Israeli military says it mistakenly killed 3 Israeli hostages in Gaza
Smoke rises from town of Khan Younis after Israeli strikes on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023 (AP photo / Mohammed Dahman).
RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — The Israeli military says it has mistakenly killed three Israeli hostages during its ground operation in the Gaza Strip.
The army’s chief spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, says Israeli troops found the hostages Friday and erroneously identified them as a threat. He said it was not clear if they had escaped their captors or been abandoned.
The deaths occurred in the Gaza City area of Shijaiyah, where troops have engaged in fierce battles against Hamas militants in recent days. He said the army expressed “deep sorrow” and was investigating.