In a shocking development, Israeli officials have reported finding bullet wounds in the bodies of six hostages recently recovered from Gaza, leading to the grim conclusion that Hamas likely executed some captives. This discovery contradicts initial assessments that the hostages may have died from toxic gas or a fire in the tunnels where they were held.
The bodies were retrieved earlier this week from a compound in Khan Younis, about 10 meters underground. The recovery operation, carried out by IDF's Division 98, Paratroopers Brigade, Yahalom unit, and Shin Bet forces, involved intense fighting in built-up areas and multi-story buildings.
Channel 12's military analyst Nir Dvori reported that Hamas terrorists guarding the hostages were killed in the bombing that preceded the recovery. The IDF spokesperson confirmed that the rescue team neutralized blockages and blast doors, uncovering weapons, explosives, and living quarters used by the terrorists.
Among the confirmed casualties is Yoram Metzger. His son, Ran Metzger, stated in an interview with 103FM, "Dad was shot, he wasn't hurt in an IDF operation. Dad was murdered. Who murdered my father was Hamas." This statement contradicts earlier reports suggesting the hostages might have died from carbon dioxide released during a fire caused by an IDF attack on a nearby Hamas target.
Kibbutz Nir Oz also announced the death of 79-year-old Avraham Munder. Munder was kidnapped along with his wife Ruti, daughter Keren, and 9-year-old grandson Ohad, who were released in November. Tragically, his son Roy was killed in the initial October 7 attack.
The discovery of bullet wounds has raised difficult questions about the treatment of captives in Gaza and added urgency to ongoing efforts to secure the release of remaining hostages. It also highlights the complex and dangerous nature of hostage recovery operations in the tunnel-laden territory controlled by Hamas.
This grim revelation comes as a shock to many, as it suggests a deliberate execution of captives, possibly motivated by Hamas's fear of an imminent rescue attempt by Israeli forces.