1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

I write to you today to urgently draw your attention to a recent Haaretz report revealing the IDF's use of the Hannibal Directive on October 7. The directive, aimed at preventing kidnappings even at the cost of the captives' lives, has severe implications. On October 7, during the chaotic initial hours of a Hamas attack, communication networks were overwhelmed. At 11:22 A.M., the Gaza Division ordered, "Not a single vehicle can return to Gaza," risking the lives of many kidnapped individuals. Documents and testimonies from Haaretz reveal widespread use of this procedure by the Gaza Division, Southern Command, and the IDF General Staff, showing its application from the initial hours of the attack at various border points. The Hannibal Directive's use on October 7 resulted in numerous attacks inside outposts and bases, with orders given to fire mortars towards Gaza and prevent vehicles from returning, endangering both kidnapped civilians and soldiers. Notably, an incident at Kibbutz Be'eri resulted in the deaths of 13 hostages due to IDF attacks. These actions necessitate immediate intervention. We must stop arming Israel and support an immediate and permanent ceasefire to prevent further escalation and loss of life. You must act now. There is no time to waste. (https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2024-07-07/ty-article-magazine/.premium/idf-ordered-hannibal-directive-on-october-7-to-prevent-hamas-taking-soldiers-captive/00000190-89a2-d776-a3b1-fdbe45520000) (https://archive.is/5ZLGs)