The IDF cleared for publication on Friday evening that, during combat in Shejaiya, the IDF mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as a threat. As a result, the troops fired toward them and they were killed.
During searches and checks in the area in which the incident occurred, a suspicion arose over the identities of the deceased. Their bodies were transferred to Israeli territory for examination, after which it was confirmed that they were three Israeli hostages.
Their bodies were taken to the "Hatzvi" Center at the Shura Camp for further examination, where the hostages were identified:-
Yotam Haim, who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza by the Hamas terrorist organization on October 7.-
Samer Talalka, who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Am by the Hamas terrorist organization on October 7-
Alon Shamriz, who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza by the Hamas terrorist organization on October 7.
IDF and Israel Police representatives have notified all of the families. The IDF believes that the three hostages who were accidentally shot either escaped from captivity or were abandoned by the terrorists who were holding them because of the fighting, but the incident is still being investigated.
“The IDF began reviewing the incident immediately. The IDF emphasizes that this is an active combat zone in which ongoing fighting over the last few days has occurred. Immediate lessons from the event have been learned, which have been passed on to all IDF troops in the field,” the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said.
“The IDF expresses deep remorse over the tragic incident and sends the families its heartfelt condolences. Our national mission is to locate the missing and return all the hostages home,” it added.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said following the incident, “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.”
“This is an unbearable tragedy and all of Israel is grieving their loss this evening. My heart goes out to the bereaved families at this difficult time.”
“I strengthen our courageous soldiers engaged in the sacred mission of bringing home our hostages, while risking their lives in doing so. Today, on this painful evening, we will dress our wounds, learn the lessons and continue the most important effort of bringing all the hostages home,” said Netanyahu.
Minister Benny Gantz said, “The heart is broken upon learning of the tragedy this evening. I want to embrace the families - the whole nation of Israel is crying with you. I strengthen all the families of the hostages, and also the soldiers who are in the depths of the territory and are carrying out a complex and important mission, the likes of which we have not known since the establishment of the state.”
“The pain that accompanies the campaign, grows more in the face of the difficult event. Our responsibility is to win the war, and part of that victory will be to bring the hostages home. We will do everything to bring them back alive. Everything,” vowed Gantz.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said, “At this difficult time, my heart and thoughts are with the families of the three hostages who were accidentally killed by IDF fire in the Gaza Strip.”
“These are difficult hours, the mistake is painful for every Israeli, regardless of who he is, we must show patience, and continue to act for our hostages, our soldiers and our citizens.”
“I spoke with the Chief of Staff this evening to learn about the circumstances of the tragic event and to ensure that lessons are learned immediately,” stated Gallant.
