The IDF Mistakenly Identified 3 Israeli Hostages as a Threat and Fired Toward Them, Killing Them as a Result

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 7th.

Samer Talalka, who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Am by the Hamas terrorist organization on October 7th.The third hostages’ family has been notified, who requested that his name will not be broadcasted.

IDF and Israel Police representatives have notified all of the families.

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 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.

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The name of the additional hostage that was mistakenly killed by IDF troops today (Friday), during the incident in Shejaiya, was approved for publication by his family. Alon Shamriz, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza by the Hamas terrorist organization on October 7th. IDF and Israel Police representatives have notified the family of the tragic death. The IDF expresses deep remorse over the incident and sends the families its heartfelt condolences.