US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism that a breakthrough could soon be reached to end the war in Gaza, as Israel observed the second anniversary of the October 7 attack that ignited the ongoing conflict.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said indirect negotiations between Israeli and Hamas representatives were underway in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, following a 20-point peace proposal he presented last month. He described the talks as a “real chance” to bring lasting peace to the Middle East and called for the immediate release of all hostages.
“If both sides agree, we will do everything possible to ensure the deal holds,” Trump said, emphasizing Washington’s commitment to overseeing the implementation of any ceasefire arrangement.
The talks coincide with Israel’s remembrance of the October 7 assault by Hamas militants two years ago, which marked the deadliest day in the nation’s history. More than 1,200 people were killed, most of them civilians, and 251 hostages were taken into Gaza. According to Israeli officials, 47 hostages remain in captivity, including some believed to be dead.
Senior Hamas official Fawzi Barhoum described the 2023 attack as a “historic response” to what he called Israel’s attempts to erase the Palestinian cause. He confirmed that Hamas was determined to overcome any remaining hurdles to finalize the Egypt-mediated agreement.
Trump’s peace plan calls for a ceasefire, the release of all hostages, Hamas’s disarmament, and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Early reports suggest that both sides have responded positively, prompting renewed indirect talks. A source close to the discussions said Hamas negotiators were examining Israeli proposals for troop withdrawal and timelines for exchanging prisoners and captives.
US envoy Steve Witkoff, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin are expected to play central roles in the mediation process. Abdelatty noted that Trump’s personal involvement could be the key to success, even if it requires him to “impose a vision” to secure peace.
In Israel, families of those killed at the Nova music festival gathered for a candlelight vigil and moment of silence, remembering loved ones lost in the attack. Orit Baron, who lost her daughter and son-in-law that day, described October 7 as “a black day” her family will never forget. Similar commemorations were held across the country, including in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, where weekly rallies continue to demand the release of those still held in Gaza.
Meanwhile, thousands of students across the United Kingdom marched in solidarity with Palestinians, chanting “Free Palestine” in defiance of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s appeal to avoid protests on the anniversary. Demonstrations and vigils were also held in several British cities, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Manchester.
The humanitarian toll in Gaza remains devastating. The health ministry in the territory reports more than 67,000 deaths since the conflict began, with women and children making up over half of the casualties. The United Nations has warned of famine and severe displacement, while calls for a permanent ceasefire grow louder worldwide.
In the midst of ongoing airstrikes that claimed at least six more lives on Tuesday, mediators in Sharm El-Sheikh continued their efforts to finalize the first phase of a peace framework — one that could allow aid to reach civilians, secure the release of prisoners, and begin Israel’s troop withdrawal.
A 21-year-old Gaza resident, Abeer Abu Said, whose family lost seven members in the war, captured the widespread despair and longing for peace: “My dream is for this war to end today, not tomorrow. We’re tired of waiting while people die every minute.”
