"Public Outrage Over Hostage Misidentification Shooting... Israel Begins Additional Release Negotiations"

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) mistakenly shot and killed three hostages, sparking outrage among the bereaved families and public opinion, according to local Israeli media.

Alon Shamriz (left in the photo), Yotam Haim (center in the photo), and Shamar Talika (right in the photo) were killed by mistaken fire from the Israeli military in the Gaza Strip, Palestine.

On the 16th (local time), according to local media such as The Times of Israel, hundreds of hostage families and supporters took to the streets in Tel Aviv to protest following the news of the mistaken killing of hostages by the Israeli military the previous night.

The protesters urged the Benjamin Netanyahu government to initiate negotiations to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip for 70 days.

Ori, whose nephew is held hostage, told the daily Haaretz, “The hostages are dying due to bombings and failed rescue operations, and even those who escaped Hamas’s grip were killed by mistaken fire from the Israeli military,” adding, “The Israeli government must take responsibility and prioritize the release of the hostages.”

Earlier, IDF Chief Spokesperson Brigadier General Daniel Hagari stated at a briefing the previous day that during clashes in northern Gaza Strip, an Israeli soldier mistakenly identified three hostages as enemies and shot them. The deceased hostages were confirmed to have been abducted from a collective farm during Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel in October.

Hagari explained, “This is a tragic incident and the responsibility lies with the Israeli military,” adding, “This area is one where soldiers have encountered many terrorists, including suicide bombers.”

Amid the outcry from families and public dissatisfaction, local media reported that the Israeli government led by Prime Minister Netanyahu has begun preparations to revive hostage negotiations. Walla, the largest news portal in Israel, reported that although Netanyahu had previously declared a policy against negotiations, he has since changed his stance.

According to reports, David Barnea, head of Mossad, who was instructed by Prime Minister Netanyahu, is scheduled to meet with Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, the Prime Minister of Qatar, who has been mediating negotiations in Europe this weekend. Walla cited Israeli sources saying, “They are prepared to enter negotiations on the condition of releasing all female hostages remaining in the Gaza Strip.”

Currently, it is estimated that about 129 hostages remain in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli military has confirmed that approximately 20 of them have died.