More than 200 former hostages and families of those abducted during the October 7 attack have called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to establish a state commission of inquiry into the events surrounding the assault and the subsequent handling of hostages. In a letter released on Sunday, the groups demanded “truth, justice, and accountability,” asserting that only a state commission holds the legal authority to investigate the decision-making processes before and after the attack.
The letter marks the 800th day since the massacre, highlighting an ongoing campaign that seeks to hold those responsible accountable. The signatories include former captives such as Yarden Bibas, Arbel Yehud, and Amit Sosna, as well as families of hostages, including relatives of Shiri Bibas, Arie Bibas, and Kfir Bibas, whose tragic deaths while in captivity resonated deeply within the nation.
The groups emphasized that a state commission must thoroughly investigate various aspects related to the attack, including intelligence failures, the abandonment of border communities, and the handling of hostage negotiations. They argued that political committees lack the ability to investigate their own actions and that only a statutory commission can compel witnesses to testify and obtain relevant documents.
In their letter, the families expressed frustration, stating, “Stop evading, stop delaying, stop whitewashing.” They urged the Israeli government to take immediate action, declaring, “If you will not take responsibility and establish such a commission as the public demands, step aside and let the people decide.”
The appeal comes amid ongoing disputes regarding the form and timing of any inquiry. Bereaved families have persistently urged Netanyahu to initiate a formal investigation, while the High Court has demanded explanations concerning the government’s position on the matter. Alternatives proposed by Netanyahu and his ministers, including criticisms of former security officials’ potential involvement, have faced backlash regarding their credibility.
The October Council, which has organized rallies advocating for a statutory investigation, reiterated the importance of accountability. The letter concluded with a powerful statement: “Without investigating the truth, we cannot ensure that October 7 never happens again. Without accountability, we cannot honor the memory of those who fell, those who were abducted, and those still held in Gaza.”
As the campaign intensifies, families and former hostages continue to seek assurance that lessons will be learned from the October 7 tragedy.
