Israel has experienced one of its most tragic days since the beginning of the war on October 7. The IDF lost three soldiers in combat. This brings the total of Israeli military deaths to 119.
IDF soldiers discovered three bodies during an operation in Gaza. They turned out to have been hostages taken on October 7. The bodies were returned to Israel, where forensic experts identified them as being two IDF soldiers and one French-Israeli civil.
The returned soldiers were named as Cpl. Nik Beizer, 19, and Sgt. Ron Sherman, 19. The civilian was identified as Elia Toledano, a 28-year-old French-Israeli citizen.
Three other hostages, who were mistaken as enemy fighters, were also killed. The three victims are Yotam Haim, Alon Shamriz, and Samer Telalka who were all kidnapped from Kfar Aza on October 7. Jerusalem Post reports.
A thorough investigation is being conducted to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
IDF stated that after the incident and based on suspicions about the identities of those who died, their bodies were returned to Israel for an examination, where it was confirmed they were indeed among the hostages.
IDF also added that an immediate investigation was opened into the circumstances surrounding the event. The details of what happened are not known to the public yet.
Benny Gantz, the Minister of State for the Interior, offered his condolences on behalf of the grieving families. He wrote in a letter dated Friday that he had been “heartbroken” by the news.
He wrote: “Our troops are conducting the most complex operations this country has ever known,” on X. “The pain of this war is heavier than ever.”
Hamas does not wear an identifying uniform or insignia, so the IDF cannot distinguish between Hamas fighters and hostages in most situations. This one is for the terrorists.
It doesn’t make the tragedy any less tragic. The stories of hostages rescued by the IDF were no less heartbreaking.
Cpl. Beizer and Sgt. Sherman was working for the IDF Gaza District Coordination and Liaison, near the Erez border crossing. He helped facilitate aid to Palestinians.
Katy Beizer, Beizer’s mother, had previously said: “That’s irony.” Everyone at this base takes care of Palestinians and works to ensure that Gazans can live their lives.
Sgt. Sherman’s story was even more tragic. When the attack started, he was on the phone with his mother.
Shalhev Kimchi, his aunt said in a previous video by Bring Them Home. The organization helps tell the stories about those who have gone missing during the Hamas terror attack.
Sherman switched to WhatsApp when his phone call was interrupted by his mother.
His aunt said, “He told his aunt he loved her.” “That’s all, Mom. They’re here. It’s over. I love you.”
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, issued a press release on this “unbearable tragedy.”
Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister, said Friday night: “I mourn with Israel and all its people the loss of my three sons, Yotam Haim, Samar Fuad Al-Talalka, who was kidnapped. This is a tragedy. Tonight, the entire State of Israel grieves. “My heart goes out to the families who are suffering in this terrible time.”
He added, “Even in this difficult night, we will bandage wounds, learn lessons, and continue to make every effort possible to bring our captives home safely.”
Israel has had a very tough day.
