One year after the 7 October Hamas attacks, questions persist about the deadliest day in Israeli history. The BBC has uncovered new details about the fall of the Nahal Oz border post, where over 60 Israeli soldiers were killed and others taken hostage. Accounts from soldiers and families reveal suspicious activity, inadequate protocols, and flawed infrastructure, leading to a perfect storm of catastrophic failure.
The investigation highlights the IDF's failure to grasp the severity of the threat, with warnings ignored and reinforcements delayed. The base's surveillance equipment was either out of action or easily destroyed, allowing Hamas fighters to breach the border fence with relative ease. The speed and ferocity of the invasion caught Israeli troops off guard, with many unarmed and without adequate cover.
Survivors' accounts and recordings reveal a chaotic and desperate situation, with soldiers struggling to respond to the attack. The IDF's response was slow, and the military's system failed to provide adequate support. The aftermath of the attack saw a devastating loss of life, with over 1,200 people killed and 251 taken hostage.
The investigation raises critical questions about the IDF's preparedness and response to the attack, highlighting a need for a thorough review of the incident and implementation of necessary reforms to prevent similar catastrophes in the future.