Israeli hostages mistakenly killed by IDF in Gaza were holding white cloth, officials say
The IndependentFor free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery Family and friends of those being held hostage by Hamas protest in Tel Aviv last night Ariel Bernstein, an IDF veteran and member of Israeli rights group “Breaking the Silence”, said on X, that the claim that the shooting of the hostages represented a violation of the rules of engagement was “an attempt by the command to place the blame on the soldier in the field, instead of standing behind the policy of opening fire in Gaza”. He said: “The IDF, and I as its commander, are responsible for what happened, and we will do everything to prevent such incidents from recurring in future combat.” Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was a “terrible tragedy” but – contrary to the demands of the families – appeared to double down on Israel’s military objectives saying “military pressure is necessary both for the return of the hostages and for victory”. It is the only way for them to be freed alive.” open image in gallery People hold pictures in Tel Aviv last night of Israeli hostages held by Hamas She said her niece Dafna, 15 – who was eventually freed in the week-long truce brokered by Qatar – thought she would only return back to Israel “in a coffin” as the bombing was so intense, the buildings around the teenager were collapsing. It’s not complete without Tal.” “We are demanding the war cabinet talk to us,” said Ruby Chen, father of Itay Chen, 19, an Israeli soldier is being held captive in Gaza.