THE Israeli military says it has mistakenly killed three hostages during its campaign in Gaza after they were mis-identified as a “threat”.
They were named as Yotam Haim, 28, Samer Talalka, 22, and Alon Shamriz, 26.
The military shared its remorse and said the three were shot by troops operating in Shejaiya, in Gaza’s north.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Friday’s incident was under investigation, and that it “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.
Hundreds of people gathered in central Tel Aviv following the announcement and marched to an IDF military base in the city, calling on the government to secure a deal for the release of the remaining hostages.
Demonstrators held candles and carried placards that read “Bring [them] home” and “Hostage exchange now!”
The bodies of the three men have been returned to Israeli territory, where checks confirmed their identities.
