Hundreds gather in Tel Aviv to protest against Netanyahu government following accidental killing of 3 Israeli hostages

By richardbrown // 2023-12-19

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Members of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) accidentally killed three Israeli hostages in Gaza, sparking profound grief and anger among a group of several hundred demonstrators in Tel Aviv, many of whom are family members of individuals kidnapped by Hamas. The scenes in Tel Aviv depicted a somber procession with banners mourning the loss of lives and calling for the immediate return of Israelis trapped in Gaza. Signs and banners also bore messages of great sorrow and anger over the tragedy and demands for an immediate hostage exchange. Others, mostly family members of those still in Gaza, bore images of their missing loved ones. Other protesters even left an Israeli flag coated in red paint to signify the great bloodshed outside the offices of the Ministry of Defense. The march unfolded in the aftermath of the IDF acknowledging the accidental killing of three civilian hostages in Gaza during the ongoing ground invasion, with Israeli troops mistakenly identifying the hostages as "threats." (Related: 3 Israeli hostages killed by FRIENDLY FIRE; relative of recently released captives blasts IDF.) The victims were later identified as Yotam Haim, 28, Samer Fouad Talalka, 22, and Alon Lulu Shamriz, a 26-year-old computer engineering student. According to Haim's mother, he had mental and medical issues. When he was taken from his house, Hamas reportedly shot at the house, its door and the safe room before finally resorting to just burning the house down. Talalka was working at the hatchery at Kibbutz Nir Am on Oct. 7 when he was abducted. Talalka frequently worked the weekend shifts, requiring him to be present early in the morning in the kibbutz and, unfortunately, at the wrong place when Hamas launched its surprise attack. On the day of the attacks, local organizer Wahid Ahoziil attempted to contact Samar, who worked alongside his father, but unfortunately, "he didn't answer." Ahoziil expressed admiration for Samar, describing him as a "great guy" with a desire to earn an honest living. Samar was an Arab Israeli and a member of southern Israel's Bedouin community. He was taken alongside two other members of the community. Shamriz was the last hostage to be identified. He was a computer engineering student from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. His parents were descendants of Persian Jews hailing from Iran. Shamriz was part of the Sha'ar HaNegev basketball team and had recently enrolled in college to begin his studies. According to his brother Yonatan, Shamriz was the youngest of three siblings and his family initially thought he was one of the more than 1,200 Israelis killed during the initial attack on Oct. 7. The family experienced a brief period of hope when they were informed by the IDF that Shamriz was taken hostage.

IDF claims it is deeply remorseful over incident

The IDF expressed deep remorse over the incident and initiated an immediate investigation. The deaths occurred in the northern Gaza City area of Shijaiyah during fierce battles against Hamas. Israeli media reports suggest that the hostages escaped Hamas captivity, but during their flight were mistaken for threats and immediately shot dead by IDF soldiers. The bodies of the hostages were subsequently transported to Israel for identification. “This is an area where our soldiers encountered many terrorists, including suicide bombers,” said IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. The Israeli military acknowledged the tragedy, stating, "This is a tragic incident, the IDF bears responsibility," and emphasized that the soldiers encountered many terrorists in the area. The ongoing conflict has seen an escalation of violence, with casualties on both sides and an increasing toll on civilians. The IDF's mission remains focused on locating the missing hostages and ensuring their safe return. The families of captives have endured immense hardship and uncertainty, prompting emotional pleas for their loved ones' release. Watch this clip from The Grayzone with hosts Max Blumenthal and Aaron Mate discussing the new revelations coming out of Israel that an IDF helicopter was responsible for killing several Israelis on Oct. 7. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

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IDF claims it is deeply remorseful over incident

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