IDF probe reportedly reveals soldiers who shot dead hostages weren’t briefed on Hebrew sign spotted ahead of time

The Kan public broadcaster reveals new details about the probe into the IDF’s mistaken killing of three hostages last Friday.

According to the report, the IDF battalion that was on duty during the incident was not briefed by the unit it was replacing about the latter group’s spotting of a Hebrew sign that read “Help – three hostages” on one of the buildings at the scene.

Moreover, the probe reportedly determined that the IDF sharpshooter who shot dead the first two hostages Alon Shamriz and Samar Talalka did not recognize the white cloth they were carrying. In the briefing he received upon starting his shift, the sniper was told that the entire area was a combat zone and he was allowed to open fire at anyone suspicious.

The probe also found that the killing of the third hostage, Yotam Haim, was particularly egregious, since he managed to flee back into a nearby building after being shot with Shamriz and Talalka.

The battalion commander then shouted at the soldiers to hold their fire but one of them proceeded to shoot and kill Haim after he reappeared from the building a second time.