IDF accidentally kill three Israeli hostages held by Hamas
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
The Israeli military, during the fighting in northern Gaza’s Shejaiya, mistakenly identified three hostages held by Hamas as a threat and opened fire, killing them, says the spokesperson for the IDF, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari.
He noted that the IDF takes responsibility for the "tragic incident."
"This is an area where the soldiers encountered many terrorists, including suicide bombers," he added.
Responding to questions about how the hostages managed to escape from Hamas captivity, Hagari stated that, in the military's opinion, "the three fled or were abandoned by the terrorists who held them captive."
Hagari added that after the shootout, during scanning and examination, suspicions immediately arose about the identity of the deceased and their bodies were quickly sent for examination to Israel, where the identities of the hostages were established.
He also mentioned that the IDF immediately initiated an investigation into the incident.
"This is a sad and painful event for all of us, and the IDF bears responsibility for everything that happened," he said.
Israel-Hamas war
Hamas militants carried out an incursion into Israel at the beginning of October. Shortly afterward, the Israeli army initiated Operation "Iron Swords."
On November 24, a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began for the release of prisoners. In addition, the parties agreed to a four-day ceasefire, later managing to extend it for two more days on the condition that the militants would release the majority of hostages.
On December 1, Israel resumed military operations in the Gaza Strip. The country's Defense Ministry stated that Hamas violated the terms of the ceasefire.
On December 14, the White House announced that the United States wants the war between Israel and Hamas to end as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Israel's Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, stated that Israel's war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip would last several more months.
