Israel-Hamas war: PM Benjamin Netanyahu faces protests as more hostage death details emerge
prime minister is taking heat for what’s been termed inaction on securing a new prisoner exchange deal, weeks after a brief cease-fire ended. The Israel Defense Forces revealed Saturday that the hostages emerged shirtless from a building in the Shejaiya neighborhood of northern Gaza during fighting, holding a makeshift white flag to signify surrender, and that one shouted “help" in Hebrew. Yet they were shot, contrary to the rules of engagement, as soldiers suspected a Hamas threat.
The men were identified as Yotam Haim, 28, Alon Shamriz, 26, and Samer Talalka, 25. All were abducted from kibbutzim in southern Israel near the Gaza border on October 7. The Times of Israel reported that the three were trying to escape their captors when they were killed.
Read more: Biden Urges Israeli Caution as Leaders Eye ‘Lower-Intensity’ War Friday’s deaths prompted new questions about the conduct of Israel’s military campaign after US President Joe Biden called its bombing of Gaza “indiscriminate." ALSO READ: US and Israel differ on Gaza rule after war with Hamas, Benjamin Netanyahu says ‘will not repeat mistake of Oslo’ The incident occurred while US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan was visiting the region. Israel’s two-month bombardment of Gaza was triggered by brutal attacks on southern Israel by Hamas fighters on Oct. 7.
Some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed and about 240, including the three men shot on Friday, were taken hostage. Israel and Hamas ended a week-long cease-fire early in December that included daily exchanges of hostages taken by Hamas in the October attack for prisoners held by Israel. ALSO READ: US heralds new phase of Israel-Hamas war, says not ‘right’ to occupy Gaza long-term Some 129 people
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