People gathered in Central Park on Tuesday, the second anniversary of Hamas' 2023 attack, to mark the beginning of Sukkot, a Jewish celebration.

"Bring them home" attendees chanted after a moment of silence in remembrance of victims and hostages of the attack.

It’s been two years since thousands of Hamas-led militants poured into southern Israel after a surprise barrage of rockets.

They stormed army bases, farming communities and an outdoor music festival, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, including women, children and older adults and abducting 251 others.

In response, Israel launched an offensive into the Gaza Strip that has killed tens of thousands of people and razed entire towns and cities.

As the U.S. is seeking to broker a ceasefire after nearly two years of war, those who can are fleeing another Israeli invasion of Gaza City while others are sheltering in place. Many are unable to make the arduous and costly journey south.