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People have assembled throughout the country to mark 24 months since the Hamas-initiated offensive on that fateful day in October 2023, as talks proceeded in Egypt over an end to the hostilities in the Gaza Strip.

The attack saw over 1,200 people dead and 251 others abducted away to Gaza as captives. It was the most deadliest day for Jews since the World War II.

Israel responded by launching a defensive operation in Gaza which has taken more than 67,000 people, according to the area's Hamas-controlled health ministry. Its figures are regarded as trustworthy by the UN and other world agencies.

"The aggressive adversaries have caused great damage, but they have not defeated us," the leader added on Tuesday.

He also promised to "accomplish all the aims of the war: the return of all the captured, the destruction of the Hamas government and the guarantee that Gaza will no longer present a danger to Israel".

Memorial Ceremonies Across Israel

The Israeli government delayed formal memorials until 16 October - after the completion of the religious holiday season - but events still took place throughout the country on Tuesday.

A commemorative event for the relatives of Israeli citizens who lost their lives in the Hamas attack was held in the coastal city. Organized by the affected families, it was televised on Israeli television channels.

A period earlier, a moment of silence was held across the country.

Negotiation Meetings in Egypt

At the same time, Israeli and Hamas delegations gathered in the North African coastal city of the negotiation venue for a follow-up session of indirect talks to examine the terms of the plan.

A senior representative familiar with the talks revealed that an evening round of mediated discussions began at evening in Egypt.

The source stated the day's discussions ended without significant progress, due to disagreements over the recommended Israeli pullout plans from Gaza and over safeguards Hamas seeks to guarantee Israel does not restart fighting after the first phase of the deal.

He added that the discussions are "tough and have yet to deliver any significant progress," but noted that facilitators are working hard to narrow the gaps between the both parties.

Essential Issues in Discussions

• An enduring ceasefire
• The swap of the captives still held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners from Gaza
• The pullout of Israeli forces from Gaza
• Arrangements for relief supplies provision
• After-conflict governance of the area

Civilian Reaction

In the city's memorial area previously, 29-year-old a woman - whose sibling lived through the attack on the gathering, where hundreds were killed and dozens more were taken hostage by Hamas militants - shared: "No place feels like home anymore and until each abducted person come back none of us will have peace of mind."

"Once we see everybody home returned, we can breathe anew. Then we can begin to recover," she concluded.

Near the prime minister's home in Jerusalem, people gathered to demonstrate their backing for the relatives of the captives. Israel states nearly fifty stay in detention in Gaza, 20 of whom are thought to be alive.

Activist one woman explained: "We must do whatever arrangement necessary for the abducted to return. But we sincerely need assurances that we will be secure."

Research now consistently show that around 70% of the population desire the hostilities to end in exchange for the release of the captives.

Gaza Conditions

At the location of the gathering, those paying respects assembled to honor the dead.

From there, the boom of aerial bombardments and explosions could be detected just a brief space away in Gaza, where witnesses said the heavy Israeli bombardment carried on.

In the main city, bombardments were reported in the morning of that day in the west side Tal al-Hawa, sector and locality districts and in the east side district of the community, as well the settlement to the northwest.

"As the night falls, the fear comes with it," relocated Gaza City resident a mother, whose teenage son was died by an Israeli bombing previously, shared.

"We are fearful of the air strikes. During nighttime we are lying together, holding each other, especially my little child who rests his face on me throughout the night."

"Continuously we monitor the news to see the situation. And I'm concerned that this halt will not be achieved and that the war will return to us."

Health Situation

The medical facility in the urban area announced it had received the remains of six people by the midday, including a trio who lost their lives in an Israeli attack in the south part area.

Nasser hospital in the southern city of the city reported another two fatalities had been transported. A person was died by Israeli soldiers while seeking assistance to the southern area, health workers said.

The region's health ministry announced a significant number of the {territ