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An Israeli military investigation has found that actions by its forces on the ground likely contributed to the killing of six hostages by Hamas in Gaza in August.
It said that “ground activity in the area, although gradual and cautious, had an indirect effect on the terrorists’ decision to kill the six hostages.”
The investigation also found that the soldiers were unaware of the hostages’ presence when they began their operation in the Rafah area. The bodies of the hostages were later found.
The killings sparked outrage in Israel, with hundreds of thousands taking to the streets to demand the government reach a ceasefire agreement.
In late August, Israeli forces found bodies in an underground mine in the Tal al-Sultan neighborhood of Rafah. The military said they were killed just before the soldiers reached them.
The investigation said that Israel’s chief of general staff “concluded that this was a painful and tragic event with an extremely grave consequence of the brutal killing of six hostages by Hamas.”
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement that the investigation proved once again that the return of all those taken by Hamas during its deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, would only be possible through a deal.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has faced increasing pressure, and critics say he has not done enough to secure the release of the hostages.
Israel responded to the Hamas attack with airstrikes and a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip.
More than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed in the 14-month war between Israel and Hamas, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza. According to the UN, almost 2 million people – 90% of the population – have been displaced.
The UN and aid agencies have described the humanitarian situation in the enclave as “apocalyptic” and have repeatedly warned that Gazans are on the brink of “starvation,” accusing Israel of deliberately blocking aid supplies, which Israel denies.
According to Israel, 251 Israelis and foreigners were captured as a result of last year’s attack by Hamas.
Ninety-six of them are believed to be still in custody, the rest have been released, rescued or their remains have been found. Sixty-two, according to Israel, are still alive. Four other hostages have been held since 2014 and 2015.
Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas to reach an agreement on a cease-fire in Gaza and to secure the release of the remaining hostages are continuing.
Mr Netanyahu recently said there had been “some progress” but he could not say when the talks would be completed. So far no breakthrough has been achieved – despite Palestinian officials telling the BBC they are very close to reaching a deal.
