Israel mourns death of 3 hostages in Gaza
Israeli soldiers inadvertently caused the death of three hostages held by Hamas in Gaza on Friday, prompting demonstrations in Tel Aviv.
The victims, Yotam Haim, Alon Shamriz, and Samer El-Talalqa, aged in their 20s or 30s, were part of the 240 individuals taken captive by Hamas during attacks on Israel on October 7.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to the incident as a "tragic mistake," expressing national mourning for the loss. Hundreds gathered outside the Israeli Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv on Friday night, demanding government action to secure the release of over 130 hostages believed to still be in Hamas' custody.
Protesters, brandishing Israeli flags and placards, urged immediate negotiation for the captives' release. Signs like "One hostage dies every day" were displayed, and an Israeli flag, symbolizing the toll, was marred with red paint. Motti Direktor, a 66-year-old protester, stressed, "The only way to release the hostages alive is through negotiation."
Merav Svirsky, whose brother Itay Svirsky is held by Hamas, voiced desperation: "We are here after a shocking night, and I am dying of fear. We demand an agreement now."
Despite calls for restraint from Washington, the Israeli military escalated airstrikes since October 27, conducting a ground offensive against Hamas. This expanded to cover the entire territory, including the south, where displaced civilians sought refuge. The latest figures from the Hamas Health Ministry reported nearly 19,000 casualties, with 70% being women, children, and adolescents, due to Israeli airstrikes.
A Qatar-brokered ceasefire at the end of November led to a one-week pause in fighting. It resulted in the release of approximately 100 hostages held by Hamas, 240 Palestinian prisoners in Israel, and the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
