IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari says during battles in northern Gaza’s Shejaiya, Israeli troops mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as a threat and opened fire at them, killing them, Paralel.Az reports citing The Times of Israel.

“This is a tragic incident, the IDF bears responsibility,” Hagari says.

“This is an area where the soldiers encountered many terrorists, including suicide bombers,” he adds.

Hagari names the hostages as Yotam Haim, who was abducted by Hamas from Kfar Aza, and Samer Talalka, who was abducted from Nir Am. The third hostage was not named following requests by their family.