Israel’s military says it is investigating why its soldiers shot and killed three Israeli hostages on Friday as they approached troops in Gaza City asking for help. An Israeli military official said Sunday the three men were shirtless, with one of them waving a white flag, when troops opened fire on the men in violation of the Israeli military’s rules of engagement. Makeshift signs written in Hebrew reading “S.O.S.” and “help, three hostages” were hung on a building near the spot where the three men were shot dead.
News of the killings sparked protests in Tel Aviv over the weekend. On Saturday, released captives demanded the Israeli government act decisively to free the more than 100 remaining hostages held in Gaza. This is Danielle Aloni.
Danielle Aloni: “My daughter was there. Every day that passes is a danger to their lives. I was there. My daughter was there. Do not abandon the hostages. We must act now. A deal is required today. Bring them home now!”
This comes amid reports the head of the Israeli spy agency Mossad met with the Qatari prime minister in Oslo over the weekend to discuss the possibility of relaunching talks to release the remaining hostages.