The Israeli military has acknowledged that it mistakenly killed three individuals believed to be hostages during its Gaza campaign, misidentifying them as a potential "threat."

The casualties have been identified as 28-year-old Yotam Haim, 22-year-old Samer Talalka, and 26-year-old Alon Shamriz.

Expressing regret, the military stated that the three were shot by troops operating in Shejaiya, located in the northern part of Gaza. Over 100 hostages remain in captivity in Gaza following the attacks on Israel that occurred on October 7.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that an investigation into the incident is underway, emphasizing deep remorse over the tragedy and extending heartfelt condolences to the families.

The IDF reiterated its commitment to the national mission of locating the missing and ensuring the safe return of all hostages.

Following the announcement, a large gathering took place in central Tel Aviv, with participants marching to an IDF military base, urging the government to secure a deal for the release of the remaining hostages.

Demonstrators held candles and displayed placards bearing messages such as "Bring [them] home" and "Hostage exchange now!"

The bodies of the three men have been repatriated to Israeli territory, where their identities were confirmed. Yotam Haim, a musician with a passion for animals and Italian cuisine, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7.

His family had communicated with him while hiding in their home shelters before losing contact during the Hamas attack, as recounted by his mother in an interview with the BBC prior to her son's tragic death.

Alon Shamriz was at also Kfar Aza at the time of attack. His family gave permission for him to be named after asking earlier that his identity not be revealed.

Samer Talalka, a Bedouin, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Am. An avid motorcycle enthusiast, he loved to travel in the countryside and spend time with friends.

He lived in the town of Hura and worked at a chicken hatchery in the kibbutz. On the morning of 7 October, he was at work. He called his sister after the attack to tell her that he had been injured by gunfire.

His father told local media they lost touch at 07:00 local time on the morning of the attacks. A photograph of him being led through Gaza was shared on Telegram.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called their deaths an "unbearable tragedy".

"Even on this difficult evening, we will bind up our wounds, learn the lessons and continue with a supreme effort to return all our abductees home safely," he said.

White House spokesperson John Kirby said the killings were a "tragic mistake," and that the US did not have "perfect visibility on exactly how this operation unfolded".

More than 100 hostages remain in captivity in Gaza after being captured on 7 October when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 240 hostages - some of whom were released during a brief truce.

The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry says more than 18,800 people have been killed and 50,000 injured in the enclave so far in the war that followed.

Hen Avigdori, whose wife and daughter were among the released, said he often heard people say hostages could be rescued "by military means."

But "there is no military way" that would bring them back safely, he wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"The conclusion for every person who has both heart and mind is the same: Israel must initiate a deal to bring them back alive and not in coffins."

Very bad

atoluwash:

The Israeli military has acknowledged that it mistakenly killed three individuals believed to be hostages during its Gaza campaign, misidentifying them as a potential "threat."

The casualties have been identified as 28-year-old Yotam Haim, 22-year-old Samer Talalka, and 26-year-old Alon Shamriz.

Expressing regret, the military stated that the three were shot by troops operating in Shejaiya, located in the northern part of Gaza. Over 100 hostages remain in captivity in Gaza following the attacks on Israel that occurred on October 7.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that an investigation into the incident is underway, emphasizing deep remorse over the tragedy and extending heartfelt condolences to the families.

The IDF reiterated its commitment to the national mission of locating the missing and ensuring the safe return of all hostages.

Following the announcement, a large gathering took place in central Tel Aviv, with participants marching to an IDF military base, urging the government to secure a deal for the release of the remaining hostages.

Demonstrators held candles and displayed placards bearing messages such as "Bring [them] home" and "Hostage exchange now!"

The bodies of the three men have been repatriated to Israeli territory, where their identities were confirmed. Yotam Haim, a musician with a passion for animals and Italian cuisine, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7.

His family had communicated with him while hiding in their home shelters before losing contact during the Hamas attack, as recounted by his mother in an interview with the BBC prior to her son's tragic death.

Alon Shamriz was at also Kfar Aza at the time of attack. His family gave permission for him to be named after asking earlier that his identity not be revealed.

Samer Talalka, a Bedouin, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Am. An avid motorcycle enthusiast, he loved to travel in the countryside and spend time with friends.

He lived in the town of Hura and worked at a chicken hatchery in the kibbutz. On the morning of 7 October, he was at work. He called his sister after the attack to tell her that he had been injured by gunfire.

His father told local media they lost touch at 07:00 local time on the morning of the attacks. A photograph of him being led through Gaza was shared on Telegram.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called their deaths an "unbearable tragedy".

"Even on this difficult evening, we will bind up our wounds, learn the lessons and continue with a supreme effort to return all our abductees home safely," he said.

White House spokesperson John Kirby said the killings were a "tragic mistake," and that the US did not have "perfect visibility on exactly how this operation unfolded".

More than 100 hostages remain in captivity in Gaza after being captured on 7 October when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 240 hostages - some of whom were released during a brief truce.

The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry says more than 18,800 people have been killed and 50,000 injured in the enclave so far in the war that followed.

Hen Avigdori, whose wife and daughter were among the released, said he often heard people say hostages could be rescued "by military means."

But "there is no military way" that would bring them back safely, he wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"The conclusion for every person who has both heart and mind is the same: Israel must initiate a deal to bring them back alive and not in coffins."

Waow what a colossal loss

Bad