The 7 October Hamas assault on Israel has left a scar that still feels fresh for communities like Kfar Aza. Three years after the attack, residents gathered for a memorial ceremony, still clutching grief while demanding answers about a state that failed to protect them.
In Kfar Aza, volunteers who warned senior military officials of potential threats were ignored. The civil‑defence squad that should have met these warnings was ambushed the next morning, and 64 people were killed, 19 taken hostage.
Survivors and relatives such as Inbar Goldstein continue to urge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to step up responsibility. Calls for an independent inquiry have risen, with opposition politicians urging the Supreme Court to mandate a state commission, while Netanyahu insists he was never warned.
Netanyahu’s refusal to admit failure is being debated as Israel heads to elections. Critics argue that the unexamined failures could lead to future tragedies, whereas supporters cling to his record of action against Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran.
