IDF troops killed three hostages taken by Hamas after mistaking them for terrorists during operational activity in the Gaza City neighborhood of Shejaia, IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari said on Friday evening,

The three victims include Yotam Chaim, who was abducted from Kfar Aza on October 7, and Samer Talalka who was abducted from Nir Am on the same day.

[The family of the third hostage requested that his name not be released. The IDF’s commander declared that his forces took responsibility for their deaths and that investigations had already begun. Other news reports note that the IDF units involved had encountered suicide bombers at around the same time and area, but that has not yet been confirmed. — Ed]