π️Lonny's War Update- October 515, 2023 - March 4, 2025 π️
π️Day 515 that 59 of our hostages in Hamas captivity
**There is nothing more important than getting them home! NOTHING!**
“I’ve never met them,But I miss them. I’ve never met them,but I think of them every second. I’ve never met them,but they are my family. BRING THEM HOME NOW!!!”
We’re waiting for you, all of you.
A deal is the only way to bring
all the hostages home- the murdered for burial and the living for rehabilitation.
#BringThemHomeNow #TurnTheHorrorIntoHope
A deal is the only way to bring
all the hostages home- the murdered for burial and the living for rehabilitation.
#BringThemHomeNow #TurnTheHorrorIntoHope
There is no victory until all of the hostages are home!ΧΧΧ Χ Χ¦ΧΧΧ Χ’Χ Χ©ΧΧ ΧΧΧΧΧ€ΧΧ ΧΧΧΧͺ
Red Alerts - Missile, Rocket, Drone (UAV - unmanned aerial vehicles), and Terror Attacks and Death Announcements
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Hostage Updates
Public asked to line roads tomorrow as murdered hostage Yahalomi buried
Slain hostage Ohad Yahalomi, whose body was returned from captivity in Gaza late last month, will be buried on his home kibbutz of Nir Oz tomorrow morning, his family and the Hostage Families Forum announce.
Yahalomi, 49, was taken captive by Hamas terrorists after being shot in the leg while trying to defend his home on October 7. A forensic examination found that the father of three was murdered while in captivity.
Like other funerals for victims whose bodies were held hostage, the funeral procession will embark from Rishon Lezion at 8:15 a.m. and make its way over the following three hours to Nir Oz, where Yahalomi will be eulogized before being interred.
The public is asked to line the planned funeral procession route with flags to pay their last respects to Yahalomi.
Sister of Hostage to Rotman: "Take Off Your Kippah"
The family of kidnapped soldier Matan Angrest asked the Chairman of the Constitution Committee to "show leadership" and answer their questions. MK Rotman responded: "From experience, I don’t think you want my answer, and that’s fine, but don’t complain that I’m not answering." Matan’s father told Rotman: "You prefer my son dead, returning in a coffin," and other family members added: "Apparently, the death of terrorists matters more to you than the lives of hostages. This is not how Jews behave."
A confrontation erupted this morning (Monday) in the Knesset’s Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee after the family of hostage Matan Angrest asked Committee Chairman MK Simcha Rotman what he has done for the hostages. "MK Rotman, what’s going on? Come on, show some leadership," the family said to the chairman, to which he replied, "Thank you very much."
"Is that all you have to say? 'Thank you very much'? Answer him. Wait, you don’t have an answer?" family members and MKs said to Rotman, who responded: "With all due respect, the situation where families respond and also attack out of their pain is a situation that everyone handles as they see fit. We don’t judge families for what they say; a person is caught up in their grief. From experience, I don’t think you want my answer, and that’s fine, but don’t complain that I’m not answering."
Matan’s brother said: "Let’s get to the point, can you give us an answer, respond to what we said?" MK Rotman replied again: "I don’t think my answer will please you, and I don’t see a reason to give it. We’ve been in this situation before, and not only did you not like the response, but it even led to talk of physical violence. Let’s stop here, and that’s it, everything is fine."
"So you prefer my son dead, returning in a coffin," said Matan’s father, to which MK Rotman replied: "I prefer your son returns, just not the way you’re saying." Another family member said: "Respect those who protected you. You were at home that day, observing Shabbat, and he fought for you so you could be at home and observe Shabbat in peace."
"It’s a shame that you’re the one representing us. Apparently, the death of terrorists matters more to you than the lives of hostages, your own people. Redeeming captives is a mitzvah, isn’t it? Take off your kippah, it’s embarrassing. This is not how Jews behave; it’s not what we were taught at home," added Matan’s family members, including his sister.
Rotman responded: "Excuse me, friends, enough. This is not how it works. I won’t allow a shouting match here; we won’t have a shouting match. Five family members have spoken. If you force me, I’ll have to remove you. There are people waiting for their turn to speak, with all the sorrow and pain." link- Family of hostage soldier Matan Angrest publishes first photo of him from captivityAngrest’s mother demands return of all captives ‘before we deploy more soldiers who won’t return’, laments he wasn’t freed as a ‘humanitarian case’ despite being seriously wounded
The family of hostage soldier Matan Angrest on Monday published the first photo of him from captivity, from a video received from Hamas.
The still photo joined an audio recording released several months back, in which Angrest begged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure his release, in comments likely dictated by his captors.
Angrest, 21, was taken from a tank at Nahal Oz during battles there on October 7, 2023.
“We demand the government of Israel implement all the stages of the [hostage release and ceasefire] deal, before we move to the next stage of the war,” his mother Anat said in a statement.
“We need to bring Matan, whose life is at risk, and all the hostages back home before we deploy more soldiers who will not return.”
Angrest’s family also said he was “undergoing hellish torments, torturous interrogations and is being held in inhuman conditions.”
The family also lamented that though he was seriously wounded when abducted to Gaza, he was not included in the “humanitarian cases” released in the first stage of the ceasefire agreement “because he’s an Israeli soldier.”
Angrest is among the 59 hostages still being held by terror groups in the Gaza Strip, including the bodies of at least 35 confirmed dead by the Israel Defense Forces.
Under the ceasefire outline agreed to by Israel and Hamas on January 19, the remaining living hostages were to be released during the second stage of the deal, during which the IDF would complete a full withdrawal from Gaza. A third stage is also planned, during which the bodies of hostages held by Gazan terror groups would be released, the war would end, and the reconstruction of Gaza would begin.
The 24 hostages presumed to be alive who are still held by Hamas: Top row, from left: Elkana Bohbot, Matan Angrest, Edan Alexander, Avinatan Or, Yosef-Haim Ohana, Alon Ohel. Second row, from left: Evyatar David, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Bipin Joshi, Rom Braslavski, Ziv Berman, Gali Berman. Third row, from left: Omri Miran, Eitan Mor, Segev Kalfon, Nimrod Cohen, Maxim Herkin, Eitan Horn. Bottom row, from left: Matan Zangauker, Bar Kupershtein, David Cunio, Ariel Cunio, Tamir Nimrodi, Pinta Nattapong. (Hostages Families Forum)Talks on the second phase were meant to begin on day 16 of the 42-day first phase which ended on Saturday night, but Israel has not engaged in indirect talks with Hamas on the topic and is instead conditioning the continuation of the ceasefire on a new framework extending the first stage, a demand the United States has backed.
The Prime Minister’s Office said early Sunday that Hamas has so far rejected this proposal, which it described as the plan of US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and implied that if this stance isn’t changed, Israel could resume the war against the Palestinian terror group that was sparked by the latter’s October 7, 2023, onslaught.
- "October Council" Holds Press Conference in the Knesset: Calls for Establishment of a State Inquiry CommissionThe council, representing over 1,500 bereaved families, families of hostages, and survivors of captivity, convened for the first time in the Knesset to advocate for the establishment of a state inquiry commission. Among the participants in the conference were Rabbi Elchanan Danino, Rafi Ben Shitrit, Rachel Goldberg-Polin, and Eyal Ashel. Following the council's gathering, the Knesset is set to discuss the establishment of a state inquiry commission with the participation of the Prime Minister.Families of the October Council held their first press conference in the Knesset today (Monday), against the backdrop of coalition attempts to prevent the establishment of a state inquiry commission to investigate the events of October 7. According to members of the October Council, which includes over 1,500 families, there is currently an intention to "establish a political whitewashing committee for the October 7 massacre."The families are demanding the establishment of a state inquiry commission that will investigate, among other things, how the negotiations for the release of the hostages were conducted. Among the participants in the conference were families of fallen soldiers, civilians, and murdered hostages, families of hostages, survivors of captivity, and survivors of the massacre.The first to speak at the opening of the committee was Rafi Ben Shitrit, the father of Shimon Elroi, a combat intelligence soldier who fell at the Nahal Oz outpost. "All levels must be investigated through a state inquiry commission. Today we will hear from representatives of the families, all calling on the Prime Minister and the government—establish a state inquiry commission.""We are marking 514 days, and still, no commission has been established to provide us with solace, answers to questions, justice for the fallen," said Ben Shitrit. "This demand is not a subject for political attacks. We are not driven by our political positions. This is a distilled essence for finding the truth—without bias.""The commission will serve as a compass for the future leaders of the country. A beacon of morality and values. A state commission will ensure justice for the fallen and security for future generations. I call on the Prime Minister and members of the government to announce today the establishment of a state inquiry commission to investigate the disaster of October 7. The eternity of Israel will not lie."Tali Biner, Survivor of Nova and Witness to Hamas's Sexual CrimesTali Biner, a survivor of the Nova festival who witnessed Hamas's sexual crimes, said at the press conference: "This moment is not easy, meeting bereaved parents, so thank you for being here and for having the strength. Thank you for fighting, and for caring. I came here to speak on behalf of those who don’t have the strength, who are busy taking care of themselves. Who don’t have the time or emotional energy to speak. Yesterday, I couldn’t speak; I cried for the friends I lost that day. More than 500 days since that day, I heard my brothers and sisters being murdered. Everything you can imagine, I heard and saw. Women being raped and murdered, terrorists rejoicing and doing whatever they pleased, and I lost my innocence.""500 days that I’ve been battling my fears and fighting for the hostages," Biner continued. "To this day, we haven’t received enough answers. How was something like this allowed to happen? Why couldn’t we save more? How are there still hostages in captivity? I came here to demand that we examine ourselves. That a commission be established to investigate what happened that day. Without understanding the failures, we will never comprehend, and the next disaster is already on the horizon. There needs to be a comprehensive investigation of all levels. A state inquiry commission is the tool we have in law to address the failures. A political committee will not be credible and will silence the truth."Biner added: "There are MKs trying to advance a political inquiry commission. Will the investigated appoint the investigators? How is that possible? Everyone must be investigated. The military, political, and intelligence levels—everyone. The investigation must address not only that day but all the years leading up to it. This is not about politics, not about right or left, only about what’s right. Our goal as a group is to strengthen Israel and our soldiers, our reservists, so they will want to continue coming to defend this country because there is something worth defending. To rebuild our trust in ourselves. The first step is for citizens to know that every failure has been and will be investigated. Everyone must be investigated, without exception. Give us the answers we so desperately seek. Restore some of the peace of mind and security we deserve. This is not a demand; it’s a request, a plea."The council convened just before the start of a 40-signature discussion in the Knesset, which is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and is set to address the establishment of a state inquiry commission. Yesterday, the October Council announced that over 200 family members of hostages and survivors of captivity have joined the families' demand for the establishment of a state inquiry commission.Among those joining the October Council are Yarden Bibas, Gali—the wife of the late Tzachi Idan, Moshit—the daughter of the late Shlomo Mansour, Orly—the mother of Daniela Gilboa, Irina—the mother of Karina Ariev, Yechiel—the father of Arbel Yehud, Shay—the father of Omer Vankert, and survivors of captivity Rimon Buchstab Kirscht, Yagil Yaakov, Keren Monder, Sharon Aloni Cunio, Shiri Weiss, and Noga Weiss.Prior to the discussion, Eyal Ashel—the father of the late observer Roni Ashel, and Yonatan Shamriz—the brother of Alon Shamriz, who was kidnapped and mistakenly shot, called in an interview with Channel 12 News for the establishment of a state inquiry commission. Additionally, some factions held discussions in the Knesset and called for the establishment of a state inquiry commission. link**Eyal Ashel, Father of the Late Roni**
Gaza and the South
- Without Hamas: Egypt's Plan for the Gaza Strip According to the Reuters news agency, Cairo will propose the establishment of an interim government to take control of the Gaza Strip in place of Hamas. The draft proposal does not specify when it will be implemented, how the government will operate in practice, or how they plan to push Hamas aside.
Palestinians in Gaza
The plan formulated by Egypt for the Gaza Strip, as an alternative to that of U.S. President Donald Trump, includes Arab states temporarily taking control of the Strip. This was reported tonight (Monday) by the Reuters news agency, which obtained a draft of the proposal.
The Egyptian vision for Gaza is expected to be presented at the Arab League summit tomorrow. The draft does not specify whether the proposal will be implemented before or after an agreement is reached to end the war in the Strip between Israel and Hamas.
Trump's plan, which includes transferring Palestinians from Gaza to other countries, has sparked outrage among Palestinians and Arab states. The big question—who will govern Gaza after the war ends—remains unanswered. Hamas has so far rejected any proposal that would allow other countries to control the territory. 
The proposal does not specify what will happen if the terrorist organization refuses to disarm. Hamas terrorists in Gaza | Photo: Ali Hassan, Flash 90
Cairo's plan does not address critical issues, such as who will fund Gaza's reconstruction. It also does not detail how the government in Gaza will be managed, how they plan to push Hamas aside, or what they will do if Hamas refuses to disarm and relinquish power. The draft also does not refer to any future elections in the Strip.
According to the Egyptian plan, a special aid delegation will replace the Hamas-led government in Gaza for an undefined interim period. It will be responsible for humanitarian aid and the beginning of the Strip's reconstruction, which has been devastated by the war.
The temporary security and governance bodies will be "organized and supervised" by a steering committee. The committee will include key Arab states, members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and its member states.
In describing the goals of the proposal, it states that "there will be no significant international funding for Gaza's reconstruction if Hamas remains the dominant political force controlling the territory." The plan does not specify who will actually manage the aid delegation. It states that it will "rely on the expertise of Palestinians in Gaza and elsewhere to help Gaza recover as quickly as possible."
Two sources who spoke with Reuters said that Gulf and Arab states will need to commit to transferring at least $20 billion in the initial phase of the Strip's reconstruction. According to the Egyptian proposal, the countries on the steering committee will be able to establish a fund to support the interim government and seek contributions for the long-term reconstruction and development of Gaza. The plan does not include specific financial commitments.
The plan strongly rejects the American proposal for the mass displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, which Arab states like Egypt and Jordan see as a security threat. However, it is still unclear whether other Arab states will support the Egyptian proposal. link
- Hamas terror group says laying down weapons a nonstarter
Hamas leader Sami Abu Zuhri says disarming the terror group is a red line for his movement and other armed Palestinian organizations in negotiations to extend the fragile Gaza ceasefire.
“Any talk about the resistance’s weapons is nonsense. The resistance’s weapons are a red line for Hamas and all resistance factions,” Abu Zuhri says.
The comments are made shortly after Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar demanded the “full demilitarization” of Gaza to proceed to the second stage of the truce that began in January. link Hamas not laying down its weapons is a red line for everyone else, Israel, the US and all the Arab nations working on a post war Gaza plan. Hamas will not continue to be an armed force in Gaza in the end. None of the Arab nations will even consider giving $1 for rebuilding of Gaza if Hamas retains military power. They don't want their money to be used for rebuilding what will be temporary housing and infrastructure because it is widely accepted that Israel will destroy that at a given time if Hamas retains military might.
Arab leaders agree on initial $20 billion plan for 200,000 new homes in Gaza
An Arab summit draft communique has adopted an Egyptian plan for Gaza’s future, calling on the international community and financial institutions to provide support for the plan quickly.
The plan’s initial stage calls for 200,000 housing units to be built in Gaza over the next two years at a cost of some $20 billion.
It also urges elections in all Palestinian areas within a year, if conditions support such a move. Palestinian elections have been on hold for nearly 20 years.
Arab leaders, including Syria’s Sharaa, convene in Cairo to hash out alternate Gaza plan
Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa is among the Arab leaders heading to Egypt for an Arab League summit on countering US President Donald Trump’s widely condemned plan to depopulate Gaza, Syrian state media reports.
Sharaa, an Islamist rebel leader whose ascendancy has raised worries in Israel and elsewhere, arrived “to attend the extraordinary Arab Summit in Cairo on developments on the Palestinian issue,” state news agency SANA reports.
The summit hosted by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi is also expected to include the leaders of regional heavyweights Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, whose support is seen as crucial for any postwar plan.
Egypt has developed an alternative plan in which Palestinians would be relocated to safe areas inside Gaza equipped with mobile homes and shelters while its cities are rebuilt. Hamas would cede power to an interim administration of political independents until a reformed Palestinian Authority can assume control.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, an opponent of Hamas, is attending the summit as well.
Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters the group rejects any attempt to impose projects or any form of non-Palestinian administration, or the presence of any foreign forces on Gaza Strip territory. “We are keen for the success of the summit, and we hope that there will be a call to reject the displacement and to protect the right of our people in resisting the occupation and govern itself away from any custodianship and intervention,” he added.
Hamas leader Sami Abu Zuhri says disarming the terror group is a red line for his movement and other armed Palestinian organizations in negotiations to extend the fragile Gaza ceasefire.
“Any talk about the resistance’s weapons is nonsense. The resistance’s weapons are a red line for Hamas and all resistance factions,” Abu Zuhri says.
The comments are made shortly after Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar demanded the “full demilitarization” of Gaza to proceed to the second stage of the truce that began in January. link Hamas not laying down its weapons is a red line for everyone else, Israel, the US and all the Arab nations working on a post war Gaza plan. Hamas will not continue to be an armed force in Gaza in the end. None of the Arab nations will even consider giving $1 for rebuilding of Gaza if Hamas retains military power. They don't want their money to be used for rebuilding what will be temporary housing and infrastructure because it is widely accepted that Israel will destroy that at a given time if Hamas retains military might.
Arab leaders agree on initial $20 billion plan for 200,000 new homes in Gaza
An Arab summit draft communique has adopted an Egyptian plan for Gaza’s future, calling on the international community and financial institutions to provide support for the plan quickly.
The plan’s initial stage calls for 200,000 housing units to be built in Gaza over the next two years at a cost of some $20 billion.
It also urges elections in all Palestinian areas within a year, if conditions support such a move. Palestinian elections have been on hold for nearly 20 years.
Arab leaders, including Syria’s Sharaa, convene in Cairo to hash out alternate Gaza plan
Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa is among the Arab leaders heading to Egypt for an Arab League summit on countering US President Donald Trump’s widely condemned plan to depopulate Gaza, Syrian state media reports.
Sharaa, an Islamist rebel leader whose ascendancy has raised worries in Israel and elsewhere, arrived “to attend the extraordinary Arab Summit in Cairo on developments on the Palestinian issue,” state news agency SANA reports.
The summit hosted by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi is also expected to include the leaders of regional heavyweights Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, whose support is seen as crucial for any postwar plan.
Egypt has developed an alternative plan in which Palestinians would be relocated to safe areas inside Gaza equipped with mobile homes and shelters while its cities are rebuilt. Hamas would cede power to an interim administration of political independents until a reformed Palestinian Authority can assume control.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, an opponent of Hamas, is attending the summit as well.
Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters the group rejects any attempt to impose projects or any form of non-Palestinian administration, or the presence of any foreign forces on Gaza Strip territory. “We are keen for the success of the summit, and we hope that there will be a call to reject the displacement and to protect the right of our people in resisting the occupation and govern itself away from any custodianship and intervention,” he added.
Northern Israel - Lebanon/Hizbollah/Syria
- Israel carrying out mine-clearing operation near Syria border
The Defense Ministry says it is carrying out activities to clear explosives from an area of the Golan Heights near the Syrian border today.
Crews are being deployed to areas around the community of Ein Zivan to clear mines and other unexploded ordnance in the ground there.
“As part of the planned operations, blasts from explosions will be heard and clouds of smoke will be seen in the area,” the Defense Ministry says.
Many areas of the Golan Heights are pocked with mines left over from previous wars with Syria in past decades, and mine-clearing operations there are not rare. The strategic plateau was captured from Syria in 1967 and later effectively annexed into Israel.
It was repeatedly targeted by mortar, rocket, missile and drone fire from Hezbollah and Iran-backed groups following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, and also suffered spillover violence from the Syrian civil war in past years.
Most explosive disposal efforts in the past several years have focused on areas near Ein Zivan. Mine clearing last took place there in early February.
Tuesday’s announcement is not thought to be linked to Israel’s recent signaling that it could expand its operations in southern Syria to protect the Druze community there, with Syrian reports overnight claiming IDF troops were 13 kilometers (8 miles) inside the enemy country.
Analysts have speculated that Jerusalem is interested in the establishment of a Druze-controlled autonomous zone south of Damascus to serve as a buffer between Israel and the Islamist forces now running Syria, a move that would somewhat insulate border communities like Ein Zivan.
- Israeli forces reportedly operating some 13 KMs from border in Syria’s Daraa province
Syrian media report that Israeli forces are operating near the Tel al-Mal peak in the Daraa Governorate, where a military post belonging to the former Syrian regime once stood.
The hill is located some 13 kilometers (over 8 miles) from Israel’s border, well outside a buffer zone between the countries, which Israel captured following the fall of the Assad regime.
According to a report by the local Daraa 24 outlet, sounds of bulldozers can be heard in the area, as well as overhead flights of helicopters and drones.
Israeli military vehicles were also reportedly seen in the nearby town of Masharah, and on a road connecting the town to the village of al-Tyha.
There is no immediate comment from the IDF.
Hezbollah figure said killed in alleged Israeli strike in southern Lebanon
Lebanese media report an Israeli drone strike in the town of Rechknanay in the Tyre District.
There is no immediate comment from the IDF.
Lebanese news site al-Manar, which is closely affiliated with the Hezbollah terror group, reports that one person was killed in the strike.
On Telegram, Hebrew-language journalist Doron Kadosh quotes an Israeli official saying that the strike took out “a central figure” in Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force.
The Defense Ministry says it is carrying out activities to clear explosives from an area of the Golan Heights near the Syrian border today.
Crews are being deployed to areas around the community of Ein Zivan to clear mines and other unexploded ordnance in the ground there.
“As part of the planned operations, blasts from explosions will be heard and clouds of smoke will be seen in the area,” the Defense Ministry says.
Many areas of the Golan Heights are pocked with mines left over from previous wars with Syria in past decades, and mine-clearing operations there are not rare. The strategic plateau was captured from Syria in 1967 and later effectively annexed into Israel.
It was repeatedly targeted by mortar, rocket, missile and drone fire from Hezbollah and Iran-backed groups following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, and also suffered spillover violence from the Syrian civil war in past years.
Most explosive disposal efforts in the past several years have focused on areas near Ein Zivan. Mine clearing last took place there in early February.
Tuesday’s announcement is not thought to be linked to Israel’s recent signaling that it could expand its operations in southern Syria to protect the Druze community there, with Syrian reports overnight claiming IDF troops were 13 kilometers (8 miles) inside the enemy country.
Analysts have speculated that Jerusalem is interested in the establishment of a Druze-controlled autonomous zone south of Damascus to serve as a buffer between Israel and the Islamist forces now running Syria, a move that would somewhat insulate border communities like Ein Zivan.
Syrian media report that Israeli forces are operating near the Tel al-Mal peak in the Daraa Governorate, where a military post belonging to the former Syrian regime once stood.
The hill is located some 13 kilometers (over 8 miles) from Israel’s border, well outside a buffer zone between the countries, which Israel captured following the fall of the Assad regime.
According to a report by the local Daraa 24 outlet, sounds of bulldozers can be heard in the area, as well as overhead flights of helicopters and drones.
Israeli military vehicles were also reportedly seen in the nearby town of Masharah, and on a road connecting the town to the village of al-Tyha.
There is no immediate comment from the IDF.
Hezbollah figure said killed in alleged Israeli strike in southern Lebanon
Lebanese media report an Israeli drone strike in the town of Rechknanay in the Tyre District.
There is no immediate comment from the IDF.
Lebanese news site al-Manar, which is closely affiliated with the Hezbollah terror group, reports that one person was killed in the strike.
On Telegram, Hebrew-language journalist Doron Kadosh quotes an Israeli official saying that the strike took out “a central figure” in Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force.
West Bank and Jerusalem and Terror attacks within Israel
Politics and the War (general news)
- In letter read at Knesset, Yarden Bibas says ‘so few taking responsibility’ for October 7
Addressing the Knesset plenum, National Unity MK Chili Tropper reads a letter by recently released hostage Yarden Bibas, whose wife Shiri and sons Ariel and Kfir were murdered in captivity by Hamas.
In his letter, Bibas says that he “will no longer be able to hug my children and my wife” but that there are other hostages who can still be rescued, and calls on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu help bring them home.
Bibas also calls for the establishment of a state commission of inquiry and invites Netanyahu to come with him to visit Kibbutz Nir Oz for the first time.
“Mr. Prime Minister, you and your government have still not taken responsibility,” he writes.
“So many citizens are asking for forgiveness. So few politicians are asking for forgiveness. So many citizens and fighters are taking responsibility. So few members of the government are taking responsibility. Eighty-three percent of Israeli citizens are demanding a state commission of inquiry, along with 1,500 October Council families, myself among them.”
“I am constantly thinking and regretting that I did not protect my wife and children better. It eats me up inside. I only had a gun and I am a simple citizen in a quiet kibbutz. Do you think about this? Do you also find it difficult to spend days and nights without a heavy sense of responsibility for what happened?” he asks.
“I have not yet entered my home in Nir Oz and I do not know what awaits me inside. I ask you to come with me, to join me for the first time since October 7. I ask that we do this together. If we do not look the disaster in the eye, we will not be able to recover.”
Violence at Knesset as families of Oct. 7 victims are denied access to guest gallery
Members of the October Council — which represents October 7 survivors, former hostages and victims’ families — attempt to force their way past Knesset guards after being blocked from entering the plenum guest gallery.
The incident devolves into a shoving match, with guards pushing and grabbing at protesters at the base of a stairwell leading to the observer’s gallery.
In a statement, the group calls on Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana to intervene “immediately.”
In a statement, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid says he approached Ohana at the plenum rostrum and demanded the families be allowed in. He says Ohana replied: “I’m checking.” must see video of the Knesset guards violence against bereaved families and hostage families
October Council calls on Knesset speaker to resign following violent clash
The October Council calls on Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana to resign following the violent clash between families of Oct. 7 victims and Knesset ushers who blocked them from entering the Knesset’s gallery.
“Yesterday we sent a letter to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, announcing the intention of dozens of bereaved families to come to the guest gallery and watch the discussion on establishing a state commission of inquiry,” the group says in a statement.
“The violence directed at the families of the October Council is unacceptable,” it says, arguing that it is aimed at preventing the families from receiving answers regarding what happened to their loved ones on October 7.
“The Knesset speaker should resign today. By ordering bereaved families to be beaten by the Knesset Guard, [he has caused] the entire State of Israel to be ashamed of him,” the group says. “Our patience is running out.”
It is not clear that Ohana had a hand in the ushers’ conduct.
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid tweets: “There is no limit to the horror and shame of the images of Knesset guards forcibly pushing away bereaved October 7 families.
“Amir Ohana is a partner in this disgrace. No one has degraded the institution of the Knesset speaker more than him.”
Some families in Knesset gallery turn backs on PM as he speaks
As Netanyahu addresses the Knesset, some families of October 7 hostages and victims in the visitors’ gallery turn their backs on the premier in a show of protest. Others hold up photographs of their loved ones.Speaker Amir Ohana calls for the families to be removed, as protest is not allowed at the plenum, but then appears to walk it back, and says the relatives must show respect. video
Bereaved father who fainted during Knesset clash: Is that our place? On the floor?
Shimon Buskila, a bereaved father who fainted during the earlier clash at the Knesset and was treated by medics, says he was “broken” by the violence that was displayed at the Knesset today against bereaved families and relatives of hostages and other victims of October 7.
“Fifteen months ago I was broken,” a tearful Buskila says in a video shortly after the clash. “I am fighting, struggling, working, trying to rehabilitate myself. I swore over Yarden’s grave that their deaths would not be in vain. And today they didn’t even let us go into [the gallery], 15 people. Tell me it’s not agenda-driven.
“Today I was broken. What more do I need to fight beyond the pain that I haven’t even had time to deal with? To realize I lost a son? I’m fighting all the time, [focusing on] commemoration — that has a healing effect on me. So today I came here to make a statement, and I’m entitled to make a statement, no matter what it is, and I was not allowed,” he says.
“Is this how bereaved families are treated? With us on the floor? Is that our place? How are we to stand on our legs?.”
In tirade against ‘deep state,’ PM claims court-led Oct. 7 probe would be biased. Netanyahu has been fighting against a State Commission of Inquiry because he knows that he will be found to be most responsible and to blame for everything that led up to October 7, for leaving the hostages to die for over 500 days, for mismanagement of the war and preventing the planning for the day after. He only wants a commission that he and his cronies can control and make the rules.
- Lapid to Netanyahu: Jews’ greatest disaster since Holocaust will always belong to you
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid told the premier in response to his Knesset speech: “The greatest disaster that has happened to the Jewish people since the Holocaust belongs to you. It will always belong to you.
“Any person on whose watch this disaster happened would take it with him to his grave until his last day,” he said, adding that “there was never a government here that had so many reasons to ask for forgiveness.
“An entire country is in pain, anxious, angry, abandoned by a government that takes no responsibility for anything. Ask for forgiveness from them,” he said.
After PM rejects state commission, Sa’ar’s party reiterates support for such a probe
After Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected the establishment of a court-appointed state commission of inquiry into the events surrounding October 7, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar’s New Hope party reiterates its support for such a probe.
In a statement, the right wing party says that a state commission of inquiry is “the right tool for investigating the events of October 7 and what led to them.”
- Comptroller says IDF probes into October 7 failures ‘do not present the full picture’
Addressing the Knesset State Control Committee, State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman states that the IDF’s internal investigations into the failures of October 7 “do not present the full picture” and says that he plans on issuing a report that will enable the committee to establish a state commission of inquiry.
A state commission of inquiry can be established by either the government or the State Control Committee, upon receipt of a report by the state comptroller.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is opposed to the establishment of a state commission of inquiry, and it is unlikely that the State Control Committee, in which the coalition has a majority, would vote to establish one.
Englman tells the committee that he plans on issuing a “sharp critique” that will pin “personal responsibility” on those to blame for various “shortcomings and failures” — and that his critique will “include all levels — political, military and civilian.”
His own report do not preclude the establishment of a state commission of inquiry, he continues, adding that “you, the members of the committee, can establish such a commission based on a report that we will issue.”
Englman’s report was delayed by opposition from the IDF and Shin Bet security service, he continues, citing a June 2024 High Court interim injunction ordering him to suspend the aspects of his investigation involving the two bodies. Englman has repeatedly criticized the army and the Shin Bet for failing to cooperate with his investigation and has alleged that the military was “intimidating” senior officers who gave testimony to his staff.
This week, the IDF released a series of reports on its own failures, which it presented to Englman.
These reports are important but “naturally these are military investigations,” which focus on the IDF and “do not present the full picture of the failures of October 7.”
“This further strengthens the obligation to conduct an audit of the core of the failure,” he says, arguing that his office is the “only body” capable of coordinating probes into the various governmental and security agencies involved in a wide-ranging investigation.
Englman calls on Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to order the IDF and Shin Bet to cooperate with his probe.
- Gantz reads letter in Knesset from bereaved father accusing PM of ‘tormenting Israelis’
- Shin Bet chief reportedly says he’ll remain until all hostages back, commission of inquiry established
Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar said he does not plan on stepping down from his post until all the hostages are returned and a state commission is established to probe failures surrounding the October 7 attack, according to Channel 12.
“I took responsibility and I intend to fulfill it,” he told senior employees in a closed-door meeting according to the report, referring to the failure to prevent the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas. “But there is significance to the timing.”
Quotes from the spy chief carried by the channel indicate that his resignation will not occur until Israel secures the release of all hostages held in Gaza. “I am not satisfied with the return of 197 hostages. I am looking at the 59 who remain,” he is quoted saying. If quoted accurately, it was not clear why Bar referred to 197 returned hostages. As recently as Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his cabinet that Israel has brought home 196 hostages, with 59 remaining in Gaza; the total comprises 251 seized on October 7 and four held since 2014-2015.
Bar reportedly added that he will also work to ensure that a state commission of inquiry is established, something currently opposed by the government.
“The moment I see that it is happening, I will want to hand the baton over to one of my excellent deputies,” he says, adding that he won’t allow the selection of his replacement to be imposed on the organization from the outside.
However, Netanyahu has been widely reported to be preparing to fire Bar; the premier recently removed him from the team negotiating the ongoing hostage-ceasefire deal. link Both Ronen Bar and Mossad Chief Dede Barnea have been working endlessly to secure the release of all the hostages and they could have done it had Netanyahu not continuously put spokes in the wheels of the negotiations. They fought with him constantly and disagreed with him as they took their mission to bring the hostages home very seriously while the Prime Minister was and has been first and foremost concerned with his own personal interests. That is precisely the reason that Netanyahu placed Dermer to head the negotiations now because Dermer is Netanyahu's man and will do anything to protect him and help his image. Bar and Barnea have integrity, one of the main things lacking in both Netanyahu and Dermer.
- In letter read at Knesset, Yarden Bibas says ‘so few taking responsibility’ for October 7
Addressing the Knesset plenum, National Unity MK Chili Tropper reads a letter by recently released hostage Yarden Bibas, whose wife Shiri and sons Ariel and Kfir were murdered in captivity by Hamas.
In his letter, Bibas says that he “will no longer be able to hug my children and my wife” but that there are other hostages who can still be rescued, and calls on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu help bring them home.
Bibas also calls for the establishment of a state commission of inquiry and invites Netanyahu to come with him to visit Kibbutz Nir Oz for the first time.
“Mr. Prime Minister, you and your government have still not taken responsibility,” he writes.
“So many citizens are asking for forgiveness. So few politicians are asking for forgiveness. So many citizens and fighters are taking responsibility. So few members of the government are taking responsibility. Eighty-three percent of Israeli citizens are demanding a state commission of inquiry, along with 1,500 October Council families, myself among them.”
“I am constantly thinking and regretting that I did not protect my wife and children better. It eats me up inside. I only had a gun and I am a simple citizen in a quiet kibbutz. Do you think about this? Do you also find it difficult to spend days and nights without a heavy sense of responsibility for what happened?” he asks.
“I have not yet entered my home in Nir Oz and I do not know what awaits me inside. I ask you to come with me, to join me for the first time since October 7. I ask that we do this together. If we do not look the disaster in the eye, we will not be able to recover.”
Violence at Knesset as families of Oct. 7 victims are denied access to guest gallery
Members of the October Council — which represents October 7 survivors, former hostages and victims’ families — attempt to force their way past Knesset guards after being blocked from entering the plenum guest gallery.
The incident devolves into a shoving match, with guards pushing and grabbing at protesters at the base of a stairwell leading to the observer’s gallery.
In a statement, the group calls on Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana to intervene “immediately.”
In a statement, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid says he approached Ohana at the plenum rostrum and demanded the families be allowed in. He says Ohana replied: “I’m checking.” must see video of the Knesset guards violence against bereaved families and hostage families
October Council calls on Knesset speaker to resign following violent clash
The October Council calls on Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana to resign following the violent clash between families of Oct. 7 victims and Knesset ushers who blocked them from entering the Knesset’s gallery.
“Yesterday we sent a letter to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, announcing the intention of dozens of bereaved families to come to the guest gallery and watch the discussion on establishing a state commission of inquiry,” the group says in a statement.
“The violence directed at the families of the October Council is unacceptable,” it says, arguing that it is aimed at preventing the families from receiving answers regarding what happened to their loved ones on October 7.
“The Knesset speaker should resign today. By ordering bereaved families to be beaten by the Knesset Guard, [he has caused] the entire State of Israel to be ashamed of him,” the group says. “Our patience is running out.”
It is not clear that Ohana had a hand in the ushers’ conduct.
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid tweets: “There is no limit to the horror and shame of the images of Knesset guards forcibly pushing away bereaved October 7 families.
“Amir Ohana is a partner in this disgrace. No one has degraded the institution of the Knesset speaker more than him.”
Some families in Knesset gallery turn backs on PM as he speaks
As Netanyahu addresses the Knesset, some families of October 7 hostages and victims in the visitors’ gallery turn their backs on the premier in a show of protest. Others hold up photographs of their loved ones.Speaker Amir Ohana calls for the families to be removed, as protest is not allowed at the plenum, but then appears to walk it back, and says the relatives must show respect. video
Bereaved father who fainted during Knesset clash: Is that our place? On the floor?
Shimon Buskila, a bereaved father who fainted during the earlier clash at the Knesset and was treated by medics, says he was “broken” by the violence that was displayed at the Knesset today against bereaved families and relatives of hostages and other victims of October 7.
“Fifteen months ago I was broken,” a tearful Buskila says in a video shortly after the clash. “I am fighting, struggling, working, trying to rehabilitate myself. I swore over Yarden’s grave that their deaths would not be in vain. And today they didn’t even let us go into [the gallery], 15 people. Tell me it’s not agenda-driven.
“Today I was broken. What more do I need to fight beyond the pain that I haven’t even had time to deal with? To realize I lost a son? I’m fighting all the time, [focusing on] commemoration — that has a healing effect on me. So today I came here to make a statement, and I’m entitled to make a statement, no matter what it is, and I was not allowed,” he says.
“Is this how bereaved families are treated? With us on the floor? Is that our place? How are we to stand on our legs?.”
In tirade against ‘deep state,’ PM claims court-led Oct. 7 probe would be biased. Netanyahu has been fighting against a State Commission of Inquiry because he knows that he will be found to be most responsible and to blame for everything that led up to October 7, for leaving the hostages to die for over 500 days, for mismanagement of the war and preventing the planning for the day after. He only wants a commission that he and his cronies can control and make the rules.
- Lapid to Netanyahu: Jews’ greatest disaster since Holocaust will always belong to you
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid told the premier in response to his Knesset speech: “The greatest disaster that has happened to the Jewish people since the Holocaust belongs to you. It will always belong to you.
“Any person on whose watch this disaster happened would take it with him to his grave until his last day,” he said, adding that “there was never a government here that had so many reasons to ask for forgiveness.
“An entire country is in pain, anxious, angry, abandoned by a government that takes no responsibility for anything. Ask for forgiveness from them,” he said.
After PM rejects state commission, Sa’ar’s party reiterates support for such a probe
After Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected the establishment of a court-appointed state commission of inquiry into the events surrounding October 7, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar’s New Hope party reiterates its support for such a probe.
In a statement, the right wing party says that a state commission of inquiry is “the right tool for investigating the events of October 7 and what led to them.”
- Comptroller says IDF probes into October 7 failures ‘do not present the full picture’
Addressing the Knesset State Control Committee, State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman states that the IDF’s internal investigations into the failures of October 7 “do not present the full picture” and says that he plans on issuing a report that will enable the committee to establish a state commission of inquiry.
A state commission of inquiry can be established by either the government or the State Control Committee, upon receipt of a report by the state comptroller.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is opposed to the establishment of a state commission of inquiry, and it is unlikely that the State Control Committee, in which the coalition has a majority, would vote to establish one.
Englman tells the committee that he plans on issuing a “sharp critique” that will pin “personal responsibility” on those to blame for various “shortcomings and failures” — and that his critique will “include all levels — political, military and civilian.”
His own report do not preclude the establishment of a state commission of inquiry, he continues, adding that “you, the members of the committee, can establish such a commission based on a report that we will issue.”
Englman’s report was delayed by opposition from the IDF and Shin Bet security service, he continues, citing a June 2024 High Court interim injunction ordering him to suspend the aspects of his investigation involving the two bodies. Englman has repeatedly criticized the army and the Shin Bet for failing to cooperate with his investigation and has alleged that the military was “intimidating” senior officers who gave testimony to his staff.
This week, the IDF released a series of reports on its own failures, which it presented to Englman.
These reports are important but “naturally these are military investigations,” which focus on the IDF and “do not present the full picture of the failures of October 7.”
“This further strengthens the obligation to conduct an audit of the core of the failure,” he says, arguing that his office is the “only body” capable of coordinating probes into the various governmental and security agencies involved in a wide-ranging investigation.
Englman calls on Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to order the IDF and Shin Bet to cooperate with his probe.
- Gantz reads letter in Knesset from bereaved father accusing PM of ‘tormenting Israelis’
- Shin Bet chief reportedly says he’ll remain until all hostages back, commission of inquiry established
Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar said he does not plan on stepping down from his post until all the hostages are returned and a state commission is established to probe failures surrounding the October 7 attack, according to Channel 12.
“I took responsibility and I intend to fulfill it,” he told senior employees in a closed-door meeting according to the report, referring to the failure to prevent the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas. “But there is significance to the timing.”
Quotes from the spy chief carried by the channel indicate that his resignation will not occur until Israel secures the release of all hostages held in Gaza. “I am not satisfied with the return of 197 hostages. I am looking at the 59 who remain,” he is quoted saying. If quoted accurately, it was not clear why Bar referred to 197 returned hostages. As recently as Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his cabinet that Israel has brought home 196 hostages, with 59 remaining in Gaza; the total comprises 251 seized on October 7 and four held since 2014-2015.
Bar reportedly added that he will also work to ensure that a state commission of inquiry is established, something currently opposed by the government.
“The moment I see that it is happening, I will want to hand the baton over to one of my excellent deputies,” he says, adding that he won’t allow the selection of his replacement to be imposed on the organization from the outside.
However, Netanyahu has been widely reported to be preparing to fire Bar; the premier recently removed him from the team negotiating the ongoing hostage-ceasefire deal. link Both Ronen Bar and Mossad Chief Dede Barnea have been working endlessly to secure the release of all the hostages and they could have done it had Netanyahu not continuously put spokes in the wheels of the negotiations. They fought with him constantly and disagreed with him as they took their mission to bring the hostages home very seriously while the Prime Minister was and has been first and foremost concerned with his own personal interests. That is precisely the reason that Netanyahu placed Dermer to head the negotiations now because Dermer is Netanyahu's man and will do anything to protect him and help his image. Bar and Barnea have integrity, one of the main things lacking in both Netanyahu and Dermer.
The Region and the World
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Personal Stories
"This is My Essence": The Reservist Injured Twice in Gaza and Returned to Serve in a Secret Unit Shrapnel in his brain and an injury to an artery in his neck did not stop G. from returning to reserve duty in the secret unit he has been serving in since October 7. "The shrapnel penetrated brain tissue but didn’t hit anything vital—it’s truly a miracle," he told N12. G.: The complicated challenge isn’t the combat service after the injury, but a society that labels head injury victims. 
G: "All my life I have been preparing for this service" (archive)
Not Giving Up: Even a shrapnel in his brain and a severe injury to an artery in his neck did not stop G., a 36-year-old reservist and father of four, from returning to combat reserve duty in the secret unit he has been serving in since October 7. "This is my essence," he shared in an interview with N12, a year after the serious injury he endured: "I feel like my whole life has prepared me for this service, which is very meaningful to me."
G. was called up for reserve duty on October 7. Alongside his secret unit, he joined one of the infantry brigades, and together they fought in the Gaza border area and later entered into prolonged combat in Gaza: "We, the fighters, always joke that because of so many reserve days, we don’t count the days we’ve served, but the few days we’ve been home—it’s easier." He missed the birth of his fourth son by a few hours: "I was fortunate to work with amazing people, contribute to the country, and save lives."
G. was called up for reserve duty on October 7 (Archive) | Photo: IDF Spokesperson
Injured Twice—And Didn’t Give Up: "The shrapnel penetrated several tissues but didn’t hit anything vital—it’s truly a miracle." He described his first injury during combat in Gaza as "minor": "We were in a major incident in Beit Hanoun where two soldiers were killed, including a close friend of mine, Shai Grilnik, who participated in television singing competition show 'The Next Star,' and many others were injured," G. recalled. "I felt I was hit but continued running and rescuing the wounded. Only after evacuating everyone did I inform my commanders that I had been injured in the knee by shrapnel from a grenade and was evacuated to the hospital." At the hospital, G. had to undergo surgery.
After recovering from the surgery and spending a week and a half at home, G. returned to reserve duty in Gaza. In June 2024, he was involved in an explosion incident in Rafah: "One soldier was killed on the spot, and many others were injured. At that moment, I felt I had been hit by shrapnel in various parts of my body, including my neck. I lost a lot of blood and was classified as seriously injured," he recalled of the difficult event. "Only at the hospital, after a full-body CT scan, did they discover I also had shrapnel in my brain."
"The doctors were in shock. The shrapnel penetrated several brain tissues but didn’t hit anything vital—it was truly a miracle," G. shared. "I was conscious but a bit foggy. A friend told me the doctors started arguing among themselves whether to operate or not, whether I could live with the shrapnel—there were so many questions. I’m glad they decided not to remove it; so far, everything is fine."
IDF forces in Rafah—June 2024 (Archive) | Photo: IDF Spokesperson
The Complex Rehabilitation and Return to the Battlefield The first months after the injury, with the shrapnel lodged in his brain, were a bit tough for G.: "I dealt with a lot of headaches—having a foreign object in your head is never good." But from the moment he realized he was alive, he knew he would return to reserve duty. "It wasn’t that simple. I had to convince many doctors in the Medical Corps and senior commanders that I could return to full combat duty despite the shrapnel in my brain."
G. shared that the complicated challenge isn’t the combat service after the injury, but a stigmatizing society that labels head injury victims: "Once there’s a head injury, it’s more complex to explain to people that everything is fine. If you’re injured in the body, people can understand the situation, but my injury is invisible—fortunately. Yet, if my behavior changes slightly or I act differently, it’s attributed to my head injury. I have to explain that I went through a tough experience, but people draw all sorts of conclusions about me."
"My message is optimistic," G. added. "Everyone says life is short, but when you experience it, it’s no longer a slogan. After an injury, things may seem impossible, but then you knock on one door, then another, and eventually, you can change things until you succeed."
From the moment he realized he was alive, G. knew he would return to reserve duty | Photo: IDF Spokesperson
The Community Supporting IDF Head Injury Victims G. is a member of the "Or (light) Community" association, which helps soldiers and reservists with head injuries reintegrate into life and work, providing emotional, social, and professional support through a personalized mentoring program. The association was founded by Shahar Gazundheit, 31, a former fighter in Shayetet 13. During his post-service trip to India, Shahar was seriously injured in a car accident when his vehicle fell off a 70-meter cliff: "The accident led to a severe head injury and multiple fractures. The doctors gave me no chance of survival, let alone full recovery," Shahar shared. "Thanks to long and determined rehabilitation, and the support I received from my family and unit friends, I not only returned to full function but also went back to serving in Shayetet 13 reserve training," he said. According to him, the rehabilitation process was accompanied by immense difficulties—feelings of loneliness, frustration, and a lack of understanding from the environment. All of this led Shahar to establish the association, which provides support and guidance to young head injury victims in need of a community framework that deeply understands the unique challenges of brain injury survivors.
"It’s entirely possible for someone to be injured by shrapnel in the head without immediate neurological damage," noted Dr. Shahar Sheli, head of the Neurology Department at Rambam Hospital and chairman of the "Or Community" association. "It depends on the location and depth of the shrapnel’s penetration. There are scenarios where a shrapnel injury is considered non-dangerous. For example, if the shrapnel hits the scalp or skull bones without penetrating the brain, it’s only an external injury. If the shrapnel enters 'silent areas' of the brain—those not involving vital functions like movement, speech, and memory—medical monitoring is required because the brain can react unpredictably."
"Head injuries are considered very complex in neurology because they can affect physical, cognitive, and emotional functions even years after the injury," Dr. Sheli added. "Dealing with head injuries requires ongoing rehabilitation, including emotional support, adjustments in daily life, professional guidance, and community support. The good news is that often, the condition of the injured can be improved, allowing them to return to meaningful and normal functioning." link
59 Hostages Remain in Gaza - Their Stories (5 a day)
Gadi Haggi, z"lAge 73, Nir Oz
Gadi, z"l, was kidnapped along with his wife, Judy, from Nir Oz. They went for their daily walk in the kibbutz fields (seen on the kibbutz cameras leaving the gate) and sent a message that rockets were being fired. Later, they contacted a kibbutz member from the field, and Judy reported that Gadi was seriously injured and needed help. Contact was then lost. Their phones were located in Gaza. Gadi was a gifted wind instrument player, a man deeply connected to the land, and a member of Kibbutz Ein HaShofet. The couple had four children. On December 22, 2023, Kibbutz Nir Oz announced that the family had received confirmation that Gadi was murdered in Hamas captivity, and his body is being held in Gaza. On December 28, 2023, Kibbutz Nir Oz announced that Judy was also murdered, and her body is being held by Hamas.
Yair Yaakov, z"lAge 59, Nir Oz
Yair Yaakov, z"l, was kidnapped with his partner, Merav Tal, who was visiting him in Nir Oz. Initially, Merav reported to her family that Yair was holding the safe room door. The last contact was at 9:20 AM when she sent a voice message saying, "Help me, call the police, Yair is injured. They are inside the house," before contact was lost. The next day, a Hamas video showed Merav and Yair being taken out of the safe room and abducted. In another video, Merav and Yair are seen getting into a vehicle, with Merav saying, "Leave him, he's injured." Yair's sons, Yagil (12) and Or (16), were also kidnapped from another house. His eldest daughter, 21, was not home that morning and survived. Yagil and Or were released on November 27, 2023, and Merav was released the next day, November 28, 2023. On February 15, 2024, Kibbutz Nir Oz announced that Yair was murdered on October 7, and his body is being held by Hamas.
Amiram Cooper, z"l Age 84, Nir Oz 
Amiram was kidnapped with his wife, Nurit, who was released along with Yocheved Lifshitz at the end of October. Amiram and his wife were among the founders of Nir Oz. He worked for years as the chief economist of the Ma'on Regional Council. He was also a poet and composer, publishing several poetry books, writing plays, and publishing articles on politics and economics. Amiram was a father of three and a grandfather of nine. He required life-saving medication. On December 18, 2023, a video showing signs of life from Cooper was released, filmed alongside hostages Yoram Metzger and Chaim Peri. On June 3, 2024, it was announced that he had been murdered. His body remains in Hamas captivity in Gaza.
Ronen Engel, z"lAge 54, Nir Oz
Ronen, z"l, went out to fight the terrorists who infiltrated Kibbutz Nir Oz on Saturday morning. He left his wife, Karina, and daughters Mika and Yuval in the safe room—they were also kidnapped, separately from him. Ronen's brother shared: "We last spoke to them when they were in the safe room, and Ronen was armed. Someone from the kibbutz told us they spoke to Karina during the abduction, and Ronen was not with them—he went out to fight. We know for sure the three girls were together. We don’t know where Ronen is or what happened to him, but at 10 AM, the terrorists posted selfies and footage of them boarding a tank on Ronen’s Instagram story." Ronen was an optimistic man with a constant smile, working as a photojournalist. He recently completed external studies on water lines and worked in the kibbutz poultry farm and furniture restoration. He was also an avid collector and motorcycle enthusiast. Ronen suffered from diabetes. Karina, Mika, and Yuval were released on November 27, 2023. Four days after their release, Kibbutz Nir Oz announced Ronen's death. Engel was murdered on October 7, 2023, and his body remains in Hamas captivity.
Eliyahu Margalit, z"lAge 75, Nir Oz
Eliyahu Margalit, z"l, was kidnapped from Nir Oz under unknown circumstances. At 7:00 AM on Saturday, he went to feed the horses at the kibbutz, and significant blood traces were found near the stable. His horses were also taken. His daughter, Nili Margalit, was also kidnapped and released on November 30, 2023. The day after her release, the family was informed that Margalit had been murdered in Hamas captivity.
Acronyms and Glossary
ICC - International Criminal Court in the Hague
IJC - International Court of Justice in the Hague
MDA - Magen David Adom - Israel Ambulance Corp
PA - Palestinian Authority - President Mahmud Abbas, aka Abu Mazen
PMO- Prime Minister's Office
UAV - Unmanned Aerial vehicle, Drone. Could be used for surveillance and reconnaissance, or be weaponized with missiles or contain explosives for 'suicide' explosion mission
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