The IDF on Wednesday released the findings of the investigation into the murder of six hostages during the summer to their families.
The bodies of hostages Nadav Popplewell, Yagev Buchstab, Yoram Metzger, Haim Perry, Alex Dancyg, and Avraham Munder were recovered in a special military operation in Khan Yunis in August.
The investigation was conducted by the Southern Command, the Hostages and Missing Persons Headquarters, the Intelligence Directorate, and operational commanders from the Israeli Air Force who examined the circumstances of the hostages' deaths and the preceding events.
According to the findings, on February 14th, 2024, a precise strike was carried out by IAF jets on an underground site belonging to Hamas' Khan Yunis Battalion in western Khan Yunis, targeting senior battalion-level commanders.
On August 20th, 2024, the bodies of the six hostages, along with the bodies of six Hamas terrorists, were recovered from an underground tunnel near the site of the strike.
The pathological examination found indications of gunshots on the bodies of the hostages, while no gunshot wounds were found on the bodies of the terrorists. Due to the extended time that had passed, it was not possible to determine with complete certainty the precise cause of death of the hostages or the exact timing of the gunfire.
The IDF noted that "it is highly probable that their deaths were related to the strike near the location where they were held. According to the most plausible scenario, the terrorists shot the hostages close to the time of the strike. However, it is also possible that the hostages were shot by other terrorists post-mortem; it is even possible that the hostages were killed prior to the strike in the area."
IDF stressed that at the time of the strike, it had no information, "not even a suspicion," that the hostages were in the underground compound or its vicinity. "Had such information been available, the strike would not have been carried out," the IDF added.
The investigation revealed that the strike was preceded by the required planning and approval processes following the protocols at the time. Since the IDF had no intelligence or suspicion regarding the presence of hostages at or near the strike location, the operation did not require approval from the Hostages and Missing Persons Headquarters.
Following the tragic incident, the IDF decided that any strike meeting specific criteria must be approved by the Headquarters.
In the months following the strike, intelligence analysis conducted by the Hostages and Missing Persons Headquarters identified the location where the hostages' bodies were being held. The bodies were subsequently recovered by IDF and ISA forces and were brought to Israel for burial.
The Chief of the General Staff was presented with the investigation and emphasized the moral obligation toward the hostages' families and the necessity for operational learning.
The Chief of the General Staff determined that the IDF and ISA had no intelligence regarding the presence of hostages in the area, and that, had such information been available, the strike would not have been carried out.
The Chief of the General Staff emphasized the importance of continuing to operate per the updated strike protocols implemented after this tragic and difficult event.
The Chief of the General Staff said: "In this prolonged war, which began on a very difficult day, the mission of returning the hostages alive accompanies us at every moment. We are making every effort to bring them back. We have made significant achievements, but it is small so long as there are other hostages. The IDF is confident that the combat advances their return, but in the context of combat we have also made mistakes – we are not able to bring these hostages home alive.
"It is important for the families of the hostages and the entire public to know that thousands of soldiers and commanders are working to succeed and avoid mistakes in this critical mission. Every mistake that occurred was due to lack of knowledge, and we are committed to learning from these mistakes."
"The IDF shares in the grief of the families for their profound loss. The IDF continues in its efforts to fulfill the paramount national mission of bringing all of the hostages home," the IDF wrote in a statement.
The August operation to recover the bodies was conducted by soldiers from the Paratroopers Brigade, the Yahalom Unit, and the 75th Battalion together with ISA agents under the command of the 98 Division.
The Hostages Families Forum commented on the findings of the investigation: "After 425 agonizing days, the investigation's findings serve as yet another proof that the lives of hostages face constant, daily danger. Time is of the essence - many of the hostages are still alive and enduring impossible conditions of abuse, starvation, and isolation.
"As President-elect Donald Trump has emphasized - they must be released before he takes office - They will not survive captivity until then. The current and incoming American administration, along with mediating countries, must do everything necessary to achieve a deal for the hostages' return."