Israeli forces mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as a threat and opened fire on them, killing them during fighting in the northern Gaza city of Shejaya, an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman announced Friday evening. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, quoted by The Times of Israel .

Israeli soldiers in the basements of Al-Shifa HospitalPhoto: AFP / AFP / Profimedia

“This is a tragic incident, the IDF takes responsibility,” Hagari said.

“This is an area where soldiers have encountered many terrorists, including kamikaze bombers carrying bombs,” he added.

Hagari identified the hostages as Yotam Haim, who was abducted by Hamas from Kfar Azah, and Samer Talalka, who was abducted from Nir Am. The name of the third hostage was withheld at the request of his family.

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