IOF investigation into Nir Oz: Witness blasts 'incorrect' data
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The IOF presented an inquiry into the October 7 operation to Nir Oz, but captives criticized the investigation for inaccurate data and failing to address key issues, especially the army's delayed response.
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Palestinians and Hamas militants transport Yaffa Adar, 85, to Gaza after taking her from her home in Nir Oz, a kibbutz in the occupied territory near the Gaza border, on October 7, 2023. (AP)
An IOF inquiry into Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on October 7 was presented to the members of the Nir Oz community on Thursday. The release of the investigation had been delayed twice, according to Israeli media.
During a break, an Israeli who returned from captivity in Gaza spoke to i24NEWS, criticizing the investigation. "They presented incorrect data regarding the hours we were kidnapped," he said.
He added that until now, the events at the kibbutz were discussed without addressing the main issues.
According to the report, the investigation was presented by Major General (res.) Eran Niv, who started by offering an apology to the community. The meeting also featured the outgoing Southern Command chief, Major General Yaron Finkelman, and the outgoing chief of staff, Herzi Halevi.
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"We salute your bravery," Halevi said, but the residents were unmoved. During the hours that Hamas fighters were in the kibbutz, there was no response from the IOF, who only came an hour later.
A resident of Nir Oz told the investigators, "You could have summed it up in three words: We weren't there. You’re showing us things we already knew," according to the report.
IOF reveal results of investigation into October 7 operation
On March 4, the Israeli occupation published the results of its investigation into the October 7, 2023 events at the village of Kfar Aza and the Nahal Oz base.
The investigation revealed a series of failures that allowed Hamas fighters to kill and capture Israeli settlers. One of which was the shortage of soldiers at the base.
The investigation stated that Military Intelligence and the General Security Service (Shin Bet) failed to issue any warning before the attack.
The investigation further detailed that 250 Hamas fighters entered Kfar Aza, killing 64 people and capturing 19 others, while the fighting continued in the area for three days.
According to the investigation, which highlights a series of leadership failures, "the failure to manage the fighting in Kfar Aza was due to serious mistakes made during the battle," and the lack of coordination between the forces "resulted in the tragic outcome of dozens being killed and captured."
The investigation also revealed that Hamas fighters were able to take control of the village of Kfar Aza within the first hour of the attack, due to a shortage of soldiers and the confusion that prevailed in the area.
