Gaza War Criticizes Israeli Government at UN, Cites Parental Loss on Oct. 7

Ma'oz Yinon, whose parents were murdered during the October 7th Hamas attack on Kibbutz Nirim, delivered a sharp critique of the Israeli government at the United Nations Security Council. He accused the government of exploiting the atrocities to wage a "devastating revenge war," causing catastrophic destruction in Gaza, accelerating ethnic cleansing, expanding settlements, and enforcing forced displacement in the West Bank. Yinon stated, "They turned our pain into a weapon."

Yinon's parents, Yaakov and Blaha Yinon, were burned to death in their home in Moshav Nativ Ha'asara when Hamas militants set it ablaze during the October 7th attack. Blaha, 76, was initially listed as the last missing person, with only Yaakov's DNA found at the scene. In August 2024, the IDF confirmed Blaha was also murdered, with archaeological findings near the home aiding the identification.

Addressing the Security Council during a periodic review of the Middle East, Yinon recounted how his world collapsed on October 7th. He emphasized that his family chose to reject revenge, believing it would only perpetuate trauma and bloodshed. He introduced Aziz Abu Sarah, a Palestinian from East Jerusalem whose brother died in Israeli custody, as a partner in their organization "InterAct International," aimed at transforming grief into hope.

Yinon acknowledged Hamas's "horrific war crimes" on October 7th but reiterated his condemnation of the Israeli government's actions. He cited the destruction in Gaza, the expansion of settlements, and forced displacement in the West Bank as violations of UN Security Council Resolution 2334. He presented a five-point plan for "transforming pain into just and sustainable peace," advocating for a broad peace coalition and the implementation of a two-state solution.

Abu Sarah also spoke, sharing his childhood experiences of fear and violence, including his brother's death in Israeli custody. He called for targeted sanctions against individuals and entities supporting violence, specifically mentioning sanctions on settlers and settlements, similar to actions taken by France, the UK, and Canada. He also requested humanitarian access for Palestinians held in Israeli detention, noting that Israel holds over 9,000 Palestinians, including children, with at least 93 confirmed deaths since October 7th.

Both Yinon and Abu Sarah concluded by calling for an end to enmity and violence, advocating for a future where children do not experience injustice and where peace and freedom prevail for all from the river to the sea.