Families of Oct. 7 Victims Release "File 7.10" Demanding Accountability

Families of victims from the October 7th Hamas attack, alongside former hostages and their relatives, unveiled "File 7.10," a document they claim compiles facts and decisions preceding the massacre. The group declared that "anyone who had their hand on the wheel that day and in the preceding years and had a part in the failure cannot continue to lead the country."

The document, presented as a public indictment against "governments of misconception," calls for an examination of responsibility for the failures over many years, not just the hours leading up to the attack. The families emphasized that individuals in leadership positions who bear responsibility for the failure cannot continue to govern.

Several individuals shared personal accounts and specific grievances. Shelly Meshel-Yogev, mother of a victim, pointed to 15 years of policies that allegedly strengthened Hamas, questioning the Prime Minister's decisions regarding fund transfers and pre-attack warnings. Einav Tsengauker, mother of a released hostage, stated the document aims to shift focus from the immediate hours before the attack to long-term policies.

Natalia Kaseroti, mother of a Nova festival victim, played her son's last recording and questioned the extent to which funds transferred to Gaza contributed to Hamas's capabilities. Professor Udi Shaham, father of a fallen soldier, argued that the collapse of the security concept on October 7th necessitates the resignation of those who led it, including the Prime Minister.

Noam Peri, daughter of a hostage murdered in captivity, shared information about a potential early hostage release deal in November-December 2023 that she claims Israel did not pursue, potentially costing lives. Gil Dicman, cousin of a kidnapped and murdered woman, stressed that the failure must be examined beyond the morning of October 7th, and that families will push for the preceding policies to be central to public discourse ahead of elections.

Merav Svirsky, whose parents were murdered and brother was kidnapped and killed, stated that those responsible for the failure cannot continue to lead the state. Lishi Miran Levi, a survivor of the Nova festival attack, described "File 7.10" as connecting thousands of details to explain how Israel reached October 7th and to prevent future occurrences. Michel Illouz, father of a kidnapped and murdered man, protested claims of all hostages being returned and demanded answers about fund transfers to Hamas.