17-12-2023 (GAZA) In a tragic incident in the northern Gaza Strip, preliminary investigations suggest that three Israeli hostages were mistakenly killed by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) while reportedly holding a white flag, according to an Israeli military official.
Reuters reported that the incident occurred in a highly contested area where Hamas militants were purportedly dressed in civilian clothing, attempting to conceal their identities.
The IDF official revealed that a soldier in the northern Gaza area of Shejaiya spotted the hostages, who were then several meters away from the Israeli forces. They were reportedly unarmed, carrying only a stick with a piece of white cloth attached. Feeling threatened, the soldier opened fire. The soldier claimed they were perceived as terrorists, prompting the troops to open fire, resulting in the immediate death of two hostages.
A third hostage, injured in the gunfire, retreated to a nearby building, where they pleaded for help in Hebrew. At this point, the commanding officer immediately ordered a ceasefire. However, the third hostage was tragically shot again and succumbed to their injuries. The IDF official acknowledged, “This goes against our rules of engagement.”
The hostages, aged 25, 26, and 28, were believed to have been abducted by Hamas militants during the outbreak of the conflict on October 7. They were allegedly attempting to break free from the control of the Hamas militants.
Following this incident, a large-scale demonstration is scheduled to take place in Tel Aviv, urging the government to take swift action to rescue any remaining hostages.
