Following the October 7 operation in Sderot, settlers are filing a lawsuit against the Sderot Municipality and Motorola, seeking NIS 12 million ($3.12 million) in damages for gross negligence.

The lawsuit claims that a city protection system, designed to safeguard settlers in times of crisis, failed, turning a bomb shelter into a death trap.

The group reportedly sought safety in a bomb shelter after the Palestinian Resistance launched its October 7 operation, Al-Aqsa Flood, which was then met with Israeli aggression on the Strip. 

However, the automatic doors—meant to open during emergencies—remained shut and they weren't able to enter the shelters. 

Read more: 'Sderot in state of emergency', settlers in bunkers & limited rations

Iris Zarbailov, whose mother was killed in the operation, recalls her final phone call, where her mother expressed fear while being locked out of the shelter.

"We want justice," said Zarbailov, underscoring how the negligence of the authorities has cost them their relatives.

Plaintiffs like Zarbailov argue that this loss goes beyond individual suffering—it is part of the larger crisis stemming from "Israel's" policies, which prioritize "military force over human safety and dignity".

Attorney Omer Haralaf, representing the families, pointed out that the system failure reflects a wider pattern of negligence by the authorities.

"Had the system worked as intended, these innocent lives could have been saved," he said.

Who is responsible for Israelis death?

It is important to note that the October 7 operation was a response to ongoing Israeli occupation and violence, particularly in Gaza.

The Palestinian resistance, including Hamas, carried out the operation in retaliation to the Israeli policies of occupation, ethnic cleansing, and apartheid.

Given the historical context of violence and dispossession against Palestinians which has led to uprisings, like the one on October 7, such resistance must be considered a product of Israeli actions.

Read more: 1000 dead Israelis & over 150 captured by Hamas: Israeli Media

On October 27, 2023, The Grayzone published a crucial report detailing how Israeli forces may have inadvertently killed some of their own settlers during the October 7 operation.

The report, citing testimonies and evidence, claims that decisions made by the Israeli occupation, including helicopter strikes and shelling, may have resulted in the deaths of Israeli captives.

Read more: How 'Israel' likely killed its own settlers on October 7: The Grayzone