Hamas executed six hostages before IDF rescue
Bodies showed signs of close-range gunshots, found near recent rescue site.
Autopsies of six Hamas hostages, discovered in a tunnel in Rafah on August 31, have revealed shocking details. The Health Ministry confirmed the hostages were killed 48 to 72 hours before their autopsy, indicating they died between Thursday and Friday morning. The Abu Kabir Forensic Institute found that all six hostages were shot multiple times at close range. The IDF reported that Hamas terrorists executed the hostages shortly before troops found their bodies.
The murdered hostages were identified as Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Alex Lobanov, Carmel Gat, and Almog Sarusi. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen Herzi Halevi visited the site to conduct an assessment. He was accompanied by Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman, head of the IDF Southern Command, and Maj. Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon, the hostage point-man.
Channel 12 reported that security officials believe Hamas may have killed the hostages out of fear that a recently rescued hostage might reveal the locations of others. Last week, IDF special forces rescued Farhan al-Qadi, aged 52.
A video released by the Israeli police shows officers clashing with protesters after Israeli military confirmed the death of six hostages in Gaza. #Israel #Hamas #Gaza
Read more: https://t.co/hpQLixvVwQ pic.twitter.com/oLvp4cvd6m
— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) September 2, 2024
IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari stated that the hostages were “brutally murdered” by Hamas terrorists shortly before their bodies were discovered. He explained that the hostages were abducted alive on the morning of October 7. Their bodies were found in a tunnel about a kilometre from where Farhan al-Qadi was rescued a few days earlier. The IDF had a general idea of the hostages’ location but lacked precise details.
After the bodies were found, they were extracted from Gaza overnight and brought to Israel for identification. The news of their deaths led to mass demonstrations across Israel, with protesters urging the government to negotiate the release of the remaining hostages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who were the six Hamas hostages found in Rafah?
Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Alex Lobanov, Carmel Gat, and Almog Sarusi.
When were the hostages killed?
The hostages were killed 48 to 72 hours before their autopsy, between Thursday and Friday morning.
How were the hostages killed?
The hostages were shot multiple times from close range.
Why might Hamas have killed the hostages?
Hamas may have killed the hostages fearing a recently rescued hostage would reveal their location.
What happened after the hostages’ bodies were found?
Their bodies were extracted from Gaza, brought to Israel for identification, and mass demonstrations followed.
