but pointed out that intermediaries are working hard to reduce the gaps between the two sides.

Essential Issues in Discussions

• A permanent ceasefire
• The swap of the prisoners still detained by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners from Gaza
• The withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza
• Measures for relief supplies distribution
• After-conflict administration of the region

Public Sentiment

In Tel Aviv's Hostages Square that day, young Hagar - whose brother survived the incident on the outdoor event, where 378 people were murdered and dozens more were abducted by Hamas militants - told: "No location seems like home any longer and until every captive return not a single person will have peace of mind."

"After we see all home again, we can relax again. Then we can start to recover," she concluded.

In front of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in the capital, people gathered to demonstrate their solidarity for the loved ones of the hostages. Israel says forty-eight remain in detention in Gaza, approximately twenty of whom are considered to be surviving.

Protester one woman stated: "We need do whatever arrangement necessary for the abducted to return. But we sincerely need guarantees that we will be protected."

Opinion polls now consistently show that about 70% of the population want the hostilities to end in as payment for the freedom of the captives.

Palestinian Situation

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

From there, the sound of Israeli air strikes and artillery could be detected just a short distance away in Gaza, where witnesses indicated the intense Israeli bombardment continued.

In the main city, bombardments were reported in the early hours of Tuesday in the west side neighborhood, area and zone neighbourhoods and in the eastern area of that sector, as well the settlement to the northwest.

"Once the evening arrives, the dread comes with it," evacuated urban resident a local woman, whose teenage son was killed by an Israeli bombing previously, explained.

"We are terrified of the air strikes. All the night we are resting together, clinging, particularly my smallest child who rests his head on me throughout the night."

"Constantly we look at the news to see the situation. And I'm concerned that this ceasefire will not be achieved and that the war will return to us."

Medical Situation

Al-Shifa hospital in the urban area announced it had taken in the remains of six people by the afternoon, including several killed in an Israeli bombing in the south part area.

Another medical facility in the south region of Khan Younis reported another two dead people had been transported. A person was lost his life by Israeli soldiers while attempting to get assistance to the southern area, health workers reported.

The territory's health ministry announced a significant number of the {territ