The Israeli army announced on Friday, December 15, that it had killed three hostages “ by mistake » during an operation in the north of the Gaza Strip. The victims had been identified like a threat » by soldiers of the Hebrew state. “ A tragedy » which dives « the entire State of Israel in mourning », Says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
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The Israeli army, which speaks of a “ tragic mistake », expresses its deep regrets to the families of three hostages who were shot dead by soldiersFriday December 15, reports Michael Paul in Jerusalem. They have been ” identified “wrongly” like a threat “, explained army spokesperson Daniel Hagari. An investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances of this tragedy, he added.
The drama unfolded in Choujaiya, in the north of the Gaza Strip. From military sources, two possibilities are plausible: either these three hostages had been abandoned by their fleeing captors, or they had managed to escape themselves. The victims are Yotam Haïm, a heavy metal drummer who was 28 years old, and Samer al-Talalqa, a 25-year-old Bedouin. Both were kidnapped by Hamas from Kibbutz Nir Am on October 7. The third hostage killed was Alon Lulu Shamriz, 26, who lived on Kibbutz Kfar Aza.
“I mourn the fall of three of our dear sons”
Their bodies were repatriated to Israel. These deaths bring to 22 the number of hostages confirmed dead. During the truce between Israel and Hamas between November 24 and 30, 110 hostages were released. Today, 129 people are still captive, although we do not know if all of them are still alive.
“ With the whole country, I mourn the fall of three of our dear sons », Says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “ This is an unbearable tragedy and we will learn from it », he said again. As soon as the information was published, hostage families spontaneously gathered in front of the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv. They are expected to make a statement to the press this Saturday, December 16.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
Together with the entire people of Israel, I bow my head in deep sorrow and mourn the death of three of our hostages, including Yotam Haim and Samer Fouad Talalka.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) December 15, 2023
(and with AFP)