An investigation conducted by the Israeli military shows that the actions of its forces on the ground may have influenced the killing of six hostages by Hamas militants in Gaza in August. This was reported by UNN with reference to BBC.
Details
The investigation states that “ground operations in the area, while gradual and cautious, had an indirect impact on the terrorists' decision to kill the six hostages.
The investigation also revealed that the soldiers were unaware of the hostages' presence when they launched their operation in the Rafah area. The bodies of the hostages were later found by the IDF.
The murders sparked anger in Israel, with hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets to demand that the government conclude a ceasefire agreement.
According to the investigation, Israel's Chief of Staff “concluded that this was a painful and tragic event with an extremely grave outcome - the brutal murder of six hostages by Hamas.
In its statement, the Forum of Families of Hostages and Missing Persons said that the investigation proves once again that the return of all those captured by Hamas during the deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, is possible only as a result of a deal.
Addendum Addendum
According to the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health, more than 45,000 Palestinians have died in the 14 months of war between Israel and Hamas. According to the UN, almost 2 million people - 90% of the population - were forced to flee their homes.
The UN and humanitarian organizations have described the humanitarian situation in the enclave as “apocalyptic” and have repeatedly warned that Gazans are on the “brink of starvation,” accusing Israel of deliberately obstructing aid deliveries, which Israel denies.
According to Israel, 251 Israelis and foreigners were captured during last year's Hamas attack.
Ninety-six of them are believed to still be in detention. Sixty-two are believed by Israel to be still alive. Four more hostages have been held since 2014 and 2015.
To recap
In late August, Israeli forces discovered bodies in an underground mine in the Tal al-Sultan neighborhood of Rafah. According to the military, they were killed shortly before the soldiers reached the area.