October 7th probe: How Kibbutz Nirim was abandoned by IDF during Hamas assault

The IDF probe into its failure to protect Kibbutz Nirim in the southern Gaza Corridor during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack was released on Friday.

The investigation revealed that around 150 Hamas terrorists, organized in three waves, infiltrated Nirim and the surrounding areas, resulting in the murder of five civilians and the abduction of five deceased residents. In the ensuing battles, 10 soldiers were killed, and another eight were taken hostage.

Before the war, Nirim, which had a population of just over 400, was located near Nir Oz, a neighboring community that also experienced a delayed response from the IDF until the early afternoon of October 7. By then, most Hamas invaders had already returned to Gaza. In the aftermath, residents noted that the IDF presence in the area had significantly increased, with more positions and personnel, including tanks, now stationed near Nirim’s “White House” outpost.

While some residents of Nirim appreciated the IDF’s admission of its failure, they continue to feel abandoned. Shai Levy, a resident and Channel 12 reporter, recounted the horror of the attack, stating that his family survived only by keeping invaders out of their safe room. Despite improvements in security since October 7, Levy pointed out that most residents are still restricted from returning due to an ongoing emergency order, and some may choose not to come back.

In addition to ongoing military activity, residents reported constant disruptions from rockets, warning sirens, and Israeli drones, which have left the area feeling unsettled even 18 months after the attack.