Israel on Sunday marked the second anniversary of the deadly Hamas attacks that killed more than 1,200 civilians and soldiers — an assault that triggered the ongoing Gaza war.
Commemorative events were held across the country to honor the victims, including a major ceremony at the Nova music festival site, where at least 400 people lost their lives during the October 2023 attack.
In Tel Aviv, hundreds gathered at the city’s central square — now renamed Hostages Square — in remembrance of those killed and those still held captive by Hamas.
The anniversary comes as renewed ceasefire talks are taking place in Egypt, aimed at securing a truce and the release of remaining hostages.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump praised the progress made on the first day of negotiations, while United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged all parties to seize the opportunity to end the bloodshed in Gaza.
Guterres reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire and renewed humanitarian access to civilians caught in the conflict, stressing that “the suffering in Gaza must stop.”
