Israeli armed forces killed 3 hostages by mistake -spokesperson
2023.12.15 16:58
© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: Israeli soldiers operate, amid Israel’s ground operation against the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in the Gaza Strip as seen in a screen grab from a video released by the Israel Defense Forces on December 3, 2023. ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES/Han
(Reuters) -The Israeli military mistakenly killed three hostages being held in Gaza by Hamas during an incident which is “under review”, a military spokesperson said on Friday.
The military said the hostages were killed during combat with militants in Gaza and expressed its condolences to the families while saying there would be “full transparency” in the investigation into the incident.
A statement from the military said that during an intense battle in Gaza it “identified three Israeli hostages as a threat”. “As a result, the troops fired toward them and they were killed.”
The Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum, which represents the families of hostages, expressed its condolences. It said, “Yotam was a gifted musician and dedicated metal music fan who idolized the band Megadeth” and “Samer was an avid motorcyclist who loved to ride around the countryside and spend time with friends.”
In recent days Israel has engaged in intense battles with Hamas militants, who often wear casual civilian clothing, and on Wednesday announced its worst combat losses with 10 soldiers killed in 24 hours.
Hamas rampaged through Israeli towns killing 1,200 people and capturing 240 hostages on Oct. 7. Israel then launched a counter-attack, during which Gaza health authorities say close to 19,000 people have been confirmed killed, with thousands more feared buried under rubble.
During a week-long truce in late November, Hamas released more than 100 women, children and foreigners it was holding in Gaza in exchange for the release of 240 women and teenagers. They had been arrested for such offences as attempted stabbings, stone throwing at Israeli soldiers or having contacts with hostile organisations, and many were held under administrative detention, meaning Israel held them without trial.
“Together with the entire people of Israel, I bow my head in deep sorrow and mourn the death of three of our dear sons who were kidnapped,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. “My heart goes out to the grieving families in their difficult time.”
More than 100 hostages still remain in Gaza. Some have been declared dead in absentia by Israeli authorities.
Earlier on Friday, the Israeli military said it had recovered the bodies of three Israelis – a civilian and two soldiers – who had been held in the Gaza Strip by Hamas.
