Israelis commemorate October 7th Hamas attacks

October 7th marks two years since Israel’s war on Gaza started, following Hamas’ attacks in Southern Israel on the same date. Now, Israelis are remembering the people lost on the sites of the attacks, while the sounds of Israeli attacks resonate for many Palestinians, The Washington Post reported on October 7th.

In Kfar Aza, Israel, a small community that was attacked by Hamas, former residents came together to commemorate the relatives they lost and to reflect on of how Israeli society has changed since October 7th 2023.  Their commemorations were accompanied by Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza.

The community is mourning its loss, while Hamas and Israeli leaders are engaging in talks over the Gaza peace plan that was unveiled by the US. The leaders are in Egypt discussing the implementation of the ceasefire plan and the release of the hostages.

The ceasefire talks reached a deadlock for months, until Israel attacked Hamas officials in Doha which led Arab and Gulf nations to ramp up efforts for a peace plan in order to avoid an escalation of the conflict.

While Israelis are commemorating the deaths of 1200 people and the captivity of hostages still held in Gaza, it’s also a dark day for Palestinians who are remembering some 64,700 people that were killed by Israel in its military campaign against the population of Gaza.

Pnina Russo, a former resident of Kfar Aza who has lost her son, mourned his loss while also calling for the end of the war in Gaza. She showed empathy for Gazan Palestinians who she said also had to suffer during these two years of war. She also stated that the divisions between people in Israel over the conflict is very concerning to her.

Israel has been torn between the Israeli people and extremist politicians in government. Many Israelis want an immediate end to the war and the release of the hostages to go ahead, yet the far-right members of government continue to wage war. Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have been sanctioned by the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway for their extremist views on Palestinians.

The Washington Post, Maghrebi.org