An Israeli investigation says the army’s actions were “influenced” by Hamas in the killing of six hostages

At the end of August, the Israeli military found the bodies in an underground mine in Rafah’s Tal al-Sultan area. The military said they were killed before the soldiers could reach them.

Israel’s chief of staff “concluded that this was a painful and tragic incident that resulted in the brutal killing of six hostages by Hamas,” the investigation said.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement that the investigation has once again proven that the return of all those captured by Hamas during its deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, will only be possible through an agreement.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has faced mounting pressure, with critics saying it has not done enough to secure the release of the hostages.

Israel launched an air and ground attack on the Gaza Strip in response to the attack by Hamas.

Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry said more than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed in the 14-month war between Israel and Hamas. According to the UN, almost 2 million people – 90% of the population – have become internally displaced.

The UN and aid agencies have described the humanitarian situation in the enclave as “apocalyptic” and have repeatedly warned that Gazans are “on the brink of starvation” – accusing Israel of deliberately blocking the delivery of aid – which Israel denies.

According to Israel, 251 Israelis and foreigners were captured in last year’s attack by Hamas.

Of them, 96 are still believed to be held, while the rest have been released, rescued or their remains recovered. Sixty-two are believed to be still alive by Israel. Four more hostages have been held since 2014 and 2015.

Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas are ongoing to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and secure the release of the remaining hostages.

Mr Netanyahu recently said there had been “certain progress” but could not say when the talks would conclude. Palestinian officials have told the BBC they are very close to an agreement, but so far no progress has been made.