Haaretz: Israeli Military Operations in Gaza Led to Deaths of at Least 20 Israeli Hostages
Israeli investigation reveals that IDF attacks since October 7 endangered over 50 hostages, as families accuse the military of neglecting captives' safety in pursuit of war goals.
Watan-An investigation published Friday by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reveals that the war waged by the Israeli army on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, has led to the deaths of at least 20 Israeli hostages. Citing an unnamed military source, the report states: “The army claims it is doing everything possible to protect the hostages held in Gaza, but field data shows that military operations have endangered the lives of 54 hostages and resulted in the deaths of at least 20 of them.”
The source added: “In many cases, targets inside Gaza were attacked without verifying whether Israeli captives were present.”
The report highlights a specific incident in April in which the Israeli army bombed a building situated above a tunnel where hostages Idan Alexander (released in May) and Meitan Zangauker were being held. The airstrike caused a partial collapse that nearly killed them, with both surviving by sheer luck.
Hostage Deaths Rise Amid Israeli Strikes as Netanyahu Rejects Full Ceasefire Deal
According to Israeli estimates, about 58 hostages remain in Gaza, with only around 20 believed to be alive. Meanwhile, Israel continues to detain more than 10,100 Palestinian prisoners, amid documented reports by Palestinian and Israeli rights groups of torture, medical neglect, and starvation that have led to multiple deaths in custody.
Hamas has declared its willingness to release all Israeli captives in exchange for a full ceasefire, complete Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—currently facing an arrest warrant request from the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes—has rejected this proposal. He insists on partial hostage-exchange deals and demands the disarmament of Palestinian factions, while reaffirming his intent to reoccupy the Gaza Strip.
