Israeli Peace Activist Lost His Parents on October 7. He's Calling for an End to War & Occupation.

Today is the first anniversary of the October 7 attack on Israel, when Hamas's military wing broke out of Israeli-constructed barrier fencing in the Gaza Strip. In the ensuing firefight, an estimated 1,200 people died. About 250 people were taken hostage and brought back to Gaza in a bid to pressure Israel to release some of the thousands of Palestinian political prisoners it holds in Israeli custody. While more than half of the hostages were exchanged this way through subsequent deals, Israel's primary response to the incursion was the launch of a full-scale assault on the already-besieged Gaza Strip. Conservative estimates place the number of Palestinians killed at over 41,000. More recent projections suggest that this number may have reached the hundreds of thousands.

Meanwhile, in Israel, many families of remaining hostages continue to deride Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for refusing to accept a ceasefire deal that would return their family members, contending that Netanyahu is exploiting their loved ones and putting them in danger in order to manufacture a regional war. "Those who believe in war, they are naive, because they have been failing again and again and again," says Israeli peace activist Maoz Inon, who has been advocating for a ceasefire and an end to Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories for the past year. His parents, Bilha and Yakovi, were among those killed on October 7.

[yayalubnan]

What a beautiful way to honor his parent and their beliefs.

[annhill]

Thank you Democracy Now for your integrity and humanity and above all TRUTH❤

[zombiehampster]

I agree with Mr. Inon 100%, and if Israeli's want true security, the Palestinians need to have their dignity and a place of their own, because neither side is going anywhere. It takes courage to not seek immediate revenge, especially at the loss of loved ones, but I think Mr. Inon understands breaking the cycle of violence takes personal sacrifice.

[YesmiNomi]

Dear Inon, sorry for your loss and thank you for your resilience. Everything will be better.

[naila]

It is heartbreaking how lovely innocent people are suffering and losing their loved ones ❤. This gentleman has a big heart. Salute to you. May Allah protect us all from greed and evil occupation.

[debbielopez]

🐾 I hope they're listening to this man. He speaks from experience, his heart & for the future for all people.

[TrustMe]

My deepest sympathy for the loss of your parents you can tell they were wonderful parents. You have done nothing but honor them.

[stevenmcglinchey]

Amazing man. Bless him and the memory of his parents ❤

[RobertOwusu-Mireku]

I am sorry Mr. Iron for your loss. We need more people like you. People who preach peace. I wish you the best.

[akeem]

Maoz Inom has a big heart made of gold.

[Prayforpeace]

❤ Thankyou for holding on to that divine love, vision, courage and hope Maoz. You are beautiful soul. We need more advocates for peace.

[mideastgirl]

what a beautiful soul speaking right out of his huge heart. i love him. God protect and bless him as Jeremy Loffredo and many other peaceactivists!

[adexmokson]

I’m so sorry for what happened to his parents and all innocent people that died on October 7. Pls end the war and occupation now to allow peace to reign among the Israelis and Palestinians. We need people like him to lead the world.

[johnarvid]

"We are doomed to live here together and we have to choose whether to share this land or to share the graveyard under it."
- Rami Elhanan

[audreybunyan]

God bless this man. If anyone should know the answer to the horrific things that have happened, it is this man. Politicians should be listening to him. ❤

[karenwilliams]

I love this man. Peace and reconciliation is the only way forward. His voice is so important because his voice is the voice of humanity.

[aaronholloway]

Maoz has my deepest condolences, and he can and must criticize U.S. misleadership!

[adamhg]

Well done Maoz
So sorry for your loss
End the occupation, end the apartheid, return the refugees

[MinkytheMinkY]

Had hostage families listened from the beginning, imagine how many would've stayed alive.

[nanafolk.]

We all must first internalize his mothers insightful message and his fathers hopeful model within ourselves and our own lives in order to join him on the path for peace.