Israeli army killed 3 hostages in Gaza

 

Those trying to escape with their injured children after the Israeli airstrike in Rafah, Gaza. Image: Reuters

Gaza - 3 Israeli citizens who were held hostage by Hamas were killed by Israeli forces in Gaza. 14 Palestinians were killed in the bombing of the refugee camp.

 The Israeli army revealed that the 3 hostages were shot on suspicion of being enemies. There was a huge protest in Israel when the information came out that the 3 young men were waving the white flag and the army opened fire.

They were killed on Friday in the town of Shajaiya, where heavy clashes are taking place in northern Gaza. It is concluded that they may have been abandoned by Hamas or escaped from prison.

At least 20 of the hostages are believed to have already been killed, the Israeli military said. Israel estimates that there are currently 130 hostages in Hamas custody. 100 people were released earlier.

 Meanwhile, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Israel's intelligence agency Mossad chief David Barnia met in Oslo, Norway to discuss the ceasefire. Egypt's top officials are also in Oslo.

Clashes continue between the Israeli army and Hamas in half a dozen towns in Gaza. 2 houses in Jabalia refugee camp were destroyed in the bombings that continued last night; 14 people were killed. Hundreds of people were trapped under the rubble. Al Jazeera TV cameraman Sameer Ahudaqa was killed in Khan Younis.

 Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered two warships, including an aircraft carrier, to remain in the Mediterranean for several weeks.