Three Israeli hostages shot in Gaza were holding White Flag, Military Discloses

A devastating incident in Gaza has left three Israeli hostages dead after they were mistakenly shot by Israeli forces while holding a white flag, according to a military official's statement on Saturday. The revelation has sent shockwaves through the nation, prompting questions about the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.

The incident unfolded on Friday in Shejaiya, a combat-intensive area in northern Gaza where Hamas militants often operate in civilian attire, employing deceptive tactics. A military official recounted that a soldier perceived the hostages, who were tens of meters away from Israeli forces, as a threat when they raised a stick with a white cloth. The soldier, feeling threatened, opened fire, declaring them terrorists. Two hostages were killed instantly.

The third hostage, wounded, sought refuge in a nearby building and called for help in Hebrew. Despite a ceasefire order issued by the battalion commander, another burst of fire claimed the life of the third hostage. The military official emphasized that the actions were against the rules of engagement.

The three hostages were identified as Yotam Haim and Alon Shamriz, abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, and Samer Al-Talalka, abducted from nearby Kibbutz Nir Am. The hostages had been taken by Hamas militants on Oct. 7, leading to Israel's subsequent counter-attack, resulting in thousands of casualties.

Samer Al-Talalka's funeral on Saturday in Hura, southern Israel, drew over 300 mourners. Al-Talalka's cousin expressed the collective grief of the families, stating, "We're not going to start pointing fingers, who is guilty and who is not. It is just not the time. The families are thinking only of how to bring the hostages back alive. This is the time to ask for the war to end."

Despite calls for Red Cross access to over 100 hostages still held incommunicado in Gaza, the situation remains dire. A deal struck in late November led to the release of more than 100 individuals, but the recent revelation of the hostages' deaths has fueled protests outside Israel's defense headquarters in Tel Aviv. Families of the hostages are expected to deliver a statement, expressing their anguish and demanding swift action from the government to bring back their loved ones.

A father of one of the hostages likened the uncertainty to "Russian roulette," emphasizing the urgent need for the Israeli government to take decisive measures and secure the safe return of the remaining hostages.

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