Israeli military says it recovered bodies of 6 hostages in Gaza operation
New York PostAug 29
Report: IDF's Actions Likely Influenced Hamas' Killing of Six Hostages
Above: Released hostages hold posters of their loved ones, who are still held hostage in the Gaza Strip, on Dec. 17, 2024, in Tel Aviv, Israel. Image copyright: Amir Levy/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
An investigation by the Israeli military has found that Israel Defense Forces (IDF) operations in southern Gaza's Tel Sultan area likely influenced Hamas' decision to execute six Israeli hostages in August.
The bodies of the six hostages were discovered in an underground tunnel shaft in Rafah on Aug. 31, one kilometer from where Bedouin hostage Qaid Farhan Alkadi had been rescued days earlier. The discovery prompted widespread protests at the time.
The Spin
Narrative A
Finally, the IDF has admitted it failed in its mission to bring the hostages back home alive. The deaths could have been prevented through earlier negotiations. The continued military pressure is endangering the remaining hostages' lives, and only a diplomatic solution through a hostage deal can ensure the safe return of innocent civilians still in captivity.
Narrative B
The military operated carefully in the area despite low intelligence indicators of hostage presence. The IDF's actions were necessary for dismantling Hamas' infrastructure and mitigating future threats. The IDF was only exerting relentless pressure on Hamas to free the captives; the terrorists bear sole responsibility for murdering the hostages.
Metaculus Prediction
The Controversies
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