Nir Oz was one of the most violent hit communities where 106 residents were killed and 30 people were accused when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel. During the ceremony, the victim’s names were read out loud as the family tended to produce flowers and the graves of their loved ones.
The memorial came when Israeli and Hamas officials met in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to discuss the possible ceasefire in Gaza. The consultation focuses on the early stages of the agreement, which could include partial Israeli withdrawal and hostage release in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
Daniel Lifshitz, a resident of Nir Oz, said his hopes are among those whose grandparents were killed and kidnapped, and that his hope lies in new diplomatic efforts, adding, “All hostages must be released without delay.”
Hamas accepted elements of the US-backed peace plan proposed by President Donald Trump. This calls for the release of all 48 remaining hostages (about 20 believed to be alive) within three days. The war began when Hamas militants killed about 1,200 people and acquiring 251 people in Israel.
Since then, Israeli attacks have destroyed much of Gaza, with health authorities reporting over 67,000 Palestinians being killed, almost half of their women and children.