Furore in Israel After Three Hostages Killed During Gaza Operation
The tragic accidental deaths of three hostages during a military operation in the Gaza Strip has ignited widespread unrest and protests in Israel. Relatives of the deceased, along with thousands of supporters, took to the streets of Tel Aviv on Saturday evening, demanding the release of those still being held captive in Gaza.
Families and critics alike are blaming the Israeli war cabinet, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for allegedly scapegoating military pressure as a requirement for the hostages' release. As a result, more and more captives have been returned as corpses.
Criticism of the military operation has also swelled due to the high number of civilian casualties and the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. The conflict was ignited by a massacre carried out by Hamas and other extremist groups in Israel on October 7, which is considered the worst in Israel's history.
Accidental Killings
The three hostages were mistakenly shot by Israeli soldiers during the military operation in Gaza on Friday. They had emerged from a building at a distance from the soldiers, who reported they had felt threatened and opened fire. The men - two killed instantly and the third escaping back into the building - were not wearing shirts. A commander ultimately ordered the firing to cease, but the third man was shot again upon stepping back outside, sealing his fate.
Prime Minister Netanyahu denounced the incident as a "grievous tragedy." Estimates suggest around 110 individuals remain in captivity in Gaza. A ceasefire was agreed upon between Israel and Hamas in late November, mediated by Quatar, Egypt, and the USA, extending twice briefly. According to reports, Israeli authorities released 240 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the liberation of 105 hostages, including 14 Germans. Unverified reports also indicate that some hostages may have met their end.
Attempts to Negotiate Further Hostage Releases
It's been suggested that the Gulf emirate of Qatar is once again mediating between Israel and Hamas, in an effort to secure the release of additional hostages. Although no official confirmation has been released, sources claim that high-level discussions between Israeli and Qatari officials took place in Norway.
Hamas reiterated their unwillingness to negotiate amid ongoing Israeli aggression. "We will not hold talks until the Zionist aggression against our people ceases forever," stated Hamas to all mediators.
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