Israelis, Palestinians mark 2 years of conflict

GAZA/TEL AVIV — Thousands of people converged on southern Israel on Tuesday to mourn the dead in Hamas' Oct 7 attack, which triggered the conflict in Gaza, while Israel and Hamas held indirect talks in Egypt.

The main memorial is being organized by the bereaved families, separate from a ceremony the government will hold on the second 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.

In the Gaza Strip, where Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed tens of thousands of people and razed entire towns and cities, 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.

It's been two years since thousands of Hamas-led militants poured into southern Israel after a surprise barrage of rockets. The barrage killed some 1,200 people.

Gaza's health ministry said the Palestinian death toll in the fighting reached 67,160 on Monday.

On the eve of the second anniversary, delegations from Israel and Hamas held their first day of indirect negotiations in Egypt on Monday regarding US President Donald Trump's plan to halt the fighting.

After several hours of talks on Monday, an Egyptian official with knowledge of the discussions said the parties agreed on most of the first-phase terms, which include the release of hostages and the establishment of a ceasefire. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private meetings.

International backing

The plan has received widespread international backing and Trump told reporters on Monday that he thought there was a "really good chance" of a "lasting deal".

Many uncertainties remain, however, including the demand that Hamas disarm and the future governance of Gaza.

Trump, who has cast himself as the only world leader capable of achieving peace in Gaza, has invested significant political capital in efforts to end the fighting that has killed tens of thousands and left US ally Israel increasingly isolated on the world stage.

But both sides are seeking clarifications on crucial details, including those that have derailed previous attempts to end the fighting and could defy any quick resolution.

The talks began at the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh with delegations from Egypt, the United States and Qatar present as intermediaries.

A Palestinian official close to the negotiations said the first session ended late on Monday evening and more talks were due to take place on Tuesday.

Hamas outlined its stance on the release of hostages and the scale and timeline of Israel's withdrawal from Gaza, the official said. The group also voiced concerns over whether Israel would commit to a permanent ceasefire and a comprehensive pullout, the official said.

Even as the talks concluded for the day, sounds of explosions from airstrikes and demolition of houses could be heard in Gaza City, signifying that Israel had not ceased its bombardment.

Agencies Via Xinhua