SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt— As Israel marked the painful second anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack, fragile indirect talks opened Monday in Egypt aimed at ending the Gaza war. The negotiations, buoyed by cautious optimism, continued Tuesday amid heavy bombardment and deep uncertainty.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The uprising of diplomacy comes at a symbolic moment. October 7, 2025, represents two years since militants from Hamas struck across southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and seizing some 250 hostages. Memorials across Israel mourned lives lost, and protesters pressed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to deliver on promises to free the remaining captives.

Talks Begin Amid Ongoing Conflict

In Sharm el-Sheikh, delegates representing Israel and Hamas met bilaterally through mediators — chiefly from Egypt and Qatar — using a U.S.-proposed 20-point plan as a framework. The plan envisages a ceasefire, extended prisoner exchange, Israeli withdrawal, the disarmament of Hamas, and a transitional governance structure for Gaza.  Officials described the first day of the talks as “positive,” and the discussions resumed Tuesday.

Despite the diplomatic efforts, violence has not abated. Israeli airstrikes and shelling continued across the Gaza Strip, causing further casualties even as negotiators met. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 67,000 Palestinians have died, and tens of thousands more have been wounded over the course of the war.

Domestic Pressure and Questions of Leadership

Back home in Israel, the anniversary stirred both grief and frustration. Public gatherings took place at the Nova festival site in Re’im, where 378 people were killed in the initial attack. Still, many Israelis voiced disillusionment with the government’s handling of the conflict and its inability to bring home the remaining hostages. A recent survey showed 66 percent of Israelis believe it is time to end the war, and 64 percent say Netanyahu should resign either now or after a peace deal.

Families of hostages continue to lead public pressure campaigns, demanding accountability and action.

High-Stakes Negotiations with Tough Road Ahead

The diplomatic path forward is fraught with complex issues. Hamas insists on full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, while Israel insists that any pullback must be phased and conditional.  Disarmament of Hamas is another red line: the group has repeatedly rejected full demilitarization outside a comprehensive agreement.

Nevertheless, mediators are pushing for early breakthroughs. Both sides reportedly agree on several initial terms, including a framework for swapping hostages for Palestinian prisoners. The first 72 hours, in particular, are seen as critical: some 20 alive hostages are expected to be released in that window, while negotiations over the remains of 28 deceased could take longer.

U.S. officials continue to press for swift progress. The White House has pledged support and oversight, warning that delays could jeopardize momentum.

What Comes Next

The coming hours and days may prove decisive. Both sides must bridge gaps on the nature of a ceasefire, the pace of troop withdrawal, the form of transitional government, and how security will be maintained in Gaza.Any misstep could derail talks or reignite violence.

For Israelis marking this October 7, the stakes are deeply personal: promises of closure, the return of missing loved ones, and a hope for lasting peace in a region long scarred by war.