Relatives of those killed on October 7th attempted to observe discussions in the Knesset regarding an inquiry into the terror attack.
A confrontation occurred at the Knesset between bereaved parents of victims from the October 7th terrorist attack and security personnel, resulting in injuries to two individuals, according to the Jerusalem Post. The incident arose when the families tried to attend a debate on Monday concerning the establishment of an inquiry commission into the tragedy but were denied access to the visitor’s gallery.
The parents, representing the October Council – a non-profit organization representing 1,500 affected families – had previously requested access to the session in a letter to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was expected to be present. Despite this request, Knesset guards and police prevented the families from accessing the visitor’s section, citing limited seating.
The situation escalated into a physical altercation, with reports indicating that at least two people were injured after falling during the scuffle. As a form of protest, the families congregated at the base of the staircase, reciting the Kaddish – a Jewish mourning prayer – and displaying signs with images of their deceased loved ones, the Post reported.
Subsequently, the families were allowed into the chamber under close supervision. During Netanyahu’s speech, they reportedly stood and turned their backs to him, raising photographs of their deceased relatives. Speaker Ohana initially ordered their removal but later reversed the decision.
Netanyahu has faced criticism regarding his handling of the hostage situation, with some families alleging that he is prioritizing military objectives over the safe return of the hostages.
A ceasefire with Hamas was implemented in mid-January after 15 months of intense conflict that resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction in Gaza. The agreement details a phased exchange of hostages and prisoners, ensures the provision of humanitarian assistance, and is expected to lead to Israel’s withdrawal from the territory.
During the initial phase of the agreement, Hamas released 33 Israeli hostages, including the remains of deceased individuals, in exchange for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Fifty-nine hostages remain in Gaza, with Israeli assessments suggesting that 24 of them are still alive.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of around 250 others. In response, Israeli forces invaded Gaza, resulting in the deaths of nearly 47,000 Palestinians, according to the territory’s health authorities.