Former Hostages and Bereaved Families Demand State Inquiry on 800th Day Since October 7

On the 800th day since the October 7 attack, more than 200 former hostages, their family members, and representatives of the “October Council” submitted a letter on Sunday to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding the immediate establishment of an independent, state-run commission of inquiry into the failures surrounding the attack and its aftermath.

The signatories warned that if the prime minister does not act, he should “vacate your seat and let the people decide,” arguing that a majority of the public supports a state commission with full investigative authority.

Unite Behind Call for Accountability

Among those signing the demand were former hostages Yarden Bibas, Arbel Yehud, Ariel and Sharon Cuneo, Luis Har, Gadi Mozes, Amit Soussana, Ohad Ben Ami, Daniel Aloni, Yaffa Adar, Fernando Merman, Keren Munder, and Chen Almog-Goldstein.

The letter was also signed by families of hostages who were murdered or returned from captivity, including Herut Nimrodi, mother of the late Tamir Nimrodi; John and Rachel Goldberg-Polin, parents of the late Hersh Goldberg-Polin; Ruby Chen, father of the late Itay Chen; Yael Adar, mother of Tamir Adar; Dalit Oron, mother of the late Idan Shtivi; Einav Tsengauker, mother of hostage survivor Matan Tsengauker; Itzik Horn, father of survivors Yair and Eitan Horn; and Chen Avigdor, husband of hostage survivor Sharon Avigdor and father of Noam Avigdor.

“The Only Tool Capable of Reaching the Truth”

The letter stated that a state commission of inquiry is the only mechanism capable of investigating “without fear, bias, or limitation” the full chain of failures before, during, and after October 7.

The signatories called for a comprehensive investigation into the collapse of Israel’s defense and intelligence systems, unanswered distress calls, the abandonment of border communities for hours, and the failure to protect civilians and soldiers during the attack.

They also demanded scrutiny of post–October 7 decision-making, including negotiations over hostage releases, delays in their return, coordination between political and military leadership, and the impact of public statements and government actions on the lives, health, and fate of those held in captivity.

Special reference was made to Ran Gueili, the last person abducted on October 7 whose body remains in Gaza.

Rejection of Political Committees

The letter emphasized that a commission of inquiry “is not a political tool” and must not include individuals who are themselves subjects of investigation. It called for a body that is transparent, professional, and empowered to subpoena documents, summon witnesses, and issue binding conclusions.

“The truth is not a privilege,” the statement said, “but the duty of the State of Israel to its citizens. Without truth, there can be no healing, no trust, and no guarantee that such a disaster will never happen again.”

October Council: ‘The Failure Continues Every Day’

The October Council, which is leading the public campaign for a state inquiry, said the government continues to abandon survivors and bereaved families.

“On the 800th day of the gravest disaster in Israel’s history, the government is still turning its back,” the organization said. “Only a full state commission can expose the chain of failures and the responsibility of decision-makers. The failure did not end on October 7 — it continues every day the truth is avoided.”

Rallies Renew Call for Return of Ran Gueili

The letter followed a day of nationwide rallies supporting the return of Ran Gueili. At a gathering at Sha’ar HaNegev Junction, his aunt Harel Palchinsky appealed for urgent action.

“Rani went out to fight for the homeland he loved,” she said. “Now the homeland must fight for him. We will not allow the government to move on until he returns.”

Former hostage Eitan Horn, speaking at the same rally, said the unresolved fate of Gueili prevents healing.

“Until Ran returns home, I cannot begin my rehabilitation,” Horn said. “We must unite as a people, learn from our mistakes, and ensure that no one is left behind.”