Across New York City, the NYPD boosted patrols for demonstrations marking two years since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack in Israel.<\/p>\n
The NYPD has deployed additional resources to sensitive religious and cultural sites across the city out of an abundance of caution, but they say there are no credible threats.<\/p>\n
The second anniversary of the attacks falls on the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, which is a day when mourning is not allowed.<\/p>\n
So in Central Park on Tuesday afternoon, thousands gathered for a circle of unity to celebrate Jewish life.<\/p>\n
Of the 251 people taken hostage by Hamas when militants invaded Israel, 48 remain in captivity. Around 20 of the hostages are believed to still be alive.<\/p>\n
The current ceasefire talks in Egypt between Israel and Hamas are giving families of the hostages hope.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, President Trump met with Edan Alexander at the Oval Office.<\/p>\n
Alexander, who is from Tenafly, was held by Hamas for 584 days and is believed to have been the last living American in captivity.<\/p>\n
As part of the peace deal, Hamas would free all hostages and Israel would release Palestinian poisoners and withdraw forces from Gaza.<\/p>\n
The deal could also end the suffering and bloodshed in Gaza where more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.<\/p>\n
The war has detractors both in Israel and around the world.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday afternoon, a protest against the war and Israel was held outside the Israeli consulate in Midtown.<\/p>\n
The state and city are marking the second anniversary of the Hamas attack by lowering flags to half-staff and illuminating state landmarks and city buildings.<\/p>\n
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