A vigil is being held in southern Israel near the Gaza border where Hamas carried out a deadly attack on October 7 two years ago.
Approximately 400 participants at the Nova Music Festival were killed and dozens were abducted from the scene in the border region of Reims.
Reuters footage showed placards with the names and photos of the victims of the attack, as well as flowers and other tributes. According to the Associated Press, the families are planning to build a “sukka” temporary shelter for the festival.
Reuters reports that a memorial service is being held in Kfar Azha Kibbutz, another community where dozens of people were killed and abducted, at the same time Hamas first fired rockets at Israel, marking the start of the attack.
On October 7, 2023, more than 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 hostages were taken by Hamas and other extremist groups. There are 48 hostages remaining in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
Further north, in Tel Aviv, residents set up a makeshift memorial for the hostages, placing candles and yellow ribbons next to photos of hostages still held in Gaza.
“My hostages, I can’t believe it’s been two years already. It’s been two years since they haven’t been home,” local resident Hilda Weistal told Reuters on Monday. “I sincerely hope that this agreement actually comes to fruition and that everyone can return home to their families.”
“I sincerely hope that all of our leaders will do everything in their power to bring this…war to an end, and I think that’s what’s best for all civilians.”
