Israel Defense Forces (IDF) revealed new details on Wednesday, Sept. 5, about the conditions and location where six hostages were being held in before being executed over the weekend. The IDF noted that the entrance to the tunnel looked innocent at first.
“As you can see, this tunnel was hidden in a child’s bedroom,” said an unidentified IDF soldier with a face covering. “A place where a child should be safe and not used as a human shield for Hamas.”
Israeli forces said that the room was adorned with Disney characters, and reportedly found the shaft entrance “extensively boob-trapped” and “surrounded by the enemy,” claiming it showed how Hamas is using civilian infrastructure to carry out “terrorist activities.”
Israeli forces believes the hostages were starved, as the bodies were severely underweight when they were discovered. Following the executions of the hostages, which included one American, the IDF vowed to continue its efforts to bring those still captive home.
“Hamas continues to hold 101 hostages, including women, children and the elderly in brutal conditions,” IDF International Spokesperson Nadav Shoshani said. “We will not rest until we fulfill our mission of bringing all of our hostages’ home.”
However, the promise did not ease pressure on the Israeli government. Thousands took to the street in Tel Aviv, Israel, to protest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government. The leading group of hostage family members claimed Netanyahu “abandoned abductees” and called for a cease-fire, so hostages can be released.
Netanyahu responded by listing the cease-fire deals Israel was willing to work with, but Hamas reportedly rejected. He also asserted that it’s Hamas holding up the deal for a cease-fire.
“After this, we’re asked to show seriousness,” Netanyahu said. “We’re asked to make concessions. What message does this send to Hamas? Kill more hostages, murder more hostages, you’ll get more concessions. The pressure internationally must be directed at these killers, at Hamas, not at Israel.”
Hamas has reportedly ordered the execution of remaining hostages if Israeli forces attempt to rescue them.
The United Nations Security Council held a meeting on Wednesday at the request of Israel. The country called for the session following the hostages’ deaths to draw attention to the dire circumstances captives face.
However, the meeting did not just focus on the hostages, U.N. officials also criticized Israel for civilian deaths in Gaza and the ongoing humanitarian crisis among Palestinians, demanding an immediate cease-fire and the release of all hostages.
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