Israel investigation says army action had ‘impact’ on Hamas killing of six hostages
An Israeli military investigation has found that its forces’ actions on the ground influenced the killing of six hostages in Gaza by Hamas in August.
It said, “Ground movements in the area, although gradual and cautious, had a circumstantial impact on the terrorists’ decision to kill the six hostages”.
The investigation also found that soldiers were not aware of the hostages’ presence when they began their operation in the Rafah area. The bodies of the hostages were later recovered.
The killings sparked anger in Israel and thousands of people took to the streets demanding the government reach a ceasefire agreement.
In late August, Israeli soldiers found bodies in an underground shaft in the Tal al-Sultan area of Rafah. The army said he was killed just before soldiers could reach him.
The investigation said Israel’s chief of the General Staff “concluded that this was a painful and tragic incident, with extremely difficult consequences, the brutal murder of six hostages by Hamas”.
In a statement, The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said the investigation has once again proven that the return of all those captured by Hamas during the deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 will only be possible through an agreement.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has faced increasing pressure, with critics saying it has not done enough to secure the release of the hostages.
Israel responded to the Hamas attack by launching airstrikes and ground attacks in the Gaza Strip.
Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry says more than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed during the 14-month war between Israel and Hamas. According to the United Nations, about 2 million people – 90% of the population – have been displaced.
The United Nations and aid agencies have described the humanitarian situation in the enclave as “catastrophic” and have warned on several occasions that Gazans are on the “brink of famine” – accusing Israel of deliberately hindering aid deliveries – which Israel denies. Is.
According to Israel, 251 Israelis and foreigners were captured in Hamas attacks last year.
Ninety-six of them are believed to be still held, the remainder have been released, rescued or their remains have been recovered. Israel believes sixty-two are still alive. Four other hostages have been held since 2014 and 2015.
Indirect talks continue between Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and ensure the release of the remaining hostages.
Mr Netanyahu recently said “some progress” had been made but would not say when the talks would end. There has been no breakthrough so far – despite Palestinian officials telling the BBC they are very close to reaching an agreement.
