Relatives of people killed by Hamas on October 7 2023 in kibbutz Nir Oz, Israel held a commemoration ceremony on Monday, the eve of the attack's second anniversary.

Nir Oz was one of the hardest-hit communities with 106 residents killed, and 30 abducted when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel.

In the ceremony, the names of those killed were read out and relatives tended to their loved ones' graves.

Meanwhile, Israeli and Hamas officials are meeting in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt Monday in hopes of hammering out a potential ceasefire in Gaza.

The negotiations will focus on the first stage of a ceasefire, including the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces as well as the release of hostages held by the militants in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli detention.

Daniel Lifshitz, a Nir Oz resident and the grandson of killed hostage Oded Lifshitz and released hostage Yocheved Lifshitz, said at the ceremony he hopes negotiations focus on releasing the remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza.

"We cherish life and in Trump we trust to make it happen and that we will have good news in 24 to 36 hours," he said.

Carmit Palty Katzir, who's father was killed on Oct. 7, brother taken hostage and killed, and mother taken hostage and released, said she is "optimistic" about the deal.

"I'm very optimistic and I'm very sad that it didn't happen two years ago. It could have saved us many lives. It's good that it's happening now. It's too late for my family," she said.

This latest push for peace came after Hamas accepted some elements of the U.S. peace plan, a move welcomed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Under the plan, Hamas would release the remaining 48 hostages — about 20 believed to be alive — within three days. It would give up power and disarm.

The war in Gaza started when Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251.

Israel’s ensuing operation has reduced much of Gaza to rubble and led to famine in parts. Gaza’s Health Ministry says over 67,000 Palestinians have been killed. The ministry — part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals — doesn’t say how many were civilians or combatants, but says women and children make up around half.

AP video by Ami Bentov