On Wednesday, January 22, the Israeli Knesset passed an important law. It criminalizes denying, belittling or celebrating the Hamas attack on southern Israel.. It occurred on October 7, 2023. Times of Israel writes about this. The publication notes that the bill, authored by United Israel Party member Oded Forer, is modeled after the 1986 law banning Holocaust denial.. "

However, statements made “in good faith or for lawful purposes,” such as during research or to provide information in legal proceedings, are not considered criminal activity under the law..

“The State of Israel today said loudly and clearly: denial of the atrocities of October 7 will not pass in silence, neither in the Knesset, nor on the streets, nor throughout the world.. Anyone who tries to deny Hamas's horrendous crimes is an active partner in spreading lies and incitement. undermines the foundations of our society,” Forer emphasized after the adoption of the law.

However, the publication clarifies that the law on denial of massacres has caused concern among some human rights activists regarding its potential impact on freedom of speech. Especially given the large number of investigations and police charges against Arab citizens of Israel.

It was previously reported that the Israeli Prime Minister promised to destroy the Hamas militant group after the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

However, at the moment the group is influencing the situation in the Gaza Strip.

That evening, Hamas handed over three Israeli women who had been held captive for 471 days to the Red Cross for return home.. The hostages are 31, 28 and 24 years old.

And on January 21, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the start of the military operation “Iron Wall” in the West Bank. Israeli troops began clearing the city of Jenin from terrorists.