IDF to examine recognizing some civilians and hostages as fallen soldiers in Gaza war

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi has ordered the establishment of  a committee to examine cases of civilians and hostages who could be recognized as having participated in the war.

The military has received requests from a number of families of slain civilians who participated in the fighting during Hamas’s onslaught on October 7, as well as the family of one of three Israeli hostages mistakenly killed by IDF troops in Gaza, Alon Shamriz, asking to have them recognized as fallen soldiers.

The committee will examine “recognizing and honoring civilians and hostages who participated in the fighting or in unique situations,” according to the IDF.

It says the committee, with representatives of the Defense Ministry, will convene when “the operational situation allows it.”