IDF spokesperson says no changes on ground after hostages mistakenly killed

The spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said there will be no changes on the ground in Gaza after its soldiers mistakenly killed three Israeli hostages last week.

Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus said in an interview on NewsNation’s “NewsNation Now” that while the incident was “one of the most heartbreaking and difficult events” that has taken place since the war broke out, the IDF will not be changing how it interacts with civilians as a result. He said military leadership has spoken with the soldiers who fired on the hostages and no disciplinary action will be taken.

“No, there isn’t, because it became very clear from the beginning that the soldiers who fired, they operated contrary to our rules of engagement, and they shouldn’t have fired,” Conricus said when asked if ground operations have changed. “And as such, what is needed were only clarifications and for commanders to make sure that the soldiers understand.”

The IDF killed three Israeli hostages in Gaza last week after they “mistakenly identified” them as a threat. The hostages were reportedly holding white flags — which Conricus said had confused the soldiers because they likely believed it was Hamas militants attempting to trick them.

Hamas launched its deadly surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, leaving more than 1,200 people dead and taking more than 200 people as hostages. Since then, Israel has vowed to destroy the militant group and secure the freedom of the hostages.

While the IDF acknowledged that the soldiers were mistaken in firing on the hostages, Conricus said that the soldiers will face no disciplinary action over the incident and that they remain on the ground in Gaza. He noted that “additional steps” may be taken but emphasized that the soldiers are in the middle of fighting Hamas.

“But let’s not forget that that same unit and this military is fighting a war. And we are busy with fighting Hamas and overcoming very significant challenges on the battlefield,” he said.

“Yes, they are still on the ground, and they continue fighting, continue fighting against Hamas, and focusing their efforts on getting live hostages back and defeating Hamas,” he added when asked if the soldiers were still on the ground.

Israel has faced international criticism for its attacks on Gaza, with many policymakers and aid groups warning that a humanitarian crisis is unfolding in the region. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry has said that more than 19,400 Palestinians have been killed since the war broke out.

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