“Israeli Troops Mistakenly Shoot and Kill Three Hostages in Gaza Strip”

Accident – death – Obituary News : JERUSALEM (AP) — In a nationwide address, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his heartbreak over the mistaken killing of three Israeli hostages by Israeli troops in the Gaza Strip. This is the first time Israel has acknowledged causing harm to hostages during its war against Hamas. Despite the tragedy, Netanyahu indicated that there will be no change in Israel’s intensive military campaign.

The killings, which occurred in the Gaza City area of Shijaiyah, have sparked anger and increased pressure on the Israeli government to resume negotiations with Hamas. Palestinians are calling for a swap of the remaining captives, while Israel insists on dismantling Hamas before any further hostage releases. Hamas has stated that there will be no release until Israel meets their conditions for an exchange, a demand that Israel refuses to accept.

Israel’s account of how the three hostages were killed has raised questions regarding the conduct of its soldiers. Palestinians have previously accused Israeli soldiers of opening fire on civilians trying to flee to safety. Hamas has also claimed that other hostages were killed by Israeli fire or airstrikes, although they have not presented evidence to support these claims.

A military official, speaking anonymously, admitted that the soldiers’ behavior went against the rules of engagement and is currently under investigation. The hostages, who were in their 20s, had waved a white flag and were shirtless, indicating that they posed no threat. Two were killed immediately, while the third ran back into the building screaming for help in Hebrew. Despite the commander issuing an order to cease fire, the third hostage was shot and killed.

The Israeli media has provided more detailed accounts of the incident. According to Yediot Ahronot, soldiers followed the third hostage and shot him when he emerged from a staircase. Haaretz reported that the soldiers believed he was a Hamas member. Soldiers had earlier seen a nearby building marked “SOS” and “Help! Three hostages,” but feared it might be a trap.

The tragedy has emphasized the dangers faced by hostages in areas of house-to-house combat. The war in Gaza has seen booby-trapped buildings and ambushes from Hamas’ tunnel network. The war has also taken a toll on journalists, with the death toll now reaching 64, including 57 Palestinians, four Israelis, and three Lebanese.

Despite the tragic incident, the majority of Israelis still support the war and believe that Hamas needs to be defeated. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the flattening of much of northern Gaza and the displacement of 85% of the territory’s population. Aid delivery to Gaza has been severely limited, and Israel has promised to open a second entry point to speed up deliveries.

The United States, Israel’s closest ally, has expressed concern over civilian casualties but continues to support Israel with weapons shipments and diplomatic backing. The U.S. and Israel differ on the future of Gaza, with the U.S. advocating for a unified Palestinian government in both Gaza and the West Bank as a step towards Palestinian statehood. Netanyahu, on the other hand, opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state and vows to retain security in a demilitarized Gaza.

As the war continues, discussions on a timetable for winding down the intense combat phase are ongoing. Despite calls for a ceasefire, Netanyahu and military leaders remain committed to achieving “complete victory,” even if it takes more time.

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This article was written by AP journalists Jobain and Magdy, with contributions from Bassem Mroue and Iris Samuels. For more coverage, visit the Associated Press website..