IDF Condemns Violation of Rules of Engagement in Hostage Shooting Incident

According to an Israeli military official, three Israeli hostages were mistakenly killed by Israeli soldiers in Gaza. The hostages, Yotam Haim, Samer Talalka, and Alon Shamriz, were shot dead while holding a white cloth in the Shejaiya area on Friday. The official stated that this incident was against their rules of engagement and an investigation is being conducted at the highest level. Israeli troops have been encountering strong resistance in the vicinity of Gaza City, with fighters employing deceptive tactics. The hostages emerged from a building without shirts, carrying a stick with a white cloth. One of the Israeli soldiers felt threatened, declared them as terrorists, and opened fire. Two hostages were killed immediately, while a third, who was injured, returned to the building. The incident led to a ceasefire order being issued by the battalion commander upon hearing a cry for help in Hebrew. The families of the remaining hostages, more than 100 people held in Gaza, are likely to renew calls for negotiations with Hamas. A Thai hostage who was held alongside the victims expressed shock and sadness upon learning about their deaths. They relied on hand signals for communication and support during their captivity.