Nahal Oz Observers Memorial

Nahal Oz Observation Point

The Nahal Oz observatory is an observation point over the Gaza Strip, established in memory of the female observers from Nahal Oz who lost their lives defending the state of Israel on October 7, 2023. The observatory sits between the Nahal Oz outpost and the surrounding areas, including Gaza, Sderot, Netivot, and Kibbutz Beeri. Visitors can pay their respects and have a clear view of the Gaza Strip.

The "Fields Instead of Fences" organization, together with numerous volunteers, donors, and students from Sapir College, built the observatory as part of the "Rebirth Route." This heritage and commemorative route allows the families of the fallen to honor their loved ones. The route is accessible to the public in this part of Israel, enabling a connection with the legacy of those who heroically defended their homeland in the Iron Swords War 2023.

The Battle of Nahal Oz

The battle at the Nahal Oz outpost was one of the first and deadliest encounters on October 7, 2023, resulting in the highest number of IDF casualties during the surprise attack on Israel. This intense confrontation claimed the lives of around 40 IDF soldiers, including several female observers and soldiers from the 77th and 13th Battalions. Additionally, seven female observers and three armored fighters were taken hostage.

By approximately 5:30 p.m., IDF forces had neutralized dozens of Hamas attackers, and the outpost was retaken with the aid of paratroopers from the 890th Battalion, Golani Brigade training officers, and additional support from the Air Force and Navy. The coordinated counterattack involved substantial ground and air support, eliminating the remaining threats and securing the area by the end of the operation.

The Kidnapped Female Soldiers from Nahal Oz

Seven female observers(Karina Ariev, Agam Berger, Liri Elbag, Naama Levy, Daniela Gilboa, Uri Magidish, and Noa Marciano) were abducted to Gaza on October 7, 2023. That morning, observer Naama Levy was seen in a Hamas video inside Gaza, and other abductees were identified in similar footage showing them being taken in a stolen IDF jeep.

During a ground operation on the night of October 29-30, IDF and Shin Bet forces successfully rescued Private Uri Magidish, who had been abducted during the battle.

On November 13, Hamas released a video from the beginning of the conflict showing captured soldier Noa Marciano, who served as an observer. She was later injured, apparently in an IDF airstrike on the building she was held in, and taken to Shifa Hospital. Tragically, Marciano was subsequently killed in captivity by a doctor affiliated with Hamas. On November 16, IDF forces recovered her body near Shifa Hospital.

On May 22, the families of the kidnapped female observers released a three-minute GoPro video, filmed by Hamas terrorists, documenting the beginning of their abduction. In July 2024, additional footage was released, showing parts of the first week of captivity for the five remaining female observers still held hostage.

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