**Title: Israelis Commemorate Two Years Since Oct. 7 Attack Amid Ongoing Conflict**

Thousands of people gathered in southern Israel on Tuesday to remember the victims of the Hamas-led attack that occurred two years ago on October 7. This attack marked the beginning of a devastating conflict in the region. As memorials took place, indirect peace talks between Israel and Hamas continued in Egypt.

The main memorial event in Tel Aviv, organized by families of the victims, is set to take place later in the evening. This event is separate from a government ceremony scheduled for next week, according to the Hebrew calendar. The division in memorials highlights the significant discontent with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership, as many blame him for failing to secure a ceasefire that could lead to the release of hostages still held by Hamas.

In the Gaza Strip, the ongoing Israeli military offensive has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands and the destruction of entire towns. Many residents are fleeing the violence, while others remain trapped, unable to afford the journey to safety.

The October 7 attack is considered the worst in Israel's history. It began with a surprise barrage of rockets, followed by militants storming army bases, farming communities, and an outdoor music festival, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths, mostly among civilians. A total of 251 individuals were abducted during the attack, with 48 hostages still believed to be in Gaza, around 20 of whom are thought to be alive. Hamas has stated it will only release these hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal.

Netanyahu has vowed to continue military operations until all hostages are returned and Hamas is disarmed. The attack has led to broader regional conflicts, including confrontations with Iran and its allies, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon. The United States has also engaged militarily, targeting Iran's military capabilities.

The failure to secure the return of hostages has fueled public dissent, with mass protests against Netanyahu occurring weekly. Israel's international standing has also diminished significantly in recent years.

At the Nova music festival site in Reim, where nearly 400 people were killed and many others abducted, a memorial has emerged over the past two years. Although no official ceremony was held at the site due to the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, many people visited to honor their loved ones. They shared memories and reflected on their losses, pausing for a moment of silence at 6:29 a.m., the exact time the attack began.

Alon Muskinov, who survived the festival and lost three friends, expressed the ongoing pain of survivors. "We are reliving this every day anew, every day we remember them," he said. Yehuda Rahmani, who lost his daughter during the attack, visits the memorial daily, hoping to learn more about her final moments. He criticized the government for not investigating the security failures that contributed to the tragedy, stating, "When you don’t know what happened, it makes it so much harder."

As the memorials unfolded, explosions were reported in Gaza, with the Israeli military confirming a rocket launch from the area. No injuries or damage were reported from this incident. In Tel Aviv, a memorial ceremony was organized by families of hostages, including Yonatan Shamriz, whose brother was mistakenly killed by Israeli forces after escaping captivity.

Shay Dickmann, who lost family members in the attack, emphasized the desire for peace. "There is a deal on the table, there is an opportunity to end this war and bring everybody back home," she said. "We all deserve it, we deserve it, our neighbors deserve it, we want this war to end and all to come back to their homes."

In Egypt, indirect talks between Israel and Hamas continued, focusing on a U.S.-brokered peace plan. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 67,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which has faced criticism for its casualty reporting. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with severe food shortages affecting the population.

Israel has faced accusations of committing genocide, with the International Criminal Court seeking the arrest of Netanyahu and his former defense minister for alleged war crimes. Israel denies these allegations, asserting that its military actions are lawful and aimed at self-defense, while blaming Hamas for the ongoing violence and destruction in Gaza. The Oct. 7 attack has had catastrophic consequences for Palestinians, further complicating their aspirations for statehood.