Israel Gaza: Hostages shot by IDF put out 'SOS' sign written with leftover food

Israeli officials have acknowledged that three hostages were mistakenly killed by soldiers in Gaza on Friday. The hostages, Yotam Haim, 28, Samer Talalka, 22, and Alon Shamriz, 26, who were being held by Hamas, had used leftover food to write signs pleading for help. The soldiers breached “rules of engagement” by shooting them, as they were holding a white flag.

The incident occurred during a massive retaliatory operation by Israel against Hamas, which seized the hostages during attacks on October 7. The Israeli government is under pressure for a deal to free more hostages, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists on military pressure for both the hostages’ return and victory. International calls for an immediate ceasefire have intensified, with France’s Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna urging an “immediate and durable truce.”