Fact Check: The IDF killed Israelis on October 7

Fact Check: "The IDF killed Israelis on October 7"

What We Know

On October 7, 2023, a coordinated attack by Hamas resulted in significant casualties among Israeli civilians and military personnel. Reports indicate that over 1,200 Israelis were killed during the attack, with many more injured or taken hostage (Wikipedia). The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) faced severe criticism for their preparedness and response to the attack, particularly at locations like the Nahal Oz military base, where more than 60 Israeli soldiers were reportedly killed after being overrun by Hamas forces (BBC).

The IDF's use of the "Hannibal Directive," which allows for aggressive military responses to prevent the capture of soldiers, has also been a point of contention, with at least 14 Israeli civilians reportedly killed due to its invocation during the chaos of the attack (NPR). However, there is no credible evidence to support the claim that the IDF intentionally killed Israelis during the events of October 7.

Analysis

The claim that "the IDF killed Israelis on October 7" lacks substantiation and contradicts the available evidence. The primary sources discussing the events of that day focus on the overwhelming assault by Hamas and the subsequent casualties suffered by the IDF and Israeli civilians. The reports from credible outlets such as the BBC and NPR detail the chaos and confusion during the attack, highlighting the IDF's struggle to respond effectively rather than suggesting any deliberate actions against Israelis by their own military (BBC, NPR).

Moreover, the invocation of the Hannibal Directive, while controversial, was aimed at preventing the capture of soldiers rather than targeting Israeli lives. The directive has been criticized for its potential consequences, but it does not imply a direct intention to kill Israelis (Times of Israel).

The sources used in this analysis are reputable and provide a comprehensive overview of the events surrounding the October 7 attacks. The BBC, NPR, and Wikipedia are established news organizations and encyclopedic references that adhere to journalistic standards, making their accounts credible.

Conclusion

The claim that "the IDF killed Israelis on October 7" is False. The evidence indicates that the casualties were primarily a result of the Hamas attack, with no credible reports supporting the notion that the IDF intentionally killed Israelis. The chaos of the day, including the invocation of military protocols, does not equate to an intentional act of killing by the IDF against its own citizens.