Israeli military investigation concludes troop presence in Gaza 'had circumstantial influence' on Hamas killing of six hostages in August
The Israeli army, which ordered an investigation after the killing of six Israeli hostages by Hamas in August, concluded that the “army ground activities [israélienne]although progressive and cautious, had a circumstantial influence on the terrorists' decision to kill the six hostages”.
The bodies of hostages Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Ori Danino were found by the Israeli army in an underground well in Gaza at the end of August.
After the discovery of the bodies, the army communicated that the six hostages had been killed just before the soldiers reached them, the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, having clarified that they had been “executed” with a bullet “in the head”.
“The chief of staff determined, based on the investigation, that the hostages were killed by fire from Hamas terrorists, while army forces were operating in the area”is written in the press release from the army of the Hebrew State.
In recent days, indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, with the mediation of Qatar, Egypt and the United States, took place in Doha, reviving hopes of an agreement. Monday before Parliament, the head of government of the Jewish state reported “some progress” in the negotiations. On Tuesday, his office said Israeli negotiators had returned from Qatar after “meaningful negotiations”.
Palestinian groups, including Hamas, also reported progress this week toward a ceasefire and a hostage deal.
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