Israel and Hamas resumed indirect peace negotiations in Egypt on Tuesday under a US-brokered plan to end the Gaza war. The talks coincided with Israel’s commemoration of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.
The 2023 assault, launched during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, killed 1,219 Israelis and led to the capture of 251 hostages.
Across Israel, citizens held memorial services and candlelight vigils, including one at the Nova music festival site, where more than 370 people were murdered.
Israel’s retaliation campaign has devastated Gaza. The Hamas-run health ministry reports over 67,000 deaths, mostly women and children, along with the destruction of homes, schools, and hospitals. Thousands of displaced Palestinians continue to live in dire conditions.
Public frustration is rising in Israel, with 72% of citizens dissatisfied with the government’s handling of the war. In response, Israel has intensified its regional strikes, killing Hezbollah commander Hassan Nasrallah and several senior Hamas leaders.
Former US President Donald Trump unveiled a new peace plan that calls for a phased Israeli withdrawal, the disarmament of Hamas, and an immediate ceasefire once hostages are released.
Trump said both sides are showing “goodwill” and urged negotiators to “move fast.”
Negotiators in Sharm El-Sheikh are discussing a hostage-prisoner exchange, which may take several days to finalize. Despite progress, a final agreement remains uncertain.
Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir warned that Israel would “return to fighting” in Gaza if talks fail.
