Today (Sunday), the IDF presented the results of an investigation into the deaths of Private Nick Beizer, Sergeant Ron Sherman, and Elia Toledano to their families. The investigation, conducted by intelligence officers, operational commanders in the Air Force, and officers from the POW and Missing Persons Unit, concluded with a high probability that the three were killed due to an Israeli airstrike.
The incident occurred on November 10, 2023, during an operation targeting Ahmed Ghandoor, the commander of Hamas’ northern brigade. The investigation suggests that the hostages were held in the tunnel complex where Ghandoor operated. However, at the time of the strike, the IDF had no information indicating their presence in the location. In fact, intelligence had pointed to their location being elsewhere.
The conclusions are based on several factors, including the location where the bodies were found relative to the strike, performance analysis of the attack, intelligence findings, pathological reports, and forensic analysis from the Institute of Forensic Medicine. However, the IDF emphasized that it cannot determine the exact circumstances of their deaths with absolute certainty.
Throughout the war, the IDF avoided striking areas where there were indicators or suspicions of hostages being held. A special mechanism within the Intelligence Directorate’s POW and Missing Persons Unit is dedicated to ensuring that offensive actions do not harm hostages as much as possible.
The bodies of the three hostages were recovered from the tunnel on December 14 following intelligence information, and they were laid to rest in Israel.
The IDF expressed its condolences to the families for their devastating loss and emphasized its continued support. The military reiterated its commitment to the national mission of returning all hostages safely.
