Israelis gather at hostages square to mark 2 years of war as peace talks are underway

Columbia University has suspended outside access to campus and barred demonstrations that did not get prior approval, citing a “heightened risk of disruption.”

But tensions still flared Tuesday as pro-Palestinian students accused administrators of blocking a planned vigil for Gaza’s dead while allowing a pro-Israel memorial to proceed.

“We asked the university to let us pray,” said graduate student Serena Rasoul, standing with about 100 supporters outside the gates. “But we Palestinians are not allowed to mourn our dead.”

At the center of campus, a Jewish student group arranged 1,200 chairs and candles to honor victims of the Oct. 7 attack. A university spokesperson said the pro-Palestinian group was offered another location and that the school’s event policy is “content neutral.”

Columbia became the epicenter of U.S. campus protests last year. In July, the Ivy League school agreed to restrict demonstrations under a $220 million settlement with the Trump administration.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country is “cautiously optimistic” about the talks in Egypt.

“We want all 48 of our hostages home and expect them to be released immediately, which is exactly what the first phase of President Trump’s plan outlines,” the prime minister’s office said in a statement Tuesday night.

The comments come on the second day of negotiations and as a top advisor to the prime minister is set to join the talks, according to an Israeli official in the prime minister’s office, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

Two years after the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel and the country’s ensuing war in Gaza, Americans are more divided on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and are growing more anxious about the safety of Jewish communities at home.

Partisan divides over Israel long predate the war, but recent polls suggest sympathy for Israel has declined among some Americans as the fighting continues. The conflict has sharpened debates in the U.S. not only over foreign policy but also over the visibility and security of Jewish communities, where fears of discrimination are rising.

Polls also show concern over anti-Muslim sentiment, although the shift is less pronounced. Reliable data on Muslim and Arab American views remains limited in part due to small sample sizes.

Jewish community leaders and security experts say extra security during periods of heightened visibility such as the High Holidays, after multiple attacks against Jews in the U.S. this year.

▶Read more about Americans’ views on Israel since Oct. 7, 2023

High-level delegations from Israel, the U.S. and Qatar are heading to Egypt as ceasefire negotiations continue there, a sign the talks are gaining momentum.

A U.S official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the trip had not yet been formally announced, said that special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner were expected to arrive Wednesday.

From Israel, a top advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ron Dermer, was also expected in Egypt Wednesday afternoon, said an Israeli official who was not authorized to speak to the media.

In a post on X Tuesday evening, Qatar’s foreign ministry said that Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani will too head to Egypt to join the negotiations.

Hundreds of students and staff from universities in London and elsewhere in the U.K. have joined protests demanding an end to the war in Gaza.

They’re defying warnings from Britain’s prime minister, Keir Starmer, who said such demonstrations on the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks were “un-British,” disrespectful and risk fueling antisemitism.

Many of those rallying Tuesday carried flags and placards bearing pro-Palestinian slogans.

“If they’re offended by this, it says more about them than it says about any of us here. If you think that me protesting for human rights of a group of people is offensive towards you, then that is your problem,” said Muhlisa Husainova, 19.

“We are for humans, we don’t want to kill humans. This is what we’re protesting, we’re not protesting anything else. We’re not protesting to hate any other group of people,” she added.

The Jewish folk song “Hava Nagila” reverberated through a giant Buenos Aires stadium as Argentina’s libertarian President Javier Milei paid tribute to victims of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel during a campaign event resembling a wild rock concert.

At the sound of the shofar – a ram’s horn employed in Jewish High Holiday rites – Milei strutted onto the stage and belted out covers of classic Argentine rock hits late Monday before falling silent in homage to Israel.

“We demand the prompt and unconditional recovery of all the hostages,” Milei said. Four Argentines are still being held by Hamas.

Milei,a rare world leader who is outspoken in support of Israel’s actions in Gaza, led the crowd of 15,000 in a lively rendition of “Hava Nagila.”

“Israel is the bastion of the West, and that’s why terrorists and the left wing are together,” Milei told the crowd. “They know by destroying Israel, they’re destroying the world and Judeo-Christian culture.”

Israel has accused the Vatican’s top diplomat of drawing a false moral equivalence between Hamas and Israel in remarks ahead of the Oct. 7 anniversary. Cardinal Pietro Parolin condemned Hamas’ “inhuman massacre” and rising antisemitism, but said Israel’s destruction of Gaza was itself a disproportionate massacre and urged countries to stop supplying Israel with weapons.

The Israeli Embassy to the Holy See said Parolin’s interview, “though surely well-intentioned, risks undermining efforts to both end the war in Gaza and counter rising antisemitism.” It objected to his “problematic use of moral equivalence” between the sides.

Pope Leo XIV has denounced the Hamas attacks as terrorism but pointed to the 67,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza as a sign of “how much hatred exists in the world,” urging people “to reduce hatred” and “seek peaceful solutions.”

The Czech Republic, one of Israel’s strongest European allies, marked the Oct. 7 anniversary with a call to remember the victims and protect civilians on all sides.

President Petr Pavel said the “brutal” Hamas attack in 2023 “deeply shocked Israel and the entire world.”

He urged global leaders not to forget both “the hostages who have been held captive for two years, but also the civilians suffering in Gaza,” and to do everything possible “to uphold the rules, protect civilians and promote dialogue.”

Hamas on Tuesday reiterated its longstanding demands for ending the war in Gaza and releasing Israeli hostages as Egypt hosted a new round of indirect ceasefire talks.

The statement indicated that Hamas’ demands, which are at odds with those of Israel, have not changed since it accepted some elements of U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan last week.

The statement, delivered by Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum, said it seeks a “permanent and comprehensive ceasefire” and the “complete withdrawal” of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the war will only end when Hamas returns all the remaining hostages, hands over power and disarms.

Hamas has long said it will release the hostages if its demands are met and that it is willing to hand over power to other Palestinians. It has so far publicly refused calls to disarm.

Pictures of the hostages lined the square as some people played music and others embraced, waiting for the ceremony to start on Tuesday evening.

Many families of the hostages said that while this was a grim milestone, Trump’s peace plan had given them more hope than they’d had in months.

“I’m frustrated and disappointed that we got to the two-year mark,” said Udi Goren, whose cousin Tal Haimi is held by Hamas in Gaza.

Still, Trump has been able to rally the world behind his peace plan, creating an unprecedented coalition, he said. “The gap between an incredible plan and a better future is will. We see that Trump has the will,” said Goren.

U.S. embassies in at least 10 European nations have advised Americans traveling or living there to exercise increased security precautions on Tuesday’s second anniversary of the Hamas attacks on Israel.

Embassies in Armenia, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Norway, Spain and Turkey all issued identical warnings to U.S. citizens advising them to step up their personal awareness of potential threats and protests.

“Due to the anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israel and out of an abundance of caution, U.S. citizens are advised to remain vigilant, maintain heightened situational awareness, and practice good personal security measures,” the embassies said in apparently coordinated notices sent to Americans.

Israeli forces raided areas around Ramallah in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday as gunfire echoed in the air and smoke rose from the urban Al-Amari refugee camp.

At least 35 people were arrested since Monday in the West Bank, east Jerusalem and elsewhere, according to the Palestinian Prisoners Club, a group representing Palestinians in Israeli prisons.

The Israeli military did not immediately confirm the arrests but said “regular counterterrorism activity” was underway.

The operation took place while the region marked the second anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has marked the two-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel with a pledge that the United States remains “unwavering” in support for Israel’s right to defend itself.

In a statement, Rubio also lamented a “troubling rise” in antisemitism around the world and said there would be “no compromise” in combating it.

“The United States reaffirms its unwavering support for Israel’s right to exist, to defend itself, and to ensure the safety of its people,” Rubio said. “As the United States marks this tragic anniversary and honors the victims, we renew our resolve to prevent such evil from ever taking place again.”

Rubio noted that the Trump administration is trying to broker an end to the conflict but said that even after it is over, the fight against antisemitism would continue. “We continue to condemn all acts of terrorism and antisemitism against Israel, and we call on the international community to stand with Israel during this painful anniversary,” he said.

The Israeli military says it has intercepted four drones fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

The drone fire came as the region marked two years since Hamas’ attack on southern Israel triggered the war in the Gaza Strip.

The Houthis, claiming to act in solidarity with the Palestinians, have regularly fired missiles and drones at Israel. The vast majority have been intercepted without causing casualties or major damage. The Houthis have also repeatedly attacked international shipping in the Red Sea. Israel has retaliated with airstrikes on Yemen.

Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya warned Israel that any action to destroy the foundation of a two-state solution will lead Tokyo to consider sanctions against Israel or the recognition of Palestinian statehood.

Marking the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks, Iwaya said it is essential to stop Israel’s one-sided actions, achieve a sustainable ceasefire and an immediate release of all hostages and support humanitarian relief to Gaza.

He said all parties should act in accordance with a plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

“In case of a development that completely destroys the foundation of the two-state solution, Japan will consider all options including sanctions against Israel or a recognition of Palestinian state,” Iwaya said.

Egypt’s top diplomat said a U.S. delegation will join indirect talks between Israel and Hamas on Wednesday.

Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said the main focus of the talks is establishing a ceasefire and the release of hostages and a number of Palestinian prisoners.

He said the parties were also discussing maps showing areas from where Israeli forces will withdraw in the first phase, which also includes “full and unconditional” delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza through the United Nations.

He said the negotiations aim at achieving a “security mechanism” that eventually leads to a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

The anguish of loss and a desperate wish for a quick end to the war also resounded across Gaza.

“Our families have died, our homes are gone. We pray to God that this war will end as soon as possible, today instead of tomorrow,” said Sanaa Adwan in Khan Younis.

Ghassan Abu Rejeila said the war has stripped Gaza of everything that gives life meaning, whether it’s a family gathering or a decent meal. His wish to watch his children in their school uniforms pursue their education is no more. “We’ve lost the beautiful moments (in life). Our life has become hell upon hell. Every day, there is killing, strikes, death, martyrdom.”

For Maha Shbeir, a doctor at Nasser Hospital, the last two years feel like two decades filled with tragedy, suffering, homelessness and hunger. She said the war also robbed people of a sense of stability. After being displaced eight times, it felt as if “my soul was leaving my body.”

The president is scheduled to meet Tuesday afternoon at the White House with Edan Alexander, who was taken hostage by Hamas in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that led to the Israel-Hamas war.

Trump met in July with Alexander, who was the last living American hostage in Gaza and released from captivity in May.

The meeting, which is scheduled to occur behind closed doors, comes as indirect peace talks are being held in Egypt over Trump’s plan to end the fighting.

Families and friends of the Oct. 7 victims visited the site of the Nova music festival, where 400 revelers were killed and dozens taken hostage by Hamas. They weaved through memorials and shared stories about the victims in hushed tones.

People embraced a woman wailing for her loss. Another woman spoke of losing her two daughters at the festival and with them, her identify as a mother.

Alon Muskinov, 28, who was at the festival and lost three of his closest friends, said this anniversary isn’t particularly special because “we are reliving this every day anew, every day we remember them.”

Yehuda Rahmani says he finds comfort in visiting the last place where his daughter was alive. His daughter Sharon, a police officer, was on a security detail during the music festival. Rahmadi hopes to run into a survivor who could shed more light on Sharon’s last moments.

“When you don’t know what happened, it makes it so much harder,” he said, adding that he’s angry the government has yet to launch an official inquiry into that day’s security failures.

Mandla Mandela, Nelson Mandela’s grandson and pro-Palestinian activist who was detained in international waters by Israel as part of a Gaza-bound flotilla, says all activists are now “safe” and “on their way home.”

In a video posted to his Instagram page on Tuesday, Mandela, a former South African lawmaker, said he and other released activists were in Jordan.

The Jordanian Foreign Ministry confirmed in a post on X the arrival of 130 citizens from 23 nations including Algeria, Brazil, Colombia, Japan, Libya, Mexico, Pakistan, Switzerland and the United States.

Last week, Israeli authorities intercepted dozens of boats attempting to break its siege of Gaza and took some 470 activists to an Israeli prison before progressively deporting them. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has not yet commented on the latest deportations that took place as the nation marks two years of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack that plunged the region into war.

Majed al-Ansari, a spokesman for Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, told journalists on Tuesday that the first day of talks on Monday went for four hours. He said the discussions were still underway Tuesday.

Qatar has been a key mediator between Israel and Hamas.

“These talks will need some time. There are details we need to go through,” al-Ansari said, adding the talks could take “days.”

The indirect negotiations in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh are focused on a plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump last week that aims to bring about an end to the war in Gaza.

After several hours of talks 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 establishing a ceasefire. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private meetings.

In Tel Aviv, the main memorial ceremony was organized by Yonatan Shamriz, whose brother Alon was among three hostages mistakenly killed by Israeli forces after they escaped Hamas captivity early in the war.

Shay Dickmann, who lost her aunt outside her house in Kibbutz Be’eri on the day of the attack while her cousin, Carmel Gat, was taken hostage by Hamas and killed 11 months later, said all everyone wants is for the war to end.

“There is a deal on the table, there is an opportunity to end this war and bring everybody back home,” she said. “We all deserve it, we deserve it, our neighbors deserve it, we want this war to end and all to come back to their homes.”

More than 1,000 pro-Palestinian protesters marched to the U.S. Embassy in Indonesia’s capital Jakarta to denounce Israel’s blockade of Gaza and the detention of activists from an aid flotilla who tried to breach it.

Chanting “Free, free Palestine” and waving flags, demonstrators called for the activists’ release and condemned two years of Israeli military action in Gaza.

Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, has no formal ties with Israel. More than 1,000 police were deployed Tuesday to secure the embassy.

Britain’s prime minister has criticized pro-Palestinian protests planned at universities across the country on the second anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, saying they are “un-British.”

“This is not who we are as a country. It’s un-British to have so little respect for others,’’ Keir Starmer wrote in the Times of London. “And that’s before some of them decide to start chanting hatred towards Jewish people all over again.”

Previous protests have too often become a forum for hate speech and antisemitism, he said.

Starmer’s intervention comes at a tense moment in Britain, just days after a naturalized citizen of Syrian origin launched an attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester. Two men were killed and three others were seriously injured.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas, including German citizens, and expressed hope for the peace process in a video message shared online on the morning of Oct. 7. He referred to the Hamas attack as a “black day” in the history books of the Jewish people.

Merz said Germany was experiencing a new wave of antisemitism since Oct. 7, 2023. “It fills me with shame,” he said, “as chancellor, as a German, as part of the post-war generation that grew up with the promise: ‘Never again.’”

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called the Oct. 7 attack “the worst mass murder of Jews since the Holocaust.”

Italian Premier Giorgio Meloni called the attack “one of the darkest pages in history,’' setting off “an unprecedented crisis in the Middle East.” She also repeated that Israel’s response was “beyond any principal of proportionality, causing too many innocent victims among the civilian population of Gaza.”

The United Nations chief renewed his plea for the “immediate” and “unconditional” release of hostages held in Gaza in a statement released to mark two years since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack.

“The horror of that dark day will be forever seared in the memories of us all,” Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.

Guterres said he had heard first-hand the “unbearable pain” of survivors and the families of captives held in Gaza and condemned the “deplorable conditions,” urging Israel and Hamas to seize the opportunity to end hostilities as talks continued on Tuesday negotiating U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan.

“After two years of trauma, we must choose hope. Now,” he said.

Thousands of people converged on southern Israel on Tuesday to mourn the dead as the nation marked two years since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack plunged the region into a devastating war.

There’s no official ceremony at the Nova site, where nearly 400 Israelis were killed and dozens abducted from the music festival in the border community of Reim, due to the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, which coincides with the anniversary.

Yet, scores of people at the site shared memories of relatives and friends who were killed, weaving through hundreds of photos encircling the spot where DJ booth stood. At 6:29 a.m., the exact time the attack began, the music — the same track that revelers were listening to at the time — stopped for a moment of silence.

The main memorial ceremony is being organized by bereaved families, separate from a government memorial set to be held on the Hebrew calendar anniversary next week.

Questions include the timing of key steps. One Hamas official said it would need days or weeks to locate some hostages’ bodies. And senior Hamas officials have suggested there are still major disagreements requiring further negotiations. A key demand is for Hamas to disarm, but the group’s response made no mention of that.

It’s not clear whether Hamas officials can agree among themselves on the plan.

A senior official said Hamas was willing to hand over its weapons to a future Palestinian body that runs Gaza, but there was no mention of that in the group’s official statement responding to Trump’s plan. Another official told Al Araby television that Hamas would refuse foreign administration of the Gaza Strip and that the entry of foreign forces would be “unacceptable.”

Parts of the plan remain unclear, and the future of Gaza remains in question. Hamas wants Israel to leave Gaza completely, but the plan says Israel would maintain a “security perimeter presence,” which could mean it would keep a buffer zone inside the territory.

Israeli and Hamas officials are set to continue indirect talks Tuesday at an Egyptian resort on a U.S.-drafted peace plan.

The talks began Monday and unfolded amid many questions about the plan presented by U.S. President Donald Trump last week, including the disarmament of the militant group — a key Israeli demand — and the future governance of Gaza.

Despite Trump ordering Israel to stop the bombing, Israeli forces have continued to pound Gaza with airstrikes.

An Egyptian official with knowledge of the talks said the parties wrapped up Monday’s round of negotiations at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, and the discussions were set to resume Tuesday afternoon. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks, said the parties have agreed on most of the first-phase terms, which include the release of hostages and establishing a ceasefire.