Sun Sep 15 17:17:04 UTC 2024: ## Israeli Military Links Hostage Deaths to Airstrike
**JERUSALEM (AP)** – The Israeli military has concluded that three hostages killed in the Gaza conflict were likely killed in a November airstrike targeting a senior Hamas militant.
The investigation into the deaths of Cpl. Nik Beizer, Sgt. Ron Sherman, and Elia Toledano found that the three were most likely killed in the airstrike that killed Ahmed Ghandour, a Hamas leader. While the bodies were recovered in December, the cause of death was only recently determined.
The investigation, based on where the bodies were recovered, pathological reports, and other intelligence, concluded that there was a “high probability” the hostages were killed in the strike. However, the army acknowledged it could not “definitely determine the circumstances of their deaths.”
This is the first time the Israeli military has linked the deaths of hostages to airstrikes. Previously, the army attributed deaths to either the initial Hamas attack, captivity within Hamas, or actions by the militant group.
The findings are expected to add pressure on the Israeli government to strike a deal with Hamas to bring home the remaining hostages. Critics argue that attempting a rescue would be too difficult and dangerous.
Last month, Israel recovered the bodies of six other hostages who were allegedly killed by Hamas captors shortly before Israeli forces arrived.
The Israeli military continues to face criticism for the deaths of three hostages who had escaped Hamas captivity and were mistakenly killed by Israeli forces in a battle-torn neighborhood of Gaza City.
Currently, an estimated 101 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, with 35 believed to be dead. During a cease-fire in November, 100 hostages were freed in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Additionally, eight hostages have been rescued by Israeli forces.
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