Israel says ‘high probability’ its airstrike killed 3 hostages in Gaza last year – MASHAHER

The Israeli military says there is a “high probability” that three hostages found dead months ago in Gaza were killed in an Israeli airstrike.

The army on Sunday announced the conclusions of its investigation into the deaths of Cpl. Nik Beizer, Sgt. Ron Sherman and Elia Toledano.

It said investigations had determined that the three were likely killed in a November airstrike that also killed a senior Hamas militant, Ahmed al-Ghandour.

All three of the hostages were kidnapped in the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Their bodies were recovered in December, but the cause of death was only recently determined.

In its report, the army said there was a “high probability” they were killed in the strike, based on where the bodies were recovered, pathological reports and other intelligence. But it said that “it is not possible to definitely determine the circumstances of their deaths.”

The conclusions could add pressure on the Israeli government to strike a deal to bring home the remaining hostages held by Hamas. Critics say it is too difficult and dangerous to try to rescue them.

The army’s announcement is the first time it has linked the deaths of hostages to airstrikes. In other cases of bodies being recovered, the army has said people were either killed on Oct. 7, died in Hamas captivity or were killed by the militant group.

WATCH | Israeli soldiers mistakenly killed 3 hostages last December | About That:

How IDF soldiers misidentified and killed 3 hostages | About That

The IDF says it mistakenly shot and killed three unarmed Israeli hostages who were shirtless and waving a white flag in Gaza City. Andrew Chang explores how something like this could have happened.

In December, the army acknowledged mistakenly killing three hostages who had escaped Hamas captivity in a battle-torn neighbourhood of Gaza City. It was believed that the three had either fled their captors or been abandoned.

Some 250 hostages were taken on Oct. 7. Israel now believes 101 remain in captivity, including 35 who are thought to be dead. More than 100 were freed during a ceasefire last November in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Eight have been rescued by Israeli forces.