**Title: Two Years of Conflict: Israelis and Palestinians Reflect**

Two years have passed since Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, resulting in significant loss of life and escalating conflict. On October 7, 2023, thousands of militants infiltrated the region following a barrage of rockets. They targeted army bases, farming communities, and an outdoor music festival, killing approximately 1,200 people, primarily civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. Additionally, 251 individuals were abducted during the assault. In retaliation, Israel initiated a military offensive in the Gaza Strip, which has led to tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths and the destruction of entire towns and cities.

As the United States seeks to mediate a ceasefire after nearly two years of warfare, many residents are fleeing the anticipated Israeli invasion of Gaza City, while others remain in place, unable to undertake the difficult journey south. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the Palestinian death toll has reached 67,160 as of Monday.

European leaders have also marked the anniversary of the October 7 attacks. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas, including German citizens. He described the attack as a “black day” in Jewish history and expressed concern over rising antisemitism in Germany since the attacks.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson referred to the October 7 attack as “the worst mass murder of Jews since the Holocaust,” emphasizing that there is no place for antisemitism in Sweden. Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter urged for an end to violence and called for the release of all hostages held by Hamas.

In Israel, thousands gathered at memorial sites across southern Israel to honor those lost in the October 7 attack. Mourners visited locations such as the Nova music festival site, where nearly 400 people were killed. Although there was no formal memorial due to the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, many gathered at 6:29 a.m., the exact time the attack began, to observe a moment of silence.

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated his call for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages held in Gaza. He condemned the conditions faced by captives and urged both Israel and Hamas to seize the opportunity to end hostilities. Guterres emphasized the need for a just and lasting peace in the region.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed Parliament, stating that Australia must work towards establishing both an Israeli and a Palestinian state in a future without Hamas. He condemned the October 7 attack and described it as an affront to humanity. Albanese also denounced pro-Hamas graffiti found in Melbourne as “abhorrent.”

New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters referred to October 7 as a “day of infamy” and condemned the overwhelming nature of Israel’s military response, which he said has disproportionately affected Palestinian civilians. He reiterated New Zealand's support for the U.S. peace plan proposed by President Trump.

As families of hostages prepare to hold a memorial separate from a government event, tensions regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership remain high. Many blame him for the failure to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

Indirect talks between Israeli and Hamas officials are set to continue at an Egyptian resort, focusing on a U.S.-drafted peace plan. The discussions, which began Monday, aim to address key issues such as the disarmament of Hamas and the future governance of Gaza. Despite calls for a ceasefire, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have persisted. An Egyptian official indicated that the parties have agreed on most initial terms, including the release of hostages and establishing a ceasefire, with further discussions expected to resume Tuesday afternoon.