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Accident – Death – Obituary News : RAFAH, Gaza Strip — Tragedy struck in the war-torn neighborhood of Gaza City on Friday when Israeli troops mistakenly shot and killed three hostages. In a separate incident, a Palestinian journalist was killed by an Israeli strike in the south of the besieged territory. These incidents underscore the intensity and brutality of Israel’s ongoing onslaught.
The hostages were killed in the Shijaiyah area of Gaza City, where Israeli troops have been engaged in fierce fighting with Hamas militants. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the army’s chief spokesman, stated that the soldiers mistakenly identified the three Israelis as a threat and opened fire on them. It is believed that the hostages had either escaped from their captors or were abandoned. The army expressed deep sorrow over the incident and is conducting an investigation.
The plight of the hostages has been a major focus in Israel since their abduction on October 7, which triggered the war. More than 240 people were abducted in the attack, and their families have been leading a powerful public campaign to bring them home. Demonstrations in solidarity with the hostages and their families occur almost daily, with hundreds of protesters blocking Tel Aviv’s main highway on Friday to demand their return.
Israeli political and military leaders have made freeing the hostages a top priority alongside destroying Hamas. However, despite seven weeks of ground operations in northern Gaza, no hostages have been rescued. Hamas released over 100 hostages last month in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, but more than 130 are still believed to be in captivity.
The three hostages who were mistakenly killed have been identified as Yotam Haim, 28, Samer Al-Talalka, 25, and Alon Shamriz, 26. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called their deaths an unbearable tragedy and vowed to continue with a supreme effort to bring all the hostages home safely.
In southern Gaza, a cameraman from Al Jazeera, Samer Abu Daqqa, was killed by an Israeli strike in the city of Khan Younis. The strike also wounded the network’s chief correspondent in Gaza, Wael Dahdouh. The two journalists were reporting at a school that had been hit by an earlier airstrike when a drone launched a second strike. Abu Daqqa died hours later, while Dahdouh was wounded in his right arm.
Abu Daqqa’s death brings the total number of journalists killed since the conflict erupted to 64, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Palestinian U.N. Ambassador Riyad Mansour accused Israel of deliberately targeting journalists who document their crimes.
Israel’s offensive has caused widespread destruction in northern Gaza and displaced 80% of the population. The humanitarian crisis in the area is spiraling, with displaced people seeking shelter in overcrowded facilities mainly in the south.
The offensive has also resulted in the deaths of more than 18,700 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza. Thousands more are missing and feared dead under the rubble. While Hamas has continued its attacks, firing rockets towards central Israel on Friday, there are concerns about whether Israel can defeat the group without causing further devastation.
Despite unease expressed by the Biden administration over civilian casualties and Israel’s plans for the future of Gaza, the U.S. continues to offer support through weapons shipments and diplomatic backing.
Israeli airstrikes and tank shelling have continued, with Khan Younis and Rafah being targeted. Palestinian civilians have been told to evacuate these areas, leading to a shrinking space for them in densely populated Gaza. The details of many strikes could not be confirmed due to communication disruptions.
During meetings with Israeli leaders, U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan discussed a timetable for winding down the intense combat phase of the war. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that it would take months to destroy Hamas, but did not specify whether he was referring to the current phase of heavy airstrikes and ground battles.
The U.S. has also met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to discuss Gaza’s postwar future. One idea being considered is the return of Palestinian security forces to Gaza, which were driven out by Hamas in 2007. However, Israel opposes any role for Palestinian security forces and seeks to maintain a security presence in Gaza.
The U.S. envisions a revitalized Palestinian Authority governing the West Bank and Gaza as a precursor to a Palestinian state. However, this idea is rejected by Netanyahu’s right-wing government, which opposes Palestinian statehood.
Abbas called for an immediate cease-fire and increased aid to Gaza during the meeting with Sullivan. He emphasized that Gaza is an integral part of the Palestinian state. However, the statement from his office did not mention discussions about postwar scenarios.
Abbas is facing deep unpopularity, with close to 90% of Palestinians wanting him to resign, according to a recent poll. Support for Hamas has tripled in the West Bank, with a slight increase in Gaza. However, a majority of Palestinians do not back Hamas, according to the survey..
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