The Israeli military said on Friday that its forces mistakenly killed three hostages in Gaza after identifying them as a threat and opening fire.
“During combat in Shujaiya, the IDF [Israel Defence Forces] mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as a threat. As a result, the troops fired toward them and they were killed,” the army said in a statement.
“During searches and checks in the area in which the incident occurred, a suspicion arose over the identities of the deceased.
“Their bodies were transferred to Israeli territory for examination, after which it was confirmed that they were three Israeli hostages.”
The deceased were identified as Yotam Haim, who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza by Hamas on October 7; Alon Shamriz, who was also taken from Kibbutz Kfar Aza; and Samer Al Talalka, who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Am.
Hamas militants launched an attack on Israeli soil on October 7, killing at least 1,200 people and kidnapping about 240 others.
Israel this week said at least 137 people were still being held by militant groups in Gaza.
“The IDF expresses deep remorse over the tragic incident and sends the families its heartfelt condolences,” the military said in its statement.
“Our national mission is to locate the missing and return all the hostages home."
Mr Haim, 28, was a musician who loved Italian culture, the Hostage and Missing Families Forum said in a statement. He was a drummer with the band Persephore, which was scheduled to perform at a metal music festival in Tel Aviv in October.
Mr Al Talalka, 25, worked with his family at a chicken hatchery. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle in the countryside, the forum said.
"Together with the entire people of Israel, I bow my head in deep sorrow and mourn the death of three of our hostages," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.
"This is an unbearable tragedy and all of Israel is grieving their loss this evening. My heart goes out to the bereaved families at this difficult time," he added.
"I strengthen our courageous soldiers engaged in the sacred mission of bringing home our hostages, while risking their lives in doing so."
The US commented on the news earlier on Friday.
"Obviously, this is not an outcome that anybody wanted to see," White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said.
He added that US President Joe Biden has not spoken with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since the news.
RESULTS
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
Winner: Raghida, Szczepan Mazur (jockey), Ibrahim Al Hadhrami (trainer)
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
Winner: AF Alareeq, Connor Beasley, Ahmed Al Mehairbi
6pm: Arabian Triple Crown Round-2 Group 3 (PA) Dh300,000 2,200m
Winner: Basmah, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel
6.30pm: Liwa Oasis Group 2 (PA) Dh300,000 1,400m
Winner: AF Alwajel, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m
Winner: SS Jalmod, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 1,600m
Winner: Trolius, Ryan Powell, Simon Crisford
KEY%20DATES%20IN%20AMAZON'S%20HISTORY
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Tom Fletcher on 'soft power'
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
'Avengers: Infinity War'
Dir: The Russo Brothers
Starring: Chris Evans, Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, Robert Downey Junior, Scarlett Johansson, Elizabeth Olsen
Four stars
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
RESULT
Uruguay 3 Russia 0
Uruguay: Suárez (10'), Cheryshev (23' og), Cavani (90')
Russia: Smolnikov (Red card: 36')
Man of the match: Diego Godin (Uruguay)
RESULT
Shabab Al Ahli Dubai 0 Al Ain 6
Al Ain: Caio (5', 73'), El Shahat (10'), Berg (65'), Khalil (83'), Al Ahbabi (90' 2)
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
The advice provided in our columns does not constitute legal advice and is provided for information only. Readers are encouraged to seek independent legal advice.
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
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Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
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Honeymoonish
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If you go...
Etihad flies daily from Abu Dhabi to Zurich, with fares starting from Dh2,807 return. Frequent high speed trains between Zurich and Vienna make stops at St. Anton.
The years Ramadan fell in May
'Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore'
Rating: 3/5
Directed by: David Yates
Starring: Mads Mikkelson, Eddie Redmayne, Ezra Miller, Jude Law
