"The main memorial is being organized by the bereaved families, separate from a ceremony that the government will hold on the anniversary next week according to the Hebrew calendar. The split reflects deep divisions over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 's leadership, which many blame for the failure to secure a ceasefire that would free the remaining hostages held by the militants."
"They abducted 251 others, most of whom have since been released in ceasefires or other deals. Forty-eight hostages remain inside Gaza, around 20 of them believed by Israel to still be alive. Hamas has said it will release them only in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal. Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until all of the captives are returned and Hamas has been disarmed."
Thousands gathered in southern Israel to mourn two years after Hamas' Oct. 7 attack, while Israel and Hamas continued indirect talks in Egypt. A bereaved families' memorial was held separately from a government ceremony, reflecting deep divisions over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership and criticism for failing to secure a ceasefire to free remaining hostages. In Gaza, Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed tens of thousands and razed towns, prompting flight and displacement despite many lacking the means to move south. The Oct. 7 attack killed about 1,200 civilians and produced mass abductions; some hostages remain, and demands and vows over exchanges and disarmament persist. The attack escalated conflict regionally, drawing in Iran, Hezbollah and U.S. actions against Iran.
Read at ABC7 Los Angeles
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