Israeli parliament passes law criminalizing denial of October 7 attack

The Knesset (Israeli parliament) has passed a landmark law criminalizing the denial, minimization, or celebration of the Hamas-led October 7 attack. 

In a unanimous vote of 16-0, the legislation mandates a five-year prison sentence for anyone found guilty of denying the atrocities with the intent to defend, sympathize with, or identify with Hamas, Caliber.Az reports per Israeli media.

The new law, which mirrors a 1986 statute that prohibits Holocaust denial, was introduced by Yisrael Beytenu MK Oded Forer.

It stipulates that, those who publicly deny or downplay the violence perpetrated by Hamas during the attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, and express support for the group, will face severe legal consequences.

Forer, who sponsored the bill, stated that, legislation is essential in preventing the glorification of terrorism and protecting the integrity of historical memory regarding the tragic events of October 7.

To recap, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has taken effect in Gaza, offering a much-needed reprieve to the over 2 million Palestinians living in the territory after 15 months of intense conflict.

The initial six-week stage of the truce involves the release of some Israeli captives held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel. It also includes a gradual Israeli pullback to Gaza's borders and a significant expansion of humanitarian aid access to the enclave.

The agreement is structured in phases, with the first phase aiming to create momentum for subsequent stages. These later phases are expected to secure the release of all captives and establish a permanent ceasefire, bringing long-term stability to the region.

The road to this agreement has been arduous, marked by numerous setbacks and failed attempts at negotiations since the conflict began on October 7, 2023.

By Aghakazim Guliyev