Israel-Gaza War, Hostages

IDF: Cause of Death of Three Hostages Previously Suspected Killed by Friendly Fire Still Undetermined

The IDF reported the results of tests done on the bodies of the hostages previously suspected killed by friendly fire: no evidence of death by shooting, with the ultimate cause of death still undetermined.

(Photo: IDF Spokesperson)

The IDF announced that a number of its representatives visited the families of hostage soldiers Sgt. Ron Sherman and Corporal Nick Beiser, who were killed during IDF operations, bringing them up to date on the findings of the IDF’s investigation into the circumstances of their death in Hamas captivity.

According to the pathology report, the bodies of the two were extracted from a Hamas tunnel during IDF operations in Jebaliya on December 14, 2023, along with the body of Ilya Toledano, ob”m. The bodies of Eden Zechariah and Ziv Hadadi ob”m were extracted from the same area on December 12, 2023, after having been murdered on October 7.

The IDF further stated that near the area where the bodies were found, a tunnel containing Hamas’ Northern Gaza Brigade commander was attacked and eliminated. The inquiry showed that during the attack, the IDF did not know about the presence of hostages in the area. Furthermore, the forces found their bodies while sweeping through tunnels and without prior intelligence about their presence there.

The pathology report showed no signed of physical injuries or shooting, such that they were not killed by those means. Due to the state of the bodies, the ultimate cause of death cannot be determined, and the possibility of their death from strangulation, suffocation, poisoning, or indirect results of IDF or Hamas attacks can neither be confirmed nor denied.

Samples were also taken from their bodies for a toxicology report, which may provide further clues as to the cause of the soldiers’ deaths.

The IDF informed the families that they would continue to update them with any new, confirmed findings that arise.


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