An IDF spokesperson expressed deep regret, stating, "During combat in Shejaiya, the IDF mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as a threat. As a result, the troops fired toward them, and they were killed." Subsequent searches in the area raised suspicions about the victims' identities, prompting the transfer of their bodies to Israeli territory for examination, ultimately confirming them as the missing hostages.

The two identified hostages are Yotam Haim, abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7, and Samer Talalka, kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Am on the same day. The family of the third hostage has been notified, with the IDF respecting their request not to disclose his name.

The IDF statement conveyed sincere condolences to the grieving families, emphasizing the national mission to locate the missing and ensure the safe return of all hostages. It acknowledged the challenging circumstances, noting the ongoing combat in the active zone over the past few days.

"The IDF expresses deep remorse over the tragic incident and sends the families its heartfelt condolences," the statement continued. It highlighted the immediate learning of lessons from the event, with insights shared across all IDF troops in the field, underscoring the commitment to preventing such heartbreaking errors in the future.