Story perspectives

Israeli Soldiers Kill Three Hostages Under Hannibal Directive

5/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Israeli soldiers shot dead three Israeli hostages in Gaza’s Shujaiya neighborhood in December 2023.
Soldiers said they received orders to shoot to kill any man they encountered, while women and children required discretionary judgment.
Mothers of the hostages told a Channel 13 documentary that each soldier they spoke to confirmed the shoot-to-kill directive.
Soldiers dismissed the Hebrew signs as traps, invoking Israel’s Hannibal Directive that allows lethal force against abducted personnel.

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Story summary

Israeli soldiers shot dead three Israeli hostages in Gaza’s Shujaiya neighborhood in December 2023.
Soldiers said they received orders to shoot to kill any man they encountered, while women and children required discretionary judgment.
Mothers of the hostages told a Channel 13 documentary that each soldier they spoke to confirmed the shoot-to-kill directive.
Soldiers dismissed the Hebrew signs as traps, invoking Israel’s Hannibal Directive that allows lethal force against abducted personnel.