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Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, on Friday, apologized to the families of the hostages for a violent altercation with Knesset guards after having been blocked from entering the plenum on Monday.
“To all bereaved families, I bow my head, and to those who were harmed this week in the Knesset—I apologize from the depths of my soul,” Ohana said. “This incident should not have happened, and with goodwill from both sides, it can be prevented from happening again.
“Everyone in the Knesset knows that there is no institution among Israel’s governing bodies that embraces the pain, the anger, and the fury of bereaved families—as well as the families of the hostages—more than the Knesset.”
Bereaved families respond to the apology
“Instead of issuing a sincere and genuine apology, Ohana published a statement full of accusations against the families.
“We reiterate our call for Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, under whose tenure degradation, silencing, humiliation, and violence against bereaved families and families of hostages have become routine, to take responsibility for this disgrace and resign from his position.”
Two injured as guards clash with bereaved families in Israel’s Knesset
Ohana was referencing the violent altercation that occurred at the Knesset between bereaved parents and Knesset guards. Families were blocked from entering the visitors’ section of the plenum to observe a discussion regarding a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 massacre.
“The reason for the audience restriction in the gallery—especially during special, sensitive, and tense discussions—is a safety concern,” he explained in his apology statement.
The bereaved parents are members of the NGO October Council, which represents 1,500 families demanding that the government immediately form a commission.
However, the families were blocked by Knesset guards and police officers at the bottom of a staircase leading to the visitors’ section. The guards said that only a limited number could enter. The confrontation developed into a brawl between officers and bereaved parents. At least two fell after suffering blows.
The brawl eventually subsided. In an act of protest, the families gathered at the bottom of the staircase and said kaddish, the Jewish prayer of mourning, while holding up placards with pictures of their loved ones.
The families were eventually allowed into the visitors’ section under heavy guard. At one point during the prime minister’s speech, the family members stood up and turned their backs to the prime minister while holding up their loved ones’ pictures. Ohana directed the guards to remove them but eventually reneged on his order.
Eliav Breuer contributed to this article.
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