GAZA, Dec 16: Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged mistakenly killing three hostages during clashes in the Shejaiya neighborhood in the Gaza Strip. IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari revealed that the forces perceived the three individuals as a threat and fired upon them. The victims were identified as Yotam Haim and Samer Talalka, while the third person's identity has not been disclosed. Reports from The Times of Israel suggest that the three hostages were attempting to flee their captors when the tragic incident occurred.

The IDF has initiated an investigation into the matter, which unfolded on the same day as Al Jazeera reported the death of one of its Gaza-based cameramen, Samer Abudaqa, in an airstrike that also injured a colleague. The report highlighted challenges faced by rescuers in reaching Abudaqa due to ongoing Israeli bombardment.

These incidents, taking place while US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan was visiting the region, have raised renewed concerns about Israel's military campaign. The campaign was launched in response to an attack by Hamas fighters on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties and the capture of around 240 hostages.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed "deep sorrow" for the hostages' deaths in a statement issued late Friday, pledging to learn from the incident and intensify efforts to safely return all abductees.

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby described the hostages' deaths as "heartbreaking" but urged caution against making broader judgments about the precision of Israel's military campaign. President Joe Biden had earlier called on Israel to exercise greater care in its operations in the Gaza Strip.

The overall toll from Israel's campaign, according to Hamas-run health authorities in Gaza, stands at more than 18,700 Palestinian casualties. President Biden and US officials are engaging with Israel, exploring a shift in strategy to focus on targeting Hamas leaders, designated a terrorist group by both the US and the European Union.

President Biden emphasized the need for Israel to prioritize civilian lives, urging a transition to what the US terms "lower-intensity operations." National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank, expressing condolences for Palestinian lives lost and discussing initiatives to enhance the protection of civilians.

President Biden, earlier this week, characterized Israel's bombing campaign as "indiscriminate," signaling a shift in support from the US and European allies if the situation does not improve.