Israel Defense Forces reveal findings on Hamas attack at Nova music festival
- The Israel Defense Forces began briefings on their internal review of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.
- The sessions, held at the Tel Aviv Expo Center, included bereaved families, survivors, and mental health support.
- These briefings aim to provide transparency and help families cope with their loss.
In Israel, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) commenced briefings on March 31, 2025, regarding the findings from an internal review of the horrific Hamas attack that occurred on October 7, 2023, during the Nova music festival in southern Israel. A total of 344 bereaved families, alongside relatives of hostages and those freed, were invited to attend these sessions held at the Tel Aviv Expo Center, emphasizing the significance of shedding light on the multiple dimensions of this tragedy. The briefings were set to take place over two days, with focused sessions organized into small groups. This format aimed to create an intimate environment where attendees could absorb the sensitive information being shared. Beyond the families of victims, attendees included survivors of the attack and former hostages, ensuring a comprehensive representation of those significantly affected by the events of October 7. IDF Brig. Gen. Ido Mizrahi led the inquiry, which scrutinized military preparedness prior to the assault, the sequence of events during the attack, and the reaction of security forces in and around the festival area during the tragic incident. It was noted that incidents occurring outside of the festival grounds would be reviewed separately and are ongoing. Additionally, mental health professionals were on site to provide support to attendees, recognizing the emotional and psychological toll that such briefings can entail. The structure of the briefings reflects the IDF's acknowledgment of the need to communicate findings transparently while also mitigating the grief and trauma experienced by those affected. Family members of security personnel were also slated for personalized briefings led by high-ranking military officials, highlighting the extensive impact of the attack across different groups. Ultimately, the final briefings were designated for the survivors, scheduled for the following day, ensuring that all perspectives were considered in this critical review of past events.