© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: Israeli troopers function, amid Israel’s floor operation towards the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, within the Gaza Strip as seen in a display screen seize from a video launched by the Israel Protection Forces on December 3, 2023. ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES/Han
(Reuters) -The Israeli navy mistakenly killed three hostages being held in Gaza by Hamas throughout an incident which is “under review”, a navy spokesperson mentioned on Friday.
The navy mentioned the hostages had been killed throughout fight with militants in Gaza and expressed its condolences to the households whereas saying there can be “full transparency” within the investigation into the incident.
An announcement from the navy mentioned that in 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 Lacking Individuals Households Discussion board, which represents the households of hostages, expressed its condolences. It mentioned, “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 current days Israel has engaged in intense battles with Hamas militants, who usually put on informal civilian clothes, and on Wednesday introduced its worst fight losses with 10 troopers killed in 24 hours.
Hamas rampaged by Israeli cities killing 1,200 folks and capturing 240 hostages on Oct. 7. Israel then launched a counter-attack, throughout which Gaza well being authorities say near 19,000 folks have been confirmed killed, with hundreds extra feared buried underneath rubble.
Throughout a week-long truce in late November, Hamas launched greater than 100 ladies, youngsters and foreigners it was holding in Gaza in change for the discharge of 240 ladies and youngsters. That they had been arrested for such offences as tried stabbings, stone throwing at Israeli troopers or having contacts with hostile organisations, and lots of had been held underneath administrative detention, which means Israel held them with out 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 mentioned in an announcement. “My heart goes out to the grieving families in their difficult time.”
Greater than 100 hostages nonetheless stay in Gaza. Some have been declared useless in absentia by Israeli authorities.
Earlier on Friday, the Israeli navy mentioned it had recovered the our bodies of three Israelis – a civilian and two troopers – who had been held within the Gaza Strip by Hamas.
