Victims’ relatives were attempting to observe discussions on establishing an inquiry into the terrorist attack
A confrontation between bereaved parents of victims of the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel and security at the nation’s parliament, the Knesset, has left two people injured, the Jerusalem Post has reported. The scuffle ensued after families sought to observe a debate on Monday concerning the establishment of a commission of inquiry into the tragedy, but were barred from entering the visitors seating area.
The parents, representing the October Council – an NGO advocating for 1,500 families affected by the tragedy – had previously sent a letter to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana requesting access to the session, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to attend. Despite this, Knesset guards and police officers prevented the families from ascending the staircase leading to the visitors section, citing limited seating availability.
The situation escalated into a physical altercation, reportedly resulting in at least two people sustaining injuries after falling during the scuffle. In protest, the families gathered at the base of the staircase, reciting the Kaddish – a Jewish prayer of mourning – while displaying placards bearing images of their deceased loved ones, the Post reported.
Subsequently, the families were granted access to the chamber under strict supervision. During Netanyahu’s address, they reportedly stood and turned their backs to him, holding up photographs of their lost relatives. Speaker Ohana initially ordered their removal but later rescinded the directive.
אין גבול לזוועה ולבושה מתמונות אנשי משמר הכנסת הודפים בכוח משפחות שכולות ממחדל השבעה באוקטובר, לחרפה הזו שותף אמיר אוחנה. אין מי שביזה את מוסד יו״ר הכנסת יותר ממנו pic.twitter.com/wXRwefxnrQ
Netanyahu has faced criticism over his handling of the hostage crisis, with some families accusing him of prioritizing military objectives over the safe return of the captives.
A ceasefire with Hamas was implemented in mid-January following 15 months of intense fighting that caused heavy casualties and extensive destruction in Gaza. The agreement outlines a phased exchange of hostages and prisoners, ensures the delivery of humanitarian aid, and is expected to lead to Israel’s withdrawal from the territory.
In the first phase of the deal, Hamas released 33 Israeli hostages, including the bodies of those deceased, in exchange for roughly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Fifty-nine hostages remain in Gaza, with Israeli assessments indicating that 24 of them are still alive.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an attack on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and abducting around 250 others. In response, Israeli troops invaded Gaza, leaving nearly 47,000 Palestinians dead, according to the territory’s health authorities.
