IDF: Here's what we know about the death of the six hostages

The IDF has completed its investigation into the deaths of the six hostages in August. IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi submitted the findings to the hostages' families today (Tuesday).

According to the investigation, the IDF was seeking to destroy Hamas' Tel Sultan battalion operating in the area of Rafah, and it conducted intense battles with terrorist forces to that end. During these operations, they discovered a tunnel.

Although the odds of the presence of hostages was considered "moderate to low," IDF forces were nevertheless ordered to operate as if hostages were in the area while a designated team prepared to map out the tunnel system found.

Ultimately, the six hostages were found dead and were likely murdered on August 29, 2024, in part due to the presence of IDF soldiers in the area.

However, "the circumstances of the events themselves within the tunnel which led to the murder are unclear and the probability that they will be clarified in the future is low."