Amit Sa'ar, head of the IDF Research Department, died at age 47 after battling a malignant tumor, having previously taken responsibility for the October 7 failure and discussing the Gaza problem. His funeral is scheduled for Friday.
The Knesset approved a preliminary bill to establish a politically appointed commission of inquiry into the October 7 attacks, sparking protests from victims' families who fear it undermines accountability and transparency. The proposed commission would be outside the traditional legal framework, with members appointed through a Knesset-led process, raising concerns about political influence. The bill still needs further legislative steps before becoming law, amid ongoing controversy and opposition from affected families.
Pro-Hamas student groups across various universities plan nationwide protests on October 7, marking the second anniversary of Hamas's attack, with some protests potentially turning destructive, highlighting the ongoing tensions and the response of university administrations to anti-Semitism.
Two years after the Hamas attacks on Israel, a new cinematic sub-genre has emerged, featuring documentaries, dramatizations, and survivor stories that explore and process the events of October 7, 2023, across various streaming platforms and theaters, highlighting personal experiences, community resilience, and efforts to combat denial.
The UN has blacklisted Hamas for sexual violence committed on October 7 and against hostages, warning that Israel may be the next target for similar actions.
Hamas has released a 16-page document denying its atrocities and blaming Israel for civilian deaths on October 7, seeking to justify the massacre and brand itself as a "national liberation" group. The document calls for an international investigation into the events, presents the conflict as a battle against "colonialism," and rebrands Hamas as a "national liberation and resistance movement." It also alleges that Hamas did not target civilians and calls for support of the Palestinian resistance while condemning Israel.
Israel's mental health services are struggling to cope with the mass trauma caused by the surprise attack by Hamas on October 7. Mental health professionals and volunteers are working around the clock to provide support to those affected, including the families of those killed, injured, and taken hostage. The mental health impact is still unfolding, with many people seeking help only now. Grassroots initiatives have played a significant role in filling the gaps in the overstretched mental health system. The ongoing war and the need to convince others of the reality of the situation add to the trauma experienced by the Israeli population.