Israeli soldiers mistakenly killed three Israeli hostages, in violation of rules of engagement. Meanwhile, Gaza remains in a communication blackout.
SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
We begin this evening in Israel, where the country’s military is providing more information about what is being called a grave error. Three Israeli hostages being held in Gaza were killed Friday by Israeli soldiers. According to the Israeli military, the soldiers mistakenly believed the three hostages, who were all men, posed a threat. Meanwhile, in Gaza, which remains under heavy bombardment by Israel, a nearly total communications blackout has been in place.
Let’s get the latest from NPR’s Carrie Kahn in Tel Aviv. Hey, Carrie.
CARRIE KAHN, BYLINE: Hi.
DETROW: So let’s start with the killing of these three hostages by Israeli soldiers. What have you learned about what exactly happened to them?
KAHN: A military spokesman briefed reporters today on what the Army knows of now. The official said the three hostages were shirtless and carrying a stick with a white flag on it when they were confronted by soldiers. He said the hostages were in an area of intense fighting, and they were perceived as a threat. That’s what he said, and one soldier fired on all three. Two were killed instantly, and one ran into a building. There were cries in Hebrew for help from the building, and the soldiers were ordered to cease fire. But in unclear circumstances, the third hostage was killed in what the army official told us was a clear violation of Israel’s rules of engagement in the investigation continues.
DETROW: I mean, there’s something like 100 people still being held hostage. This has understandably been such an emotional topic in Israel. How has the public reacted to this news?
KAHN: The reaction has been swift, and they are angry. A few hours ago, family members spoke to a large crowd gathered at this plaza here in Tel Aviv, and they’re demanding that the government…
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