The Israel Defense Forces released photos revealing desperate pleas for help made by three Israeli hostages in Gaza, who were tragically killed in a mistaken IDF operation. The signs, emblazoned with ‘SOS’ and ‘Help, 3 hostages’ in red which may or may not be human blood, were discovered in Gaza City’s Shejaiya neighborhood.

According to IDF sources, the hostages used fabric and leftover food to craft their messages. The building displaying these signs, found a few hundred meters from the fatal incident, was initially suspected of being a Hamas booby trap, delaying its inspection.

The message says, in Hebrew: “Save Us. 3 Hostages.”

The three hostages, identified as Yotam Haim, Samar Talalka, and Alon Lulu Shamriz, occupied this building after either escaping or being abandoned by Hamas captors.

IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari stated that the military is thoroughly investigating the circumstances, including the possibility of the hostages having been in another building.

The hostages approached IDF soldiers shirtless and waving a white flag on Friday but, apparently on orders of a senior officer, were fatally shot due to a misidentification as a threat, a clear deviation from military regulations.

IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevy visited soldiers in Gaza and made clear that no one shirtless, waving a white flag, and coming out with hands raised should be shot, including Gazans who may or may not be Hamas-affiliated.

This incident has cast a somber shadow over Israel, highlighting the complexities and dangers inherent in such conflict zones, and prompting introspection within the IDF regarding engagement protocols in high-tension situations.